Warren, MI – April 30, 2023 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Chevrolet brand, is recalling 40,428 heavy-duty pickup trucks. The brake system in these vehicles may short-circuit and catch fire. This increases the risk of a crash, injury and property damage.
The recall comes on the back of at least one fire. The following trucks are affected:
- 2019 – 2023 Chevrolet 4500HD
- 2019 – 2023 Chevrolet 5500HD
- 2019 – 2023 Chevrolet 6500HD
Recall summary
The brake pedal in a vehicle is connected to a brake booster, which multiplies brake power. Affected trucks also have a brake pressure switch, which detects when the brake is applied and activates the brake lights.
Due to a design flaw, the seal between the brake booster and the said switch may deteriorate and develop a leak. This allows brake fluid into the switch, causing it to overheat because of an electrical short.
The component behind the recall is the brake master cylinder pressure sensor with part number 19407495.
Recall risks
Short-circuited brake pressure switch may cause an under-the-hood fire, which can spread to the rest of the vehicle. All risks associated with a fire are described in this recall.
Warning signs
An issue with the brake pressure switch may cause a “Service Brake System” warning to appear.
Safety tips
If your Chevy truck catches fire while driving, pull over immediately and, together with all occupants, leave the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible. Move away from the vehicle but be careful not to get hit by other cars.
Because the vehicle may catch fire even when the engine is off, you should park it in the open and away from other cars and structures until the repair is done.
Other Chevrolet recalls
In January 2023, General Motors recalled a large batch of their vehicles, including Silverado trucks, over blinding headlights.
This was not the only recent light-related recall, as some of their SUVs had defective GM daytime running lights and were recalled over that issue in November 2022.
The repair
Dealers will replace the brake pressure switch with an upgraded one, which is not prone to leakage. In addition, they will check the connecting harness for damage and replace it if necessary. The repairs will be free of charge.
Owners should be notified starting May 29, 2023.
Is your vehicle a part of this recall?
More than 40,000 trucks are affected by this General Motors recall. To do a GM recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.
