General Motors trucks recalled for a software error

Laguna Hills, CA – Dec. 20, 2019 – General Motors LLC is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Cadillac CT6, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) may have a software error that could disable the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Antilock Brake System (ABS).

The potential number of vehicles affected is estimated at 463,995.

The Defect

The affected vehicles have a software defect in the EBCM that will disable the ESC and ABS for a single ignition cycle. In situations where the ABS and ESC are disabled, the vehicle diagnostic’s telltale lamps won’t light up, leaving the driver unaware of the problem. Driving without knowledge of a defective ABS or ESC may increase the risk of a crash. In addition, the lack of warning of a defect puts the vehicles out of compliance with S5.3 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 126 and S5.1 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 135.

According to General Motors, an estimated one percent of the total vehicles for each model are affected.

Timeline of Events

On November 15, 2019, General Motors’ EBCM supplier, ZF TRW, informed the company that they had found a software error while investigating a related product. On December 5, 2019, General Motors’ Safety and Field Decision Authority decided to call for a noncompliance recall.

The Solution

General Motors will provide dealers with a list of affected vehicles through GM GlobalConnect Recall Reports. General Motors dealers are expected to reflash all affected EBCMs, updating the software and correcting the problem. Moving forward, the software error has been corrected for the 2020 model year.

Because all affected vehicles are the current model and under warranty, General Motors will not have to provide reimbursements. Owners can check to see if their vehicle is being recalled by searching their VIN number at www.vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/. In some cases, courtesy transportation may be provided to affected drivers. Dealers will be notified of the recall December 12, 2019. GM will begin notifying individual owners January 27, 2020.

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesGeneral Motors trucks recalled for a software error

Cadillac Luxury Sedan Recalled Over Sensor Issue

Laguna Hills, CA – November 5, 2019 – General Motors recently notified dealers that it would have to recall a small population of its Cadillac CT6 luxury sedans due to a problem with their tire pressure sensors.

In all, just 81 CT6 sedans from the 2020 model year will be recalled – 100% of which were identified as having this issue. The company noted that similar vehicles that did not have the accessory wheels installed at their dealers are not included in this recall.

The defect

Specifically, these vehicles – all produced between August 1 and September 9, 2019 – came equipped with specific accessory wheels that had been installed by dealers, but which do no meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard rules related to tire pressure monitoring systems.

This is because their sensors do not use the proper wireless radio frequency to communicate with the vehicle’s computer, and as a consequence, the system may not be able to properly alert drivers – via a warning light on the dashboard – that tire pressure has dropped to potentially dangerous low levels.

The problem at the heart of the issue is that incorrect part numbers for the tire pressure sensors were put into GM’s ordering system.

Ideally, the automatic system would turn on the warning light after 18 minutes of driving at least 28 miles per hour on tires with low pressure, but because of the mismatched radio frequency, this would not occur.

As a result, drivers may not know of the risks they face unless they manually check their tire pressure before or after a trip. Low pressure can have a detrimental effect on vehicle handling or lead to tire failure, both of which would increase the risk of an accident.

Timeline of events

In September, General Motors received a report about the issue through its Speak Up for Safety program that the wrong tire pressure sensors had been installed on the affected CT6 sedans with specific accessory wheels.

On September 24, the company opened an investigation into the issue, consulting with subject-matter experts and the company’s regulatory engineers.

The GM Open Investigation Review board looked at the findings of this examination on Oct. 7 and recommended that the company issue a recall.

Two days later, the GM Safety Field Action Decision Authority followed through on that recommendation.

The solution

Upon receiving their recall notices, owners should take their affected CT6 sedans to a certified GM dealer, where all four tire pressure sensors will be replaced with proper parts that use the right wireless frequency to communicate with the vehicle.

Given that these are all 2020 model year vehicles, the repairs are covered by warranty and no reimbursement will be offered.

The investigation also found that the incorrect part number that led to the wrong sensors being installed was corrected within GM’s ordering system on September 11. This means that all accessory kits shipped to dealers after that date had the correct sensors.

Dealers were notified of the recall on October 15, and owner notification dates are yet to be decided.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesCadillac Luxury Sedan Recalled Over Sensor Issue

General Motors Recalls Various Vehicles Due to Vacuum Pump

December 2, 2021 Update – GM has remedied 2,588,566 vehicles with the issue of vacuum pump issues in the 2018 GMC Yukon among others.  GM has deemed 21,474 vehicles including the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado unreachable with an additional 207 vehicles being removed from the vacuum pump recall.

