GM Recalls GMC Sierra 3500 And Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Trucks for Fueling Issue

Laguna Hills, CA – March 27, 2019 – General Motors is recalling certain 2016 – 2018 GMC Sierra 3500 and Chevrolet Silverado 3500 pickup trucks equipped with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks.

If the fuel level sensor in the front tank becomes stuck in a low-level position, the fuel transfer pump may continue to pump fuel from the rear tank to the front tank even after it is full, causing an overpressure condition in the front tank. As many as 18,574 vehicles may be affected.

The defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on this problem, the fuel level sensor in the front tank may stick in a low-level position, allowing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.

In rare circumstances, the front fuel tank could expand and contact a moving drive shaft, which could create a hole in the front fuel tank and allow fuel to leak.

If this happens in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur. Customers may hear a grinding or knocking noise if the over pressurized front fuel tank contacts the moving drive shaft.

Timeline of events

GM originally recalled certain 2011 – 15 heavy duty trucks equipped with gas engines and dual fuel tanks for the same issue starting October 12, 2017.

Although the automaker saw no indications at that time that the condition existed in similar trucks built after 2015, it began to monitor field data for later model years. GM conducted an initial review April 16, 2018 and a subsequent review October 28.

GM’s Open Investigation Review board looked at potentially relevant new field reports identified through the monitoring process November 28 and decided to open an investigation into applicable 2016 – 2018 trucks.

The investigator reviewed the new field data with GM’s subject matter experts.

It was found that the problem may be present in vehicles built before the carmaker began using a new low pressure fuel pump in October 2017, but there was no evidence that the condition existed in vehicles equipped with the new fuel pump.

As with the previous recall, the issue was limited to heavy duty trucks with gas engines and the dual-tank option, and the only trucks produced with those options were the 3500 series chassis-cab vehicles.

The Open Investigation Review board reviewed the results of the investigation on January 28, 2019.

As a result, GM’s Safety & Field Action Decision Authority decided on January 31 to launch a safety recall for heavy duty trucks built between 2016 and 2018, before GM began using the new low-pressure fuel pump.

The solution

The recall began March 5, 2019 when owners were sent an interim notification. A second notification will be issued when the remedy becomes available. Dealers will replace the rear tank fuel pump module free of charge.

Dealers will also inspect the front tank and replace if necessary. Courtesy transportation is available for customers whose vehicles are involved in this recall and are within the warranty coverage period. GM’s number for this recall is N182204190.

The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V088000.

To check if your vehicle is part of this recall, use MotorSafety.org’s free look-up tool.

Sean ReyesGM Recalls GMC Sierra 3500 And Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Trucks for Fueling Issue

GM Recalls More Than 150 Vehicles for Damaged Airbag Modules

Laguna Hills, CA – December 27, 2018 – General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab and GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab vehicles due to potential issues with airbag modules. The potential number of units affected is 154.

The defect

According to the NHTSA notification, these vehicles have a retainer ring within the passenger-side airbag module that may have been damaged during the assembly process.

This damage could allow gas to escape during airbag inflation and deployment, which would reduce the amount of gas available to fill the airbag.

Since the passenger-side frontal air bag module in affected vehicles may have been damaged during assembly, possibly resulting in the air bag not inflating properly in the event of a crash, the risk of injury is significantly increased if a crash does occur.

Timeline of events

On December 6, 2018, the manufacturer notified GM of the issue. On December 17, 2018, General Motors LLC (GM) informed the NHTSA. On December 26, 2018, the recall began.

This recall is not connected to the widespread Takata airbag recall which has been ongoing, and affected certain Saab, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Saturn, and GMC models.

The solution

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on December 26, 2018. GM’s number for this recall is N182198820.

Courtesy transportation is available for customers whose vehicles are involved in a product program and still within the warranty coverage period. The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-868.

To find out if your vehicle is part of this recall, use MotorSafety.org’s free look-up tool.

