The problem
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. A fatigue fracture of the rear axle right-hand brake pipe can occur causing a slow brake fluid leak resulting in a soft brake pedal. If the brake pipe breaks, the driver would experience a sudden drop in the brake pedal, the instrument panel brake light would illuminate, and there would be a loss of rear brake performance.
The risk
Partial loss of braking at a time when minimum stopping distance was required could result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pipe.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 97V-218 (97V218000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings |
| Report date | November 24, 1997 |
| Owners notified | December 15, 1997 |
| Vehicles affected | 19,716 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the brakes
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 97V-218 repair free?
Yes. Chevrolet dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pipe.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 19,716 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.