Laguna Hills, CA – September 17, 2019 – The possibility that vacuum pumps in various General Motors vehicles may vary in performance has caused the company to conduct a recall of General Motors vehicles due to vacuum pump issues.

According to the “Frequently Asked Questions” document provided by the manufacturer, General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in the following vehicles:

  • 2014 – 2018 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2014 – 2018 Chevrolet Silverado
  • 2014 – 2018 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2014 – 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2014 – 2018 GMC Sierra
  • 2014 – 2018 GMC Yukon

The defect

Within the GM vehicles that contain the mechanical vacuum pump defect, the engine-mounted output may decrease over time, diminishing the power brake assist and therefore increasing the distance required to stop the vehicle.

Ultimately, this leads to a greater chance of an accident and adds to other risks that Chevrolet vehicles have presented during collision events.

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of vehicles that potentially contain the defect is greater than 3,450,000, with GM estimating that 2 percent of the autos in that total are almost certainly affected by this issue.

The following vehicles make up the group possibly saddled with the vacuum pump problem:

  • Cadillac Escalade 2015 – 2017
  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2014 – 2018
  • Chevrolet Suburban 2015 – 2018
  • Chevrolet Tahoe 2015 – 2018
  • GMC Sierra 1500 2014 – 2018
  • GMC Yukon 2015 – 2018

There are certain symptoms that drivers may experience if their car is among those affected by the vacuum pump defect. For instance, they may feel a vibration in the brake pedal or experience a change in the amount of pressure required to depress the brake.

Other possible signs of the problem include a ticking noise coming from within the engine compartment and unintentional activation of the secondary hydraulic brake assist system, according to GM.

Finally, the manufacturer noted that if the vacuum level drops to a level below 10 kPA, a “Service Brake Assist” message will appear in the Driver Information Center within five minutes.

GM has determined that while the defect may potentially increase the possibility of collision, all of these vehicles are otherwise safe to drive before undergoing repair of the vacuum pump.

Timeline of events

According to a chronology provided by GM, the NHTSA opened a preliminary investigation into the subject in November 2018, at which point the manufacturer also began an internal investigation of the same issue.

In December, after reviewing the results of both investigations, GM’s Safety & Field Action Decision Authority decided to extend the warranty on vacuum pumps for all the vehicles listed above.

Then, in July 2019, GM received results of the additional investigation into the subject by the NHTSA, which prompted yet another internal inquiry on the part of the manufacturer.

This final study concluded on August 29, 2019, when GM decided to conduct an official recall on the automobiles to provide them with new software calibration.

Dealers were notified of the recall in early September 2019, with GM planning to send direct notifications to affected drivers in the near future.

The solution

Vehicles that contain the defect can be brought to a local dealership, where the dealer will reprogram the electronic brake control module with a new calibration that corrects the problem, should the vacuum assist become depleted.

As with the potentially dangerous Takata airbag issue reported in early 2021, drivers with a vehicle involved in the recall will be notified by mail. There will be no cost to vehicle owners for repair or repair. Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.

Sean ReyesGeneral Motors Recalls Various Vehicles Due to Vacuum Pump

GM Recalls 2016 – 2018 Cadillac CTS and ATS, Chevy Camaro and Corvette for Power Steering Issue

Laguna Hills, CA – March 28, 2019 – General Motors is recalling certain 2016 – 2018 Cadillac CTS and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles because the power steering assist system may fail, increasing the risk of a crash. As many as 26,772 vehicles may be affected.

The defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on this problem, the affected vehicles may experience a loss of electric power steering assist while driving. This would demand more effort in steering, especially at lower speeds, with a potentially greater risk of a crash.

Timeline of events

GM launched an investigation September 18, 2018 into loss of power steering assist in the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro.

Between September 19 and late October, GM’s safety investigator, with help from engineering experts, analyzed vehicle owner questionnaires, customer complaints, legal claims, and warranty data to assess the number of cases in the field and to identify common root causes.

An intermittent electrical loss within the torque-sensor printed circuit board was found in about 80 percent of the cases reviewed. The same issue was found in two Corvette steering gear assemblies. GM then expanded its investigation, discovering that the Cadillac CTS and ATS were also at risk.

Between November and mid-December, field analysis revealed spikes in warranty rates between June and September 2016, and a three-day window in February 2017.

Between mid-December and late January 2019, GM worked with its supplier to identify the problematic circuit boards and VIN numbers of affected vehicles.

Following an open investigation review, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority decided  January 31 to conduct a safety recall.

