General Motors recalls GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox SUVs over loss of vehicle control

Warren, MI – September 15, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE: GM) has recalled 7,082 vehicles whose drivers may lose control of these vehicles due to faulty tires. This increases the risk of a crash or injury.

The recall includes the following SUVs :

  • 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
  • 2022 Chevrolet Equinox
  • 2021 GMC Terrain
  • 2022 GMC Terrain

Recall summary  

Before going on the road, tires in all vehicles undergo a process that is called “curing.” The curing process is what makes the tires hold their shape and maintain contact with the road while driving. 

Due to a supplier error, the tires in the recalled vehicles were made with an insufficient amount of curative agent. As a result, the tread of these tires – which is the part that makes contact with the road – may separate from the rest of the tire, making the driver lose control of the vehicle.

Warning signs

According to GM, “drivers may hear noise or feel a vibration while driving. A bulge in the tread may also be noticeable.”

Risks

Tread separation may occur at a high speed, increasing the risk of an accident and death or injury for the occupants of the car and motorists around them.

Other relevant recalls

In March, General Motors recalled 33,838 vehicles whose tires may rupture out on the road. The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox was recalled in December of last year because of faulty seat belts that could separate in the event of a crash. In the same month The 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox cars were part of a large-scale recall initiated because of potential fuel leaks in the same month, as reported

The 2018-2020 GMC Terrains were also included in the above recall. 

The repair

GM dealers will inspect and, if necessary,  replace vehicles’ tires for free. Owners will be notified around September 20.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 7,000 vehicles are included in this GM tire recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Mikaela BolkerGeneral Motors recalls GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox SUVs over loss of vehicle control

GM recalls Chevrolet and GMC pickups with dangerous airbags

Warren, MIAugust 15, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 410,019 pickup trucks with potentially dangerous airbags embedded in the vehicles’ roof-rails. The airbag inflator might rupture, propelling gas and the inflator’s end-cap into the vehicle at high speeds, which could injure vehicle occupants. 

The recall includes:

  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet  Silverado 2500
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet  Silverado 3500
  • 2015 – 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2015 – 2016 GMC Sierra 2500
  • 2015 – 2016 GMC Sierra 3500

The affected component is roof rail airbags with multiple part numbers, including 84487867 and 84487868. The bags were manufactured by a successor of Takata, Joyson Safety Systems, in Mexico.

Recall summary  

The pickup trucks’ roof rail airbags deploy like “curtains” over the windows to protect vehicle occupants’ heads during a crash. Inflators within these bags do what you expect them to do.  

Due to a manufacturing mistake, moisture “was introduced into the [inflator] vessel,” which may result in its corrosion. This may allow compressed gas to escape from the inflator and  result in the parts of the inflator hurling themselves into the car occupants, causing injury.

Background of the recall

Initially, GM recalled a smaller group of approximately 9,000 trucks this past November. The automaker expanded the recall in June after it became aware of three additional roof rail airbag inflator ruptures in Florida and Texas. General Motors noted that “thermal cycling” (i.e. very hot days and cool nights) exacerbate the defect, making the inflator more likely to rupture. 

Risks

If the airbag inflator ruptures and the inflator’s end cap or other parts go flying into the cabin, they could hit vehicle occupants at high speeds, potentially injuring them. 

This defect is different from the infamous Takata airbag defect. Takata airbag inflators do not randomly explode. Rather, they deploy “too hard” during a crash, blowing the inflator to pieces that can impale vehicle occupants. The recalled cars’ inflators, on the other hand, explode because the container holding the compressed gas becomes too weak to hold it. This can occur at any time–not just when the airbags are triggered during a crash. Both are dangerous and should be repaired as soon as possible.

The repair

Chevrolet and GMC dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the right- and left-side roof rail airbags for free. Owners will be warned about the recall by mail around August 16 and will receive a second letter once recall repairs become available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 410,000 vehicles are included in this Chevrolet and GMC recall. To see if your truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandGM recalls Chevrolet and GMC pickups with dangerous airbags

GM issues second recall for Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras over fire risk

Warren, MI – August 14, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns GMC and Chevrolet brands, has recalled 331,274 pickup trucks over the risk of an engine fire caused by an electrical short in the engine compartment heater. The recall includes the following vehicles that have a Duramax 6.6- liter engine and are equipped with an optional engine heater power cord:

  • 2017 – 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  • 2017 – 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  • 2017 – 2019 GMC Sierra 2500
  • 2017 – 2019 GMC Sierra 3500

At least some of the above vehicles were previously repaired under a separate recall for the same issue in 2019.

Recall summary  

The problem originates with the engine block heater, which helps warm up the engine so it starts more easily in cold climates. The heater plugs into an outlet and uses electricity to warm up coolant around the engine block. This coolant might leak out and come in contact with the heater’s electrical wiring, causing the system to short-circuit. The leak is caused by “contamination of the sealing surface” of the block heater during manufacturing.

