US government investigates GM over stalling SUVs and pickups

US government investigates GM over stalling SUVs and pickups

January 31, 2025 Bojan Popic , , ,

Washington, D.C. – January 31, 2025 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands, over allegations of its vehicles stalling due to engine failure. 

The investigation could lead to a recall of 877,710 SUVs and pickup trucks.

The following vehicles would be affected:

  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade NA 
  • 2024 Chevrolet Suburban 
  • 2021 – 2024 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2021 – 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2019 – 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2021 – 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2019 – 2024 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2021 – 2024 GMC Yukon 
  • 2021 – 2024 GMC Yukon XL

All cars have the L87 6.2-liter V8 engine.

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened a preliminary investigation on January 16, 2025, following 39 complaints and numerous reports of vehicles that would stall while driving.

According to the initial findings, this happens because of a connecting rod bearing failure. This can cause the engine to seize or result in the bearing piercing the engine block.

The investigation aims to discover how widespread this problem may be and the impact it may have on road safety.  

Risks

A seized engine will stall the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. Bearings that pierce the engine have been the cause of engine fires in other, similar recalls but it is not clear if that is a possibility in this particular investigation.

Other Chevrolet recalls

In December 2024, GM expanded its previous recall caused by tailgates that would open on their own, as reported.

In January 2025, Chevrolet electric SUVs were recalled over malfunctioning pedestrian warning systems, also as reported.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation could lead to a GM engine failure recall, potentially affecting over 875,000 SUVs and pickups. To do a GM recall check and see if your vehicle might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates GM over stalling SUVs and pickups
GM recalls electric SUVs with faulty pedestrian warning systems

GM recalls electric SUVs with faulty pedestrian warning systems 

January 2, 2025 Bojan Popic ,

Warren, MI  – January 2, 2024 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) is recalling 7,606 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV SUVs that may fail to warn pedestrians of their approach. This ups the chances of a crash and injury. 

Recall summary  

The affected car is equipped with an audio system, which makes a sound to warn nearby pedestrians of its presence. Due to a software error, this safety system may fail to “produce sound at a sufficient volume.”

Recall risks

The pedestrian may not hear an approaching vehicle – or assess whether it is slowing down or accelerating – and come out in front of it. This augments the risk of an accident.

Other Chevrolet recalls

Last month, GM expanded an existing recall of Silverado and Sierra pickup trucks whose tailgates could open while driving, as reported. 

In February 2024, Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze sedans were recalled over roof-rail airbag inflators that could rupture upon deployment, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will upgrade the vehicle software free of charge. 

The owners should receive letters with more information by January 27, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 8,000 electric SUVs are affected by this Chevrolet pedestrian warning recall. To do a Chevrolet recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGM recalls electric SUVs with faulty pedestrian warning systems 
GM recalls brand new Corvettes whose seat belts may jam

GM recalls brand new Corvettes whose seat belts may jam 

July 1, 2024 Bojan Popic ,

Warren, MI – July 1, 2024 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Chevrolet brand, is recalling 13,464 2024-2025 Chevrolet Corvette sports cars whose occupants may be unable to use seat belts. 

This defect ups the chances of an injury in an accident.    

Recall summary

Because of a supplier error, drivers and passengers may be unable to pull out the seat belt webbing out of its retractor.

Recall risks

The occupants may choose to drive without seat belts, which augments the risk of injury in a crash.  

Safety tips

Drivers may be able to request courtesy transportation. Please contact GM for more details.

Other Chevrolet recalls

In February 2024, GM recalled over 20,000 Chevrolet and Buick sedans whose airbags could rupture during deployment, as reported.

Later that month, GM recalled over 300,000 Chevrolet pickup trucks whose tailgates could open while driving. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors free of charge. The parts are currently not available.

The owners should receive notifications on July 22, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 13,000 Corvette sports cars are affected by this Corvette seat belt recall. To do a Chevrolet recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGM recalls brand new Corvettes whose seat belts may jam 
GM issues recall for pickups over faulty tailgates

GM issues recall for pickups over faulty tailgates

February 23, 2024 Joseph Estabillo , ,

Warren, MI – February 23, 2024 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Chevrolet brand, is recalling 570,434 pickups because their tailgates may open while the vehicles are in motion.

The recall comes on the back of multiple complaints and an injury and covers the following models:

  • 2020 – 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  • 2020 – 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  • 2020 – 2024 Chevrolet Sierra 2500
  • 2020 – 2024 Chevrolet Sierra 3500

Recall summary

In the affected models, water may find its way into these the gate-release tailgate switch, causing a short circuit. 