The solution

The recall will begin March 2019. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. GM’s number for this recall is N182182760.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesGM Recalls 2016 – 2018 Cadillac CTS and ATS, Chevy Camaro and Corvette for Power Steering Issue

General Motors LLC Recalls 2019 Cadillac CT6 Vehicles for Turn Signal Defect

Laguna Hills, CA – March 25, 2019 – General Motors LLC is recalling certain 2019 Cadillac CT6 vehicles because rotating the steering wheel does not prevent the turn signals from flashing.

If the turn signals do not automatically stop, the driver may neglect to turn them off manually, misleading other drivers and pedestrians, which could increase the risk of a crash. Up to five vehicles may be affected by this issue.

The defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Report on this issue, rotation of the steering wheel will not automatically cancel the turn-signals from flashing after a turn is made.

Although this action can still be done manually, the driver may fail to respond when turn signals do not deactivate automatically, leaving the signals flashing for some time afterwards.

When this happens, a false turn signal may misinform pedestrians and other drivers, which could potentially lead to an accident or crash.

Timeline of events

General Motors issued its initial report on this problem on February 21, 2019. GM decided that certain 2019 Cadillac CT6 vehicles failed to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, “Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.”

The automaker then announced a recall beginning March 11.

The solution

Cadillac dealers will replace the turn signal switch at no charge. Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall at no cost to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle or ownership, from this time forward.

In addition, all affected vehicles currently in the dealer’s possession that have not yet been sold are also subject to the recall.

The vehicles must be inspected and repaired before they are delivered to customers, dealer-traded, released to auction, used for demonstration or any other purpose.

Courtesy transportation is available for U.S. customers whose vehicles are involved in this recall and within the coverage period for the warranty associated with this action.

The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V117.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesGeneral Motors LLC Recalls 2019 Cadillac CT6 Vehicles for Turn Signal Defect

GM Recalls Over One Million 2015 Vehicles Due to Faulty Steering Assist

Lilburn, Georgia – September 22, 2018 – General Motors has discovered a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety in the following vehicles:

  • 2015 Chevrolet Silverado LD
  • 2015 Suburban and Tahoe vehicles
  • 2015 GMC Sierra LD and Yukon vehicles
  • 2015 Cadillac Escalade

GM has issued a recall for over one million vehicles.

The defect

According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, the affected vehicles may experience a temporary loss of EPS assist, followed by a sudden return of EPS assist.

This is most likely to happen during low-speed turning maneuvers. The loss and sudden return of EPS assist typically occurs within a 1 second period. The steering malfunction is caused by an electrical/software issue.

The danger lies in the fact that if EPS assist is lost and suddenly returned, the driver could have difficulty steering the vehicle. The likelihood of a crash is increased, especially at low speeds.

Low speed turns can cause temporary low voltage conditions, and if system voltage drops below 8.8 volts for more than 1 second, EPS assist is disabled. When voltage returns to 9 volts for a minimum of 40 milliseconds, EPS assist returns.

If power steering assist is lost a driver information center message may alert the driver to an EPS problem, and other electrical sub-systems may shut down just prior to or at the same time as the EPS event.

This can cause disruption to operation of the radio, stabilitrack, the DIC, chimes, door-lock cycling, air conditioning, or cruise control.

Timeline of events

In late June 2018, an increase in field reports and customer complaints about EPS issues led GM to open a safety investigation into loss of EPS in the subject vehicles. 

GM’s safety investigator and engineering-analysis experts determined the loss-of-EPS issues was caused by the same electrical issue discovered in trucks that GM recalled in 2017. GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority subsequently chose to conduct a safety recall.

The solution

According to an NHTSA FAQ published for the recall, customers who own a vehicle involved in the field action will be notified by mail by General Motors, but the exact date the recall will begin is not yet set and the manufacture has not published a notification schedule.

Dealers will perform a reflash of the EPS module software. The inspection/repair will be done at no cost to the customer, and is available at Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC dealers. Customers are strongly urged to repair their vehicle as soon as possible.

Courtesy transportation is available for customers whose vehicles are involved in the recall, and whose vehicles are still within the warranty coverage period for the warranty which is associated with the recall.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesGM Recalls Over One Million 2015 Vehicles Due to Faulty Steering Assist

GM Recalls Vehicles with Defective Child Restraint Features

Warren, Mich. – July 26, 2018 – General Motors has recalled more than 22,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective child restraint components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The campaign affects 2016 – 2018 Cadillac CT6 luxury sedans produced between September 4, 2015, and September 21, 2017. The American automaker suspects 90 percent of the models involved in the action contain the defective parts.