Previous recall

Some of the vehicles in this recall have already been repaired under another campaign in 2019 which addressed the same problem with the engine block heating system. However, post-recall and repair, GM received “24 reports of potential fires,” prompting the manufacturer to issue a second recall.

Risks

An electrical short can damage the engine and cause a fire in the engine compartment. Read more about what to do in the case of a vehicle fire in this article about a recent Kia recall.

Warning signs

Warning signs for this recall include:

  • Smoke or a burning smell
  • The engine block heater is not working well
  • Tripped circuit breakers or blown vehicle fuses
  • Signs of damage to the engine block heater, the heater’s cable or other engine components
  • Coolant leaking and pooling under the vehicle

Parts affected

Parts: Engine-block heater power cord, Engine-block heater

Names: CORD ASM-ENG COOL HTR, HEATER ASM-ENG COOL

Part Numbers: 12681380, 12705875, 19419326, 84303149

Manufacturer: Electronics Components International, Canada

The repair

GM has not yet developed a permanent solution for this problem. For now, Chevrolet and GMC dealers will disable the engine block heater for free to prevent electrical shorts. In trucks not yet repaired under the 2019 recall, heater cords will be re-routed to prevent chafing and damage. Owners will be notified about the recall on August 16.

When GM has a permanent remedy for this issue, the company will contact owners who had their block heaters disabled and offer a replacement. Owners who already paid for repairs before the recall was announced may be eligible for reimbursement. Courtesy transportation is available to owners whose vehicles are still covered under warranty. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 330,000 vehicles are included in this GMC and Chevrolet recall. To see if your truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandGM issues second recall for Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras over fire risk

GM recalls vehicles due to risk of overloading

Warren, MI – August 12, 2021  – General Motors (NYSE: GM) has announced a recall for 7,199 2021 GMC Canyon pickup trucks due to an incorrect label which may cause the driver to add too much weight to the truck, increasing the risk of a crash.

The component in question is a “Tire and Loading Information Label,” with the part number 15261447.

Recall summary 

As reported, the tire and loading information label states “the maximum amount of weight the driver can safely add to the truck as cargo.”  The GMC Canyon load capacity label incorrectly overstated the weight capacity by 51 lbs.

Risks

Overloading the pickup truck can cause significant changes to the “driving dynamics” of the vehicle, which may result in a crash. In another similar recall, the issue was also expected to increase the vehicle’s stopping distance.

Other GM recalls

In July 2021, there was a GMC recall for 285,622 vehicles over a concern that the airbag malfunction indicator may fail to warn the driver if there is a problem with the airbag.   

The GMC Canyon 2015 was recalled in April 2021 when 60,678 pickup trucks may lose power steering on “startup or while driving.” 

The GMC Canyon 2021 pickup truck was recalled in December of last year because of faulty seat belts.

Repair

The repair is a modified label that provides the correct vehicle capacity weight.  The manufacturer will mail the labels to the owners, which they can apply themselves or take them to the dealership, if desired. The remedy is free of charge and owner notification letter are set to be sent on August 16, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of this recall? 

Over 7,000 vehicles are part of this General Motors recall. To do a GM recall check, use Motorsafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Mikaela BolkerGM recalls vehicles due to risk of overloading

General Motors recalls multiple SUVs over power steering failure

Warren, MI – August 3, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has issued a recall for 26,847 SUVs over a potential loss in power steering assist, which could increase steering effort and result in a crash. This GM recall includes:

  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2021 GMC Yukon
  • 2021 GMC Yukon XL

The affected part is the power steering motor control module with multiple part numbers – 84893520, 84876238, 84846488.

Recall summary

The power steering assist makes it easier to steer a vehicle. A software issue in the power steering control module may result in the loss of the feature, increasing the effort needed to steer and the risk of a crash. 

An affected vehicle will still have manual steering control. 

Warning signs

Drivers will be warned of a loss in power steering functionality by a malfunction indicator light (MIL) on the dashboard and with a chime sound.  More effort will also be required to steer but the issue may be remedied if the car is restarted.

Risks

Losing the power steering can make maneuvering quite difficult, particularly with larger vehicles, like the ones that are a part of this recall. The effort required is greater at slower speeds and increases the risk of the driver losing control and crashing.

Related complaints

Back in May, a 2021 GMC Yukon owner experienced a similar loss in power steering functionality.  

Other GM recalls

Another recent Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac recall was for a failing airbag malfunction warning light.

