General Motors’ latest recalls affect more than 1.7 million cars

General Motors’ latest recalls affect more than 1.7 million cars

December 3, 2022 Bojