So much for the "New GM".... After a complete touchscreen, entertainment system replacement, transmission failing to "downshift", complete brake system failure that almost got me killed, another transmission issue (failing to shift out of park) and yet another entertainment system issue (all of which were reportedly caused by using my iPod) GM closed my file by saying that the dealer hasn't done enough work to make the $$ amount high enough for them to get me a new Impala. Now I actually have to get my attorney involved and GM will never see another dollar out of me or my close friends and family....other than the payments I'll make to GMAC while I take this thru litigation


it's a shame that with what they are going through on the ignition switch issue, that the safety of me and my children are tied to the dollar amount of the repairs at the dealership

 

When you state that there were No Brakes, did the brake pedal go to the floor ? This is a Hydraulic System, it has two separate systems, one for the front and one for the rear, if there is a failure on one system, you will still have either fronts or rears. To have no brakes at all is almost impossible these days. This system was introduced in 1967 and has been around a very long time. A bad brake booster would cause the pedal to get hard, but you would still have brakes. If the Anti-Lock System failed, it would not cause vehicle not to stop just the anti-lock would not work. I can't think of any electrical issues that would cause the brakes not to work, they are hydraulic and don't even use electricity to perform their basic function.

As for it not moving in reverse, is it possible that the electric parking brake was engaged ? The vehicle engages the parking brake on it's own every so often as a diagnostic to make sure it is functioning properly.

 

Good point.

And also to mention, 2 presses on the accelerator will turn off the parking brake, freeing the car.

 

when I say the brakes didn't work I mean that I took my foot off of the gas and stepped on the brakes. The car acted like my foot was still on the gas (car did not slow down, transmission didn't downshift, I was STANDING on the brake pedal and the car eventually (500 yards? later) stopped. As far as not moving when I put it in reverse, I have no idea if the electric parking was on...I have never used that feature, so if it randomly turns itself on and won't disengage when the car is trying to be operated...that's a problem. The car had that problem for at least 2 hours because I tried it periodically for that long. God forbid that I take my kids to Detroit Lions games, which I do about 8 times per year, and I come out on a Sunday night and the car won't move. I live 200 miles from Ford Field so that's not exactly ideal.




I'm taking it back to the dealer next week and trading it in, I just don't feel safe driving it. I understand GM's stance even tho I don't agree with it. And it's hard to replicate the issue without actually driving the car...they drove it 1 mile. I sent all the paperwork to my attorney but he didn't think he could win the lemon law case as the dealer didn't mention anything about the brakes in the service records.
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Well, you should set the electric parking brake and become familiar with its operation if that is the problem to get it to go in reverse. 2 taps on the gas will also release it.

Sorry to hear your giving her up, but I completely understand. Thanks for documenting it as best as you could here... if my console goes out, I know I'm checking for functioning brakes ASAP!

 

Here is a volt that had no brakes:

749 miles brakes failed while in drive, no stopping power. [Archive] - GM-Volt: Chevy Volt Forum

 

yup, I'm sad to see her go but I've got to do it for the kids and I. Driving the trusty 'ol Ford for now. 200k and running like a champ

 

This might be noteworthy or something to pay attention to in the future... in case we are affected.

25,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango SUVs recalled over brake feel - Autoblog

According to a statement, Chrysler was informed of the issue by a component supplier for the Ready Alert Braking system, which primes the brakes in anticipation of an emergency stop. A component in the system was restricting the flow of brake fluid too much.

 

Brakes seized 2x on rental and was in accident:

CHEVROLET Problems - 2014 CHEVROLET IMPALA Problems & Complaints - ODI #10574799

 

so I'm having random screen and analog instrument cluster (but not the environmental controls or DIC) random dimming then getting brighter issues now. This is how it started last time before my screen eventually died---unfortunately the brakes went when the screen went last time