Sean ReyesGM Recalls More Than 150 Vehicles for Damaged Airbag Modules

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 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 defective safety equipment

Warren, Mich. – General Motors has recalled almost 13,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective safety equipment, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models across three GM brands, including:
  • 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express passenger vans produced between Sept. 9, 2008, and March 23, 2018.
  • 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty pickup trucks produced between Oct. 13, 2008, and Nov. 6, 2013.
  • 2009 GMC 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series pickup trucks produced between Aug. 20, 2008, and July 31, 2009.
  • 2009-2018 GMC Savana passenger vans produced between Sept. 12, 2008, and March 10, 2018.
  • 2009 Isuzu F Series diesel commercial trucks produced between Aug. 20, 2008, and Dec. 19, 2008.
GM suspects all of the vehicles involved in the action contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles come with portal fire extinguishers that clog easily may become inoperable in the event of an engine fire. Additionally, individuals who attempt to unclog them by force may sustain injury due to nozzle detachment. As a result, these components pose a serious hazard to occupants. However, GM has yet to receive field reports linking these fixtures to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Personnel from the Isuzu Technical Center of America on Nov. 4, 2017, learned that fire extinguisher supplier Kidde had recalled a large number of defective products, according to an internal chronology document given to the NHTSA. Isuzu quickly reviewed its production records and found that many vehicles, including some Chevrolet trucks, included these components. On Nov. 14, the brand issued a voluntary recall. Three days later, GM began reviewing historic production records dating back decades to see if other past models had been equipped with the defective extinguishers, some of which could have been used in vehicles assembled in the 1990s and early 2000s.
The automaker conducted this review over the course of nearly three months, evaluating production documents dating from 1992 to the present.
By January 2018, GM had identified approximately 100 different fire extinguisher models used across several brands. Engineers managed to trim this number to 13 – all of which Kidde manufactured – by March. Members of the GM Open Investigation Review assessed this data and transferred the case to the Safety and Field Action Decision Authority, which chose to conduct a voluntary safety recall April 19. GM notified dealers of the forthcoming action April 26.

The Solution

GM intends to notify owners via first-class mail when replacement parts are available, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. By this point, owners will need to contact Kidde directly to receive replacement extinguishers free of charge.
Owners in need of additional assistance prior to or after the start of the recall can contact GM customer personnel at (800) 462-8782. Callers should use the internal recall identification number 18146. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesGM recalls vehicles with defective safety equipment

GM recalls vehicles with defective fuel sensors

Warren, Mich. – Nov. 21, 2017 – General Motors has recalled more than 35,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuel tank sensors, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2011-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 pickup trucks produced between May 24, 2010 and Sept. 30, 2015. GM believes all of the vehicles named in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected models include dual fuel tank assemblies. The first of these tanks includes a defective fuel-level sensor that sometimes stalls in the lowest position, offering an inaccurate reading and increasing the likelihood of overfilling and tank expansion. This, in turn, could then allow the tank to come into contact with the moving driveshaft, creating a hole and causing fuel leakage. As a result, the defect poses a serious threat to occupants. However, GM has received no reports linking the defective component to any accidents or injuries thus far.

Timeline of Events

In April 2017, the NHTSA notified GM about a vehicle owner questionnaire it had received that detailed an instance of fuel leakage in a 2015 GMC Silverado 3500 pickup. One month later, the GM engineers familiar with the VOQ submitted a report via the company’s Speak Up For Safety program. The automaker launched an internal investigation in response to the submission on May 16.

Over the course of May, June and July, engineers evaluated field data to pinpoint the root cause of the leakage, which apparently initiated in the front fuel tank. On July 27, GM met with the NHTSA to review the results of the three-month inquiry. The two parties came to the conclusion that the fuel leaks were not developing in vehicles manufactured after 2015. In August, GM completed a design failure mode and affect analysis, and determined that the problem was confined to Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 trucks equipped with dual fuel tanks. These vehicles were manufactured without beds and other conventional pickup features, as they were intended for commercial use or modification.

