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

GM recalls trucks with faulty EPS software

 

Warren, Mich. – Aug. 15, 2017 – General Motors has recalled nearly 700,000 vehicles suspected of containing faulty electronic power steering software, according to documents filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2014 Chevrolet Silverado LD pickup trucks manufactured between Jan. 30, 2013 and Sept. 4, 2014, as well as 2014 GMC Sierra LD pickups with production dates ranging from Jan. 29, 2013 to Sept. 4, 2014. GM estimates that 2 percent of the vehicles named in the recall contain the defective EPS software.

The Defect

Vehicles referenced in the recall could potentially contain EPS software prone to sudden shutoff during low-voltage maneuvers such as low-speed turns. The software normally fails within a one-second span, when system voltage measurements drop below 8.8 volts. With the EPS disabled, operators have difficulty navigating the vehicle. This poses a serious safety risk to owners, passengers and other drivers. However, GM has yet to receive any field reports connecting the defective software to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On Feb. 2, 2017 GM opened an internal investigation into EPS software installed in some vehicles after receiving multiple customer complaints and vehicle owner’s questionnaires mentioning momentary loss of EPS function. Throughout February and April, the automaker reviewed the collected customer complaints, warranty claims and VOQs to determine if the vehicles referenced in these reports shared similar mechanical features. GM did indeed find technical links between the models and launched an extended field investigation to gather more data, eventually discovering that faulty software was the root cause of the EPS failures.

Over the course of April and May, GM engineers conducted internal tests at the company’s testing facility in Milford, Michigan in an effort to recreate the and evaluate the EPS problem. The automaker was able to gain a deeper understanding of the defective software and its impact on driveability. Engineers discovered that the EPS software stalled in particularly low-voltage situations and required at least 9 volts of electricity to maintain proper operations.

In June, the GM Open Investigation Review re-evaluated the original reports collected in February. On June 22, the car company’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority announced that an official safety recall was necessary. GM notified dealers of the campaign Aug. 7, according to internal documentation submitted to the NHTSA.

The Solution

The automaker has ordered dealers to update the EPS software in affected models with a new iteration released May 19. The repairs are to be administered free of charge. GM plans to notify owners via first-class mail beginning Aug. 15. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact GM customer service at (800) 462-8782 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminGM recalls trucks with faulty EPS software

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