The repair

The software issue can be resolved with an over-the-air (OTA) update without having to bring the vehicle to a dealership. The owner can also schedule to have the dealer perform the update. Some vehicles will require a new steering gear motor kit in order to download the software update, in which case the car will have to visit the dealer. In all cases the repair will be free of charge. Affected customers were set to be notified on August 2, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

To find out if your vehicle is a part of this GM recall, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Vishal VenugopalGeneral Motors recalls multiple SUVs over power steering failure

GM recalls multiple models for faulty airbag warning light

Warren, MI – July 1, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has issued a recall for 285,622 cars and SUVs over a concern that the airbag malfunction indicator may fail to warn the driver if there is a problem with the airbag, increasing the risk of an injury in a crash. The models that are part of the recall are:

  • 2021 Buick Envision
  • 2021 Cadillac CT4
  • 2021 Cadillac CT5
  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2021 Chevrolet Corvette 
  • 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2021 GMC Yukon
  • 2021 GMC Yukon XL

The affected part is the Serial Data Gateway Module (SDM) – a gateway that handles the multiple networks in a vehicle – with part number 13542878. It is not clear if the 2021 Corvette Stingray is part of this recall.

Recall summary

The root of the problem is with the GM SDM Programming; specifically, a software issue that causes the airbag sensor to inconsistently illuminate the airbag malfunction indicator light. As a result, the driver may think his or her airbag is working properly when it is not and this could result in inadequate protection in the event of a collision.

Risks

An airbag is meant to protect the occupant from an upper-body injury and frontal airbags have saved over 50,000 lives in the last 30 years. An airbag that does not deploy in the event of a crash can result in serious injury or even death.

Related complaints

In April 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation over reports concerning airbag malfunctions in General Motor vehicles. Some of the models that are part of this recall were also investigated.

Of 15 complaints submitted to the NHTSA, six mentioned serious crashes where the airbags failed to deploy. Some also mentioned that the warning lights came on “every two to three minutes when driving.”

GM has not commented on whether this recall is a consequence of the investigation.

Other GM recalls

Back in December 2020, General Motors was ordered to recall 5.9 million cars with Takata airbags that may rupture when deployed.  

Other Chevrolet and Buick recalls in the recent past include the January 2021 recall for mid-size sedans over a potential suspension issue.

The repair

The software issue can be resolved with an over-the-air (OTA) update at a dealership. Affected customers will be notified on July 19, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

To find out if your vehicle is a part of this GM recall, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Vishal VenugopalGM recalls multiple models for faulty airbag warning light

GM recalls pickups for power steering problem

Warren, MI – April 30, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 60,678 pickup trucks that may lose power steering on “startup or while driving,” increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes:

  • 2015 Chevrolet Colorado pickups
  • 2015 GMC Canyon pickups

The component in question is the “electric power steering rack,” with multiple part numbers, including 23228020 and 23228019.

Recall summary  

Power steering is a feature that makes it easier to turn or maneuver the vehicle.

The recall is an expansion of a previous recall conducted in 2016. It stems from an issue with the trucks’ power steering gears, which translate the turning of the steering wheel into the turning of the tires.  

Because of certain electrical connections being corroded or damaged within the gears, the  gears may lose power and shut off the power steering.

Warning signs

If the power steering is deactivated, the driver will hear chimes and see the malfunction indicator light (MIL) come on.

Risks

With a heavy car like a pickup truck, losing power steering can make it difficult to maneuver the car, especially at lower speeds. This augments the risk of an accident.

Read more about what to do if you lose power steering in this article about a similar Mercedes-Benz GLC recall.

The repair

Dealers will replace the faulty part with an improved model, free of charge. Drivers who repaired this issue on their own dime before May 10 are eligible for reimbursement. GM also said “courtesy transportation is available for customers whose vehicles are involved in this recall and are within the warranty coverage period for the warranty which is associated with this recall.”

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 60,000 vehicles are included in this General Motors recall. Want to do a GM recall check? Use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to check for open Chevrolet recalls and GMC recalls.

Rebecca RandGM recalls pickups for power steering problem

General Motors under investigation for airbag failures

Washington, D.C. – April 19, 2021 – The U.S. government’s highway safety regulator is investigating General Motors (NYSE:GM) over reports of an airbag malfunction. The investigation cites 15 complaints and covers the following vehicles:

  • 2020 – 2021 Cadillac CT4
  • 2020 – 2021 Cadillac CT5
  • 2020 – 2021 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2020 – 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2020 – 2021 Cadillac XT5
  • 2020 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2020 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  • 2020 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  • 2020-2021 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2020 – 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2020 – 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2020 – 2021 GMC Sierra 2500
  • 2020 – 2021 GMC Sierra 3500
  • 2020 – 2021 GMC Yukon
  • 2020 – 2021 GMC Yukon XL
  • 2020 GMC Sierra Denali
  • 2021 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
  • 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD
  • 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 5500HD
  • 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 6500HD

Complaints  

Of the 15 complaints, consumers submitted to the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), six mention serious crashes where the airbags failed to deploy, while eight highlight injuries that occurred in connection with the problem.