The defect

Affected vehicles feature inboard child restraint anchorage bars containing excess adhesive. As a result, the diameter of these components may surpass factory standards and interfere with the installation of child seats.

This defect poses a serious safety hazard to young passengers. However, GM has yet to receive field reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

In addition to creating a safety risk for passengers, the defect violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 225, which states that all vehicles sold in the U.S. must have child restraint anchorages that are “accessible without the need for any tools other than a screwdriver or coin {and}, once accessed, be ready for use without the need for any tools.”

Timeline of events

On February 15, 2018, a GM quality assurance employee inspecting a recently assembled 2018 Cadillac CT6 discovered what appeared to be excess body adhesive on one of the vehicle’s inboard child restrain anchorage bars.

Nine days later, another worker discovered additional vehicles with the same issue, prompting him to file an official report through the automaker’s internal Speak Up For Safety program.

GM investigated the claim and found no field reports detailing incidents related to the issue. Despite these findings, the car company decided to widen the scope of the inquiry to include 2016 and 2017 Cadillac CT6 sedans on April 10, 2018.

The investigation would also assess whether the flaw violated FMVSS 225.

Over the course of the expanded investigation, GM failed to find field reports mentioning 2016 – 2018 Cadillac CT6 sedans with defective child restraint anchorage bars. However, the car manufacturer chose to continue the inquiry.

Throughout May and June 2018, GM engineers inspected dealership- and employee-owned Cadillac CT6 sedans.

The company also conducted tests to determine if the adhesive-covered bars inhibited child safety seat installation and measured these fixtures to determine if their diameters changed due to the defect.

This investigation revealed several key pieces of information. First off, all of the vehicles that exhibited the defect seemed to originate from the GM assembly plant located in Detroit, which has amended its body adhesive application process in September 2017.

This production line change ultimately caused the defect. GM engineers also managed to confirm the excess body adhesive did alter the diameter of the inboard child restraint anchorage bars, making them incompatible with most car seat models.

Lastly, the investigation showed that the bars did violate FMVSS 225.

On June 21, 2018, the members of the GM Safety and Field Action Decision Authority convened and reviewed the issue. After evaluating the data from both inquiries, the group chose to initiate a voluntary safety recall.

GM notified dealers of the forthcoming action June 28, 2018.

The solution

The automaker has directed dealers to inspect the inboard child restraint anchorage bars installed in recalled vehicles, remove any excess body adhesive and apply anti-corrosion coating, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document.

Technicians will perform this work free of charge. GM has yet to release a timetable for owner notification.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesGM Recalls Vehicles with Defective Child Restraint Features

GM Recalls Vehicles with Defective Fuel System Parts

Warren, Mich. – June 27, 2018 – General Motors has recalled almost 850 vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuel system components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The campaign affects vehicles across multiple brands, including:

  • 2018 Buick LaCrosse sedans produced March 27, 2018, and April 20, 2018.
  • 2018 Cadillac ATS sedans produced March 20, 2018.
  • 2018 Chevrolet Equinox sport utility vehicles produced between March 26, 2018, and April 20, 2018.
  • 2018 Chevrolet Colorado pickup trucks produced March 22, 2018, and April 27, 2018.
  • 2018 Chevrolet Malibu sedans produced between April 19, 2018, and April 27, 2018.
  • 2018 GMC Arcadia sport utility vehicles produced between April 5, 2018, and April 23, 2018.
  • 2018 GMC Canyon pickup trucks produced between March 23, 2018, and April 24, 2018.

GM suspects all the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective components.

The defect

Affected vehicles contain high-pressure fuel pump’s whose housings are not properly welded nearby flanges. These faulty welds could crack over time, resulting in fuel pump flange separation.

Should this occur, the pump may oscillate within the engine compartment, leading to fuel leakage and, in some cases, fire. This defect therefore poses a serious risk to owners.

However, GM has yet to receive field reports connecting the problematic parts to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of events

On April 25, 2018, Robert Bosch LLC, the vendor that supplied the fuel pumps installed in the recalled vehicles, contacted GM to disclose the potential existence of problematic housing and flange welds.

The American automaker opened an official investigation into the issue May 5, 2018. While this inquiry uncovered zero occurrences of fuel leakage, GM determined, via Bosch engineering analysis, that the faulty fuel pump welds could fracture and lay the groundwork for this dangerous outcome.