GM personnel reviewed the matter in two separate sessions on Aug. 28 and Sept. 25. The NHTSA revaluated the defect on Oct. 2 as well. The GM Safety and Field Action Decision Authority looked over the issue Oct. 12 and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. GM notified dealers Oct. 19.

The Solution

GM has directed dealers to inspect the front fuel tanks in the affected models and either replace the rear tank fuel pumps or updated the fuel sensor software, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. These fixes, which will be ready for implementation in early 2018, are to be executed free of charge. The automaker plans send an initial notification to owners via first-class mail Dec. 18 and follow-up document in February 2018, when the remedy is ready for implementation. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can contact Chevrolet customer service at (800) 222-1020 or GMC customer service at (800) 462-8782. Callers should use the GM recall identification number 17399.

Owners can also contact the NHTSA directly using the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 3274236.

MotorSafety.orgGM recalls vehicles with defective fuel sensors

GM recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Warren, Mich. – Nov. 9, 2017 – General Motors has recalled more than one-dozen vehicles potentially equipped with defective air bag assemblies, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models across two brands, including:

  • 2015-2016 Chevrolet Colorado pickup tucks produced between Oct. 10, 2014 and Feb. 6, 2016.
  • 2016 Chevrolet Volt electric sedans produced between Oct. 16 and Dec. 14, 2015.
  • 2015-2016 GMC Canyon pickup trucks produced between Oct. 13, 2014 and Aug. 2, 2015.

GM suspects that all of the vehicles referenced in this recall contain the defect components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles include driver-side front air bag assemblies with second-stage inflators that may malfunction upon deployment, thus failing to completely fill the corresponding air bags or do so within the regulated time span. This poses a serious risk to drivers involved in collisions, as they are less protected and therefore more likely to sustain injuries upon impact. However, GM has yet to receive reports connecting the defective air bag assemblies to any injuries or accidents.

Timeline of Events

In March 2016, GM recalled more than 1,500 vehicles after its air bag supplier, Key Safety Systems, discovered that some of its shipped frontal air bag assemblies failed to meet cold-weather fill-time requirements, according to an NHTSA Safety Recall Report. Specifically, these fixtures came equipped with second-stage inflators without the chemical mixture required to effectively facilitate deployment and fill frontal air bags as much or as quickly as required by law.

In the months following the March 2016 recall, KSS evaluated its inflators to determine whether mistakes were made during assembly or problems developed due to long-term vehicle use. During this analysis, the parts provider discovered another batch of defective filters that had been shipped to GM and installed in vehicles not referenced in the March 2016 action. KSS notified GM of the issue May 4, 2017. Approximately six days later, the automaker opened an internal investigation to better understand the problem.

Over the next four months, GM and KSS worked together to analyze the filters received during the March 2016 recall. This data allowed KSS to improve the accuracy of its existing strategy for detecting incorrectly assembled inflators, which involved the evaluation of component weight. The parts provider used this methodology to find defective inflators installed in non-recalled GM vehicles.

With this new information in hand, the GM Safety and Field Action Decision Authority elected to issue a voluntary safety recall Sept. 28. The car manufacturer notified dealers Oct. 5.

The Solution

GM has directed dealers to replace the driver-side frontal air bag assemblies in affected models free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The automaker plans to notify owners via first-class mail Dec. 4. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Chevrolet customer service at (800) 222-1020 or GMC customer service at (800) 462-8782. Callers should use the internal GM recall identification number 17387. Owners can also reach out the NHTSA directly using its toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Nate GouldsbroughGM recalls vehicles with defective air bags

GM recalls trucks with defective EPS software [Video]

Hello, and welcome to another recall update.

General Motors has recalled more than 800,000 trucks believed to contain defective electronic power steering software, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty trucks.