This may result in the tailgate opening while the vehicle is in Park. If the driver does not latch it before driving off, “cargo in the bed of the truck may exit the vehicle and become a road hazard.”

Recall risks

All risks caused by a defective tailgate lock are explained in this article about a similar Ford recall. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of 136 complaints. One minor injury and “three complaints of minor property damage” were identified as well.

Other Chevrolet recalls

In December 2023, GM recalled Chevrolet and Buick cars because the digital instrument cluster would suddenly switch off, leaving drivers without important information while operating the vehicle.  

Last month, GM recalled Bolt electric vehicles over a risk of fire following a crash, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the affected part with one that has improved protection against water. The repairs will be free of charge, and GM will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs prior to the issuance of the recall.

Owners will receive letters with more information by March 18, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 570,000 vehicles are affected by this Chevrolet tailgate recall. To do a Chevrolet recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloGM issues recall for pickups over faulty tailgates
GM issues second recall for Bolt EVs over risk of fire following crash

GM issues second recall for Bolt EVs over risk of fire following crash

January 19, 2024 Bojan Popic ,

Warren, MI – January 19, 2024 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Chevrolet brand, is recalling  6,614 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV cars that may catch fire after a crash. This defect greatly augments the risk of injury for everyone involved.

These cars were already recalled over the same issue in December 2022, but the repair was not performed correctly. 

Recall summary  

The seat belt pretensioner is a pyrotechnic device that “uses an explosive charge to lock the seat belt in place” following a crash.

In the affected vehicles, the pretensioner deployment may set fire to the cars’ upholstery.

Recall risks

A fire inside the vehicle occurring right after a crash greatly increases the risk of an injury. 

Background of the recall

In December 2022, the manufacturer conducted a large-scale recall for these vehicles during which dealerships were supposed to add a piece of “metal foil at the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust.” However, on 66 of the affected cars the repair was done incorrectly, necessitating a re-do.

Other Chevrolet recalls

Last month, General Motors recalled Buicks and Chevrolets whose instrument clusters would switch off, as reported. 

On a separate note, the U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is currently investigating 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt cars over complaints about sudden loss of motive power. 

The repair

Dealers will install a protective metal foil and matching pretensioner covers free of charge. 

Owners should receive letters with more information on January 29, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Chevrolet Bolt seat belt recall affects more than 6,500 electric cars. To do a Chevrolet recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGM issues second recall for Bolt EVs over risk of fire following crash
US government investigates GM over stalling Volt hybrids

US government investigates GM over stalling Volt hybrids

January 8, 2024 Bojan Popic ,

Washington, D.C. – January 8, 2024 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating General Motors (NYSE:GM) over allegations that their hybrid sedans may stall while driving. This alleged defect augments the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 73,000 of 2016 – 2019 Chevrolet Volt hybrid cars.  

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on November 11, 2023, following 61 complaints of hybrids losing power while driving or failing to start at all. The cars also were also prone to entering the “limp-home” mode or even losing power steering.

Based on the initial findings, this may be caused by a failure of a computer called the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). The BECM manages how much electricity is stored in batteries and delivered to the electric motor drivetrain to propel the car forward.

GM previously addressed the issue by instructing dealers to “replace and reprogram” the BECM in 2018 and then again in 2022. It is not clear how many of the affected vehicles have already received the replacements.

Risks

Maneuvering a vehicle that is losing power or stalls can be difficult, especially if it happens in dense, fast-moving traffic. Such situations can lead to a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Warning signs

Based on complaints, “little to no warning” preceded the loss of motive power.  In some cases, though the check the engine or “propulsion power is reduced” warnings would appear on the dashboard prior to the loss of power or failure to start.

Some drivers were unable to switch to the gas mode to resolve the issue.

Other Chevrolet recalls

In December, General Motors recalled Chevrolet Trax and Buick vehicles because their instrument clusters would switch off while driving. 

In January, several GM models, including Chevrolet Silverado and Suburban, were subject of a large-scale recall caused by blinding headlights. 

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a General Motors power loss recall, potentially affecting more than 70,000 hybrids. To do a GM or Chevrolet recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates GM over stalling Volt hybrids
General Motors recalls HD pickups over fire risk, advises owners to park away from structures

General Motors recalls HD pickups over fire risk, advises owners to park away from structures

April 30, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

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.

Bojan PopicGeneral Motors recalls HD pickups over fire risk, advises owners to park away from structures
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