Members of the GM Safety Field Action Decision Authority conducted a final review May 24, 2018, and determined that a voluntary safety recall was necessary.

GM notified dealers of the impending action May 31, 2018.

The solution

The car manufacturer has yet to develop a workable solution, according to an FAQ document. There is therefore no timetable for owner notification. However, GM is working with Bosch to create a cost-free fix.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesGM Recalls Vehicles with Defective Fuel System Parts

GM Recalls Vehicles with Faulty Seat Belts

Warren, Mich. – July 10, 2017 – General Motors has recalled more than 40,000 vehicles possibly equipped with dysfunctional software, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The campaign affects over one dozen models across multiple brands, including:

  • 2014 – 2017 Buick Encore sport utility vehicles
  • 2014 – 2016 Buck Lacrosse sedans
  • 2015 – 2016 Cadillac Escalade sport utility vehicles
  • 2015 – 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV sport utility vehicles
  • 2014 – 2016 Chevrolet Caprice Police Pursuit sedans
  • 2014 – 2017 Chevrolet Corvette sports cars
  • 2014 – 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickups
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 pickups
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 pickups
  • 2014 – 2016 Chevrolet Spark compacts
  • 2014 – 2016 Chevrolet SS sports sedans
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet Suburban sport utility vehicle
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe sport utility vehicle
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet Trax sport utility vehicle
  • 2014 – 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 pickups
  • 2015 – 2017 GMC Sierra 2500 pickups
  • 2015 – 2017 GMC Sierra 3500 pickups
  • 2015 – 2016 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL sport utility vehicles

GM suspects 75 percent of the vehicles named in the recall contain the outdated software.

The defect

Affected vehicles contain sensing and diagnostic module software that may not properly deploy front air bags and seat belt pre-tensioning features in the event of an accident.

This poses serious safety risks to drivers and passengers, as they may be left unprotected during collisions. However, the car company has not reports connecting the defective software to accidents or injuries as yet.

Timeline of events

In September of last year, GM recalled more than 3 million vehicles believed to contain problematic SDM software, according to the NHTSA. Approximately 100 percent of the cars involved in the campaign contained the defect.

GM ordered dealers to update the software in all recalled vehicles free of charge, a process that began that very month. Roughly 2.9 million were eventually serviced.

In April 2017, GM personnel conducted an internal audit, reviewing recall and repair records for recent campaigns.

Auditors discovered three instances in which dealers had failed to update the SDM software on vehicles involved in the September 2016 yet reported that the repairs had been successfully executed.

These findings prompted the auditors to evaluate additional repair records and OnStar diagnostic data for approximately 30,000 vehicles named in the aforementioned campaign.

This data indicated that many more models connected to the campaign, an estimated 41,000, might have never received the SDM software update. On May 18, the auditors filed an internal report via the GM Speak Up program.

The GM Safety Field Action Decision Authority chose to conduct an official safety recall June 30. Dealers received notification July 10.

The solution

GM has once again ordered dealers to update the SDM software in affected models. The automaker has pledged to reimburse owners for the repair, according to documents submitted to the NHTSA.

However, GM has not publicized an official notification date for owners.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

adminGM Recalls Vehicles with Faulty Seat Belts

GM Issues Cadillac Recall For Defroster Risk

Detroit, MI — September 22, 2015 — A new recall action centers around more than 120,000 Cadillacs at risk of fire damage.

According to the Associated Press, there have been no reports of injuries connected to this issue, but four documented instances of a fire starting in these vehicles after a window defroster overheated.

The defect

In total, the recall concerns approximately 97,000 Cadillac ATS vehicles in the United States and 24,000 elsewhere. Fewer than 1 percent of the vehicle population are considered vulnerable,  and the defect has been localized in the “driver’s side rear pillar,” as the source describes.

Timeline of events

Although the models span three years, the manufacturer said that vehicles produced before September 2 are the only ones at risk.

The article describes the source of the possible fires, which could occur after defroster units for the rear windows are used too much. Fortunately, the fix is described as being simple and will not interfere with standard operation once implemented.

The solution

“Dealers will update climate control software to remove a function that automatically turns the defroster on,” the article states. “Drivers will still be able to turn on the defroster manually.”

Automotive News provides additional context for this action, stating that ATS sales have dropped as of last month, down 13 percent when compared to the previous year.

This decline seems to parallel the growth in recall actions regarding the brand, since this most recent one also follows a pair of Cadillac recalls from the same manufacturer for problems with Cadillac sedan sunroofs.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

adminGM Issues Cadillac Recall For Defroster Risk