The vehicles named in the recall could come equipped with EPS software that suddenly switches off during low-voltage conditions, resulting in the loss of power steering functionality. Investigators for GM looked into the issue between February and May, and eventually linked the problem to faulty coding. in June. the automaker launched an official recall, which has since been amended and expanded.

GM has ordered update the EPS software in affected vehicles, free of charge. However, the company has not yet released a timetable for owner notification. Stay tuned for more breaking recall news.

adminGM recalls trucks with defective EPS software [Video]

GM recalls SUVs with defective drive shafts

Recall Masters -August 31, 2017

GM recalls SUVs with defective drive shafts

General Motors has recalled a number of sport utility vehicles believed to be equipped with defective drive shafts, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017-2018 GMC Arcadia, 2018 GMC Terrain and 2018 Chevrolet Equinox models. The automaker estimates that 3 percent of the vehicles have problematic drive shafts.
The Defect
Models referenced in the recall could contain front right intermediate drive shaft assemblies prone to fracture and separation. Engineers have traced the issue to the parts manufacturer Nexteer, which failed to use properly calibrated ultrasonic scanning equipment when performing quality checks.
The defect poses a serious safety hazard to occupants, as vehicles with damaged drive shafts may lose power during operation or roll away when stopped without the parking brake engaged. However, GM has yet to receive reports of accidents or injuries connected to the defect…

Read the entire article on the Recall Masters website

Sean ReyesGM recalls SUVs with defective drive shafts

GM recalls SUVs with defective drive shafts

 

Warren, Mich. – Aug. 31, 2017 – General Motors has recalled a number of sport utility vehicles believed to be equipped with defective drive shafts, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017-2018 GMC Arcadia, 2018 GMC Terrain and 2018 Chevrolet Equinox models. The automaker estimates that 3 percent of the vehicles have problematic drive shafts.

The Defect

Models referenced in the recall could contain front right intermediate drive shaft assemblies prone to fracture and separation. Engineers have traced the issue to the parts manufacturer Nexteer, which failed to use properly calibrated ultrasonic scanning equipment when performing quality checks.

The defect poses a serious safety hazard to occupants, as vehicles with damaged drive shafts may lose power during operation or roll away when stopped without the parking brake engaged. However, GM has yet to receive reports of accidents or injuries connected to the defect.

Timeline of Events

On July 20, 2017, engineers at the GM assembly facility in San Luis Petosi, Mexico, came across a newly manufactured GMC Terrain sport utility vehicle with a separated right intermediate drive shaft. Quality assurance reviewed the part and confirmed, via Nexteer records, that it had passed end-of-line inspection before being shipped to the assembly site. From July 21-27, engineers at the plant discovered three additional fractured drive shafts, all of which had also passed the final quality check at Nexteer. On July 28, officials at the San Luis Petosi plant filed a report via GM’s “Speak Up for Safety” program.

Nexteer analyzed its records and discovered that drive shaft assemblies produced between June 13 and July 21 were scanned with improperly calibrated ultrasonic scanning equipment. The parts provider confirmed that drive shafts from this batch had been shipped to four separate GM plants, including the San Luis Petosi facility. GM then initiated quarantine programs at these sites. On Aug. 1, Nexteer delivered properly calibrated ultrasonic scanners to the GM assembly facilities, where all vehicle drive shafts were scanned.

GM opened an investigation into the matter Aug. 4., and concluded the inquiry Aug. 14. On Aug. 15, the GM Safety Field Action Decision Authority called for a voluntary safety recall. The car manufacturer notified dealers Aug. 22.

The Solution

GM has asked dealers to replace the front right intermediate drive shafts in affected vehicles free of charge, according to a document submitted to the NHTSA. The company has yet to release a timetable for notifying owners. However, those in need of immediate assistance can call Chevrolet and GMC customer service representatives at (800) 222-1020 and (800) 462-8782. They can also call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminGM recalls SUVs with defective drive shafts