One complaint from Dayton, Ohio graphically describes the consequences when one driver’s airbag failed to deploy in an accident, resulting in a serious head injury. During the accident, “something hit [the driver’s] face while the “steering wheel airbag” failed to deploy. The driver remembers crawling out of their overturned Cadillac Escalade and being taken to the hospital. Upon being discharged, the person experienced “loss of taste and smell” except for the “smell of brain matter” from “fluid” dripping down their nasal cavity.

Other complaints describe the airbags failing to deploy despite the driver hitting several trees. 

Cause of the problem

The administration’s investigation points to a bulletin GM posted for dealers and repair shops in March, addressing problems with the airbag warning light. The bulletin blames the problem on “rust particles in the connection terminal interface of the driver airbag inflator.”

However, according to a statement obtained by the Associated Press (AP), GM said it was unaware of any airbags failing to deploy due to this problem, adding that its own analysis of the issue found that airbags would still deploy in a crash even if the malfunction light was on.

Warning signs

Some of the complaints describe the airbag and “service safety restraint system” warning lights coming on as often as “every two to three minutes when driving.”

Other GM airbag recalls

GM has recently recalled close to 6 million cars because of potentially lethal Takata airbags that may rupture when deployed. Separately, in April NHTSA launched another investigation after multiple car manufacturers – including GM – recalled airbags that were improperly folded during the installation process and could fail to deploy. The airbags were manufactured by Joyson, a successor of Takata.

It is not clear who produced the GM airbags at the center of the current investigation.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 749,000 vehicles could be recalled as a result of NHTSA’s investigation. To do a GM recall check, bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool and come back to the site when more details become available.

Rebecca RandGeneral Motors under investigation for airbag failures

GM recalls Chevrolet and GMC vans for fire risk

Warren, MI – April 13,  2021 –General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 10,154 cargo and passenger vans whose batteries may short-circuit, which could cause a fire under the hood. The recall includes:

  • 2021 Chevrolet Express vans
  • 2021 GMC Savana vans

The affected part is the positive battery cable, with multiple part numbers, including 84911210  and 84911211.

Recall summary  

The recall centers around the vans’ battery cable terminals, which connect the car’s electrical system to its battery. Certain tabs on the terminals could touch other parts of the car, causing the battery to short out. If that happens, drivers may get a  “low battery voltage warning or experience a dead battery.” It can also lead to a fire.

The affected cars are equipped with 6.6-liter gasoline engines.

Risks

Car fires can pose a serious risk to drivers, passengers and nearby people and structures. GM has received at least three reports of fires related to this issue. To read more about the risks of vehicle fires, check out this article about  a recent Kia Stinger recall.

Safety tips

Just like in the recent Chrysler and Hyudai recalls, the manufacturer and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommend to NOT park the car close to structures and “flammable materials” – such as houses, garages and “vegetation” – until the issue is resolved. If you do not feel comfortable driving the car and it is still within warranty, contact your dealer to arrange for courtesy transportation.

Other GM recalls

2018-2021 Chevrolet Express vans are part of a recent recall concerning tires that were left to “cure” for too long, making them brittle and prone to breakage.

The repair

GM dealers will trim away part of the tab on the battery cable terminal so that it is no longer at risk of touching other parts of the car. However, if the tab has been trimmed down too much in a prior repair, the whole battery cable will be replaced. Both of these services are free of charge. Recall notifications with more details about when and how to seek repairs will be sent out to owners starting May 3.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 10,000 vehicles are included in this Chevrolet/GMC recall. To see if your van is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandGM recalls Chevrolet and GMC vans for fire risk

General Motors recalls over 94,000 SUVs for damaged seat belts

Warren, MI – April 7, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 94,641 vehicles whose seat belts may become damaged or trapped, increasing the risk of injury. The recall includes the following SUVs:

  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2021 GMC Yukon
  • 2021 GMC Yukon XL

Recall summary

The third-row seat and third-row seat belts in these vehicles may have been installed incorrectly. Therefore, they may become “entrapped” or damaged, making them difficult to use or latch. 

Risks

In the event of a crash, the seatbelt might break, amplifying the risk of injury. As stated in this  article about  a recent General Motors recall, seat belts saved about 15,000 lives in 2017 alone.  

Other General Motors recalls

In December 2020 General Motors recalled over 600,000 vehicles, including the 2021 Yukon XL, due to the seat belts being “loose or detached from the seat frame.” In 2021, Chevrolet Tahoe was part of a 33,000-strong  recall due to defective Continental tires.

Repair

GM dealers will inspect and replace damaged seat belts for free. Owners will be contacted about this recall on May 3.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Approximately 95,000 vehicles are part of this General Motors recall. To perform a General Motors recall check, use Motor Safety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Aleksandra SnesarevaGeneral Motors recalls over 94,000 SUVs for damaged seat belts