1999 GM Buick Regal - Rusted brake Lines - fewer than 31,000 miles

# 24 for September 26, 2003

Complaints.com received the following on September 25, 2003:

From:

RE: 1999 GM Buick Regal - Rusted brake Lines - fewer than 31,000 miles

I wonder what Buick’s resurrected Harley Earl would think if he knew the brake lines on his Buick’s were rusting prematurely. I wonder what he would say about GM/Buick not even wanting to hear about it? My story – my wife’s 99 Buick Regal, with less than 31,000 miles, bought new 12/99, suddenly started to lose brake fluid during the first week of September. We could see no obvious leaks when we looked under the car but were disturbed by a very rusted rear brake line. Nevertheless, each time we test drove the car, a small amount of brake disappeared from the master cylinder reservoir. Realizing we had a major problem and the car was out of warranty since last December, I called GM Special Policy Adjustment Program on 9/3 and spoke with LS. They said normally for Special Adjustment consideration the car would have to be returned to the servicing dealer (Sun Auto – Buick/GMC, Moosic Pa. 21 miles from my house). But as this was a safety issue, it would be safer to take it to the closer Sun Auto dealer (Chevrolet – Clarks Summit) less than 6 miles away. LS recommended diagnosis only so repair requirements/costs could be determined for any possible Special Adjustment. Local Sun dealer called 9/4, above explained but when “diagnose only” requested I was politely told don’t come here because I didn’t buy the car there and they didn’t want to get involved in any “cross warranty” issues (despite the fact that I was willing to pay for their time). They suggested I have the car towed to Sun-Moosic, an option/expense I wanted to avoid being retired and on a fixed income. Instead, I took our Buick to a trusted local repair center. Within 10 minutes it was on a lift where we observed a rusted and leaking metal brake line near a junction block behind/under the rear of engine. Also observed was a severely rusted (but not leaking) brake line that connects to the left rear wheel and severely pitted, corroded and rusted rear brake rotors. The private garage replaced the rusted & leaking brake lines, rear rotors & brake pads for a total cost of $412.31. All replaced parts were given to me at my request. On 9/6 I fully documented what had transpired and submitted it to Buick’s online Customer Relations, and was assigned request # 1-137192830. I was told via Email that LS (whom I talked to previously) from Buick’s GM Special Policy Adjustment Program would follow up. On 9/11 I spoke with LS (at GM Special Policy Adjustment Program), explained what has transpired and I’m told only the Service Manager at the servicing dealer can approve any reimbursement outside of the warranty. LS would notify him of my claim. On 9/12 I called the Service Manager (who seemed very concerned due to the car’s low mileage) but he couldn’t do anything without the Area Service Manager’s approval. A few days later I received a voice mail saying the Area Service Manager wouldn’t get involved or approve of any reimbursement. Now here comes the incredible part. On 9/15 I called the Service Manager and said - OK, I take a $412 loss but I ask – don’t you guys want to examine these prematurely rusted brake lines and rotors to see if there is any potential safety issue that may cause an unexpected and sudden brake failure and they said NO! I then call Buick Customer Relations and they don’t want to talk to me (said I had an extensive file?) - I should talk to LS at the GM Special Policy Adjustment Program again. I call LS, nothing they can do, because they cannot override an Area Manager’s authority. I filed a report with NHTSA and opened a complaint on the BBB Auto Line. On 9/17 I receive a voice mail from MS in the Buick Business Resource Center saying my BBB complaint is not eligible for arbitration because of the “car’s age” (I guess they mean out of warranty). Buick does not return my subsequent calls. I confirmed with the BBB (9/25) that I have no recourse with them because the car is out of warranty. How convenient. A couple of observations: The body of the car is guaranteed against rust through for 6 years. You would think the metal brake lines would last as long, in fact you would think such a critical safety component was made of stainless steel or similar material to last the life of the car.

The rear rotors on my 2000 GMC truck also rusted but that was discovered while under warranty and the dealer (Sun Auto) replaced them without question.

We are not casual GM customers, I have owned many fine and dependable GM vehicles during the past 40 years and we continue to be a GM family. Recent family purchases include 4 new GM vehicles since 1998 and a used 1999 Buick LaSabre Limited. I surely don’t feel like I was treated as a loyal customer.

So GM fans, I would start checking the fluid in your master cylinder very frequently and have a qualified technician the check brakes lines periodically for rust and corrosion. Once the rust starts, it’s only a matter of time until you start to lose fluid or worse yet, have a sudden/unexpected brake failure. I believe GM/Buick needs to explain why critical braking components deteriorate so rapidly. But no one is listening in Buick; they won’t even examine the parts. I hope the ghost of Harley Earl is listening. Joseph Palumbo Clarks Summit, Pa.

Comment On This

I have a 2003 GMC 2500 HD Diesel with only 55,000 miles, and experienced the same problem. Catastrophic break failure due to all the break lines rusting out! Had it towed to the nearest GMC dealer in Lakeland FL and they said it would cost $495 plus parts and tax. Not happy!

Comment On This

I own 1 1999 Chevy Silverado one by one ALL the brake lines have failed! First to go were the ones on the frame below the fire wall then the rear lines and now the line abobe the fuel tank. Truck has 80000 now. What a dissappointment and dangerous! Lines should have been corrosion resistant or stainless. You pay $600 for Anti Skid what good is that if the lines rust through?