General Motors recalls Cadillac XT4 crossovers  over rearview camera failure

Warren, MI – December 9, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) which owns the Cadillac brand, has issued a recall for 10,194 2019–2020 Cadillac XT4 subcompact crossovers due to a problem with the rearview camera. This increases the risk of an accident.  

Recall summary

The rearview camera allows drivers to maneuver better by displaying the view of the area behind the vehicle once the Reverse gear is engaged. In the affected vehicles, which are those equipped with the optional Cadillac Surround Vision feature, the rearview camera may work erratically or stop working at all, resulting in no image being shown after the driver shifts to Reverse.

Recall risks

For risks of this recall, please read our recent coverage of an Audi recall for the same issue.

Warning signs 

Drivers may notice the rearview camera working inconsistently or not working at all, indicated by a black or blue screen on the dashboard monitor.   

Other General Motors recalls

In September, GM recalled 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5 and XT6 vehicles (as well as GMC Acadias for the same model year) over a similar problem with the rearview camera image failing to display on the monitor.

General Motors issued a recall for 681,509 2014–2015 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain models in April 2022 over a problem with the windshield wipers malfunctioning because of rust on the ball joints.

There are no other prominent or recent Cadillac XT4 recalls at this time.

The repair

To fix these Cadillac rearview camera issues, dealers will update the video processing module (VPM) software on the affected vehicles. For 2019 models, the VPM will also be replaced. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified on or around January 9, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 10,000 vehicles are affected by this Cadillac rearview camera recall. To see if your vehicle is among them, or to check for 2023 Cadillac and General Motors recalls, run a General Motors recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloGeneral Motors recalls Cadillac XT4 crossovers  over rearview camera failure

General Motors recalls vehicles with defective rearview cameras

Warren, MI – September 30, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Cadillac and GMC brands, is recalling 95,231 vehicles over faulty rearview camera systems. Malfunctioning rearview cameras can compromise the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall comes on the back of a U.S government investigation and covers the following models:   

  • 2020 – 2021 Cadillac XT5
  • 2020 – 2021 Cadillac XT6
  • 2020 – 2021 GMC Acadia

Recall summary

The recall affects vehicles with the optional Surround Vision feature. In these vehicles,  the cable that transmits images from the rearview camera to the touchscreen monitor on the dashboard may have loose connections, so the signal from the camera may be interrupted. This could result in no image being displayed on the dashboard monitor when the driver shifts to Reverse.

The component involved in this recall is the coaxial video cable with part numbers 84966435, 84704472 and 84704495. 

Recall risks

A missing or intermittent rearview camera image will reduce the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle. This increases the risk of a crash, injury or property damage when the vehicle is backing up. There has been at least one crash associated with the defect.

Background of the recall

This recall is a result of an investigation by the U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The investigation was opened in July on the heels of 12 complaints of black screens, “sometimes with a red triangle and a circle with a line through it.” The cars involved had low mileage readings.

Warning signs

Users may notice that the rearview camera is either not consistently displaying images or has lost the image signal altogether, leading to a black screen on the dashboard.

Other General Motors recalls 

In January 2022, General Motors issued a recall for 4,271 sedans, including the Buick Lacrosse, Buick Regal and Chevrolet Malibu. This was over a problem with the rear suspension resulting from corrosion.   

In October 2021, there was a Cadillac recall over a defective fuel pump control module. This could cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of the vehicle being hit in traffic.  The recall also included 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and 2021 GMC Yukon vehicles.

Repair

Dealers will replace the coaxial cables on the affected vehicles as necessary. There will be no cost to owners for this repair.

 Affected owners will be notified on or around November 7, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 95,000 GM vehicles are affected by this GM rearview camera recall. To see if your vehicle is included, run a GM recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloGeneral Motors recalls vehicles with defective rearview cameras

GM issues second recall for Cadillac and Saab vehicles over faulty suspension

Warren, MI – August 16, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has remedied issues with 171.766 vehicles including the 2011-2012 Saab 9-4x and the 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX that were dealing with rear suspension issues. Additionally, 88 of these GM vehicles have been categorized as unreachable, and 31 have been removed from the recall. One group of these 2011-2012 Saab 9-4x and the 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX was remedied in 2021, and another group was remedied in 2022 due to these issues with the rear suspension toe link may loosen and separate.

Warren, MI – August 16, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has issued a recall for 380,498 cars to fix a part of the rear suspension – which connects the vehicle to the wheels – that may come loose and result in a loss of control. The affected vehicles include:

  • 2010 Cadillac SRX
  • 2011 Cadillac SRX
  • 2012 Cadillac SRX
  • 2013 Cadillac SRX
  • 2014 Cadillac SRX
  • 2015 Cadillac SRX
  • 2016 Cadillac SRX
  • 2011 Saab 9-4X
  • 2012 Saab 9-4X

This recall is a result of an investigation by an auto safety regulator the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration on the back of consumer complaints. A large number of these vehicles were first recalled in September 2014 over the same concern.  

The affected component is the “adjustable rear suspension toe link” with part number 20867273.

