Which Year's Buick Vehicles Are Required to Recall and Replace Brake Hoses?
3 Answers
SAIC-GM's official website has announced a recall for brake hose replacement on all Buick Envision vehicles manufactured between July 28, 2014, and February 11, 2018. Below is a detailed introduction about the function of brake hoses: Transmission of Brake Fluid: Brake hoses transmit brake fluid and transfer braking force, hence they are referred to as the transmission device of the braking system. Composition: Brake hoses are mainly divided into brake hard lines and brake soft lines. Hard lines are generally made of materials such as double-layer welded pipes and seamless steel pipes, while soft lines primarily consist of braided layer rubber hoses. Both types of hoses must adhere to strict national standards.
I've been repairing cars for over a decade and remember the Buick brake hose recall very clearly. The issue was most concentrated in Envision models produced between 2014 and 2016. The manufacturer issued a notice stating that the brake hose connectors in these vehicles didn't meet corrosion resistance standards. Especially in northern regions using de-icing salts, cracks and brake fluid leaks could occur within three to four years. Last year, I saw a 2015 model where the brake pedal suddenly went soft - it nearly caused an accident. I recommend owners check their VIN - if the fourth character is a letter between D and G, it's a 2013-2016 model. This is no minor issue - brake failure can be deadly. Take advantage of the free replacement at dealerships while it's still available and schedule an appointment immediately.
My Envision was manufactured in 2015, and I was startled when I received the recall text message last year. The official document stated that batches produced between March 2014 and August 2016 were at risk, as the brake hose connectors might corrode and crack. I specifically asked the 4S technicians, and they said there was an issue with the rubber formula used in these vehicles, with oil leakage cases reported in humid southern regions. Now, replacing the hose takes just half an hour, but if you delay until problems arise, replacing the brake master cylinder could cost several thousand. I recommend owners of the same model to call Buick's 400 hotline and confirm with the VIN number; the production date is also noted in the maintenance manual.