Recall summary

The affected vehicles are equipped with rear toe links that may have been adjusted improperly during a service. A toe link keeps the suspension stable and the tires on the ground, as reported.

After the 2014 recall, the company continued to receive additional reports that the toe links were still loose and the NHTSA opened an investigation in 2020, after getting nine complaints from owners. 

As a result, GM has recalled all of the vehicles that were part of the original recall, as well as some additional model years.

Risks

A loose toe link may cause the vehicle to veer uncontrollably. An affected vehicle may start swerving from side to side, increasing the risk of colliding with other vehicles and oncoming traffic. This is very dangerous. In fact, the NHTSA cited that two of the nine complaints it received resulted in a crash.

Warning signs

GM has mentioned that a driver will notice one of these warning signs if the toe link on their vehicle is loose:

  • Traction control, rear axle or Stabilitrak service message
  • Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) stays on or flashes 
  • Chimes with any of the above messages and MILs
  • Vehicle sways or veers while driving
  • Off-center steering wheel
  • Uneven wear between the rear tires
  • Loud metallic noise from the rear suspension

In the event that you notice any of these signs, slow down and bring your vehicle to a halt. Have your vehicle towed immediately to a GM dealership; do not drive it there.

Related complaints

There have been several complaints from owners about losing control while driving. One 2015 Cadillac SRX driver reported a harrowing experience where she and her husband were driving down the highway, heard a loud bang and then completely lost control of the vehicle. The car crossed three lanes of the interstate, hit the side of a tractor trailer, which pushed them back across three lanes and then came to a stop in the left lane. Fortunately, they came out of the incident unharmed.

Other GM recalls

Earlier this month, GM issued a Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac recall for multiple models over a faulty airbag warning light. All models were part of the 2021 model year.

The repair

GM dealerships will replace the affected adjustable toe link with a non-adjustable unit, free of charge. This will prevent the toe links from coming loose or breaking in the future.

Customers were notified on August 9, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

A loose toe link can have serious consequences. To find out if your vehicle is a part of this GM recall, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Vishal VenugopalGM issues second recall for Cadillac and Saab vehicles over faulty suspension

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 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 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

Thousands of Cadillacs Added to Sunroof Related Recall

Detroit, MI — August 4, 2015 — General Motors is adding to a recall for thousands of Cadillacs around the world as it addresses a possible sunroof switch issue.

The defect

We’ve covered similar types of defect before, and in this case the affected vehicles feature overly sensitive switches that close the sunroof too quickly.

This is an extension of an already existing recall launched earlier this year that now totals more than 82,600 Cadillac ATS sedans around the world: of these, 63,665 are in the Unites States.

Even though the recall now includes added numbers, the company has yet to identify any injuries related to this problem.

It might seem like a less severe threat than a problem affecting the engine or steering systems, but the sunroofs in these Cadillacs could close faster than expected and catch fingers in the cracks, as General Motors noted in a statement quoted by Edmunds.com.

The solution

To fix the problem, dealers will have to simply replace the switch trim plate.

According to this source, the switch problem also violates standards, putting the owners in possible danger. “The power-operated roof panel systems on these vehicles will auto-close when the non-recessed portion of the ‘slide’ or ’tilt’ switches are pressed and the roof panel is open,” the company said.

“Because these switches are not fully recessed, they can be actuated with less force than required to comply with applicable federal standards,” the company added.

Verifying what difficulties in vehicles constitute violations is part of the process of promoting better car care and awareness. Only when recall statements are released to the widest possible owner audience can dealers be sure that the right message is getting out.

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

Recall MastersThousands of Cadillacs Added to Sunroof Related Recall

General Motors Recalls Cadillacs for Brake Pedal Bracket Problems

Detroit, MI — June 27, 2015 — Earlier this month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) posted a recall acknowledgment statement to their website regarding a General Motors recall for 2015 Cadillac ATS and CTS models.

The defect

According to this document, the affected vehicles brake pedal brackets subject to possible fractures, which could potentially fracture during a drive, putting the occupants of the car at risk.

More than 2,160 vehicles may be at risk of this fault, and the official recall period will begin this August, and affects cars that were produced as recently as this March.

As with some of the other recalls MotorSafe has covered, the fix prescribed for this one appears to be relatively simple, since dealers can replace the faulty brake pedal brackets for free.

However, the stakes for replacement are serious, since the issue could make it difficult for drivers to apply the brakes at all should the brackets end up breaking.

An additional recall safety bulletin from the NHTSA goes into further detail on the actions car dealers need to take to make affected Cadillacs safer for use.

“Dealers are to inspect the bracket for fracture or a condition that makes the bracket susceptible to fracture when the brake pedal is depressed,” it reads.

The solution

“If a fracture or such a condition is found, dealers are to replace the brake pedal (including the affected bracket).” The statement also notes that a borescope is needed to help dealers successfully inspect for this problem.

While some auto recalls concern dangerous situations that may not likely happen during normal vehicle operation, this one centers around a feature that could be broken during regular use. In all cases, though, recall accuracy and wide distribution may help to promote proper use reactions.

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

Recall MastersGeneral Motors Recalls Cadillacs for Brake Pedal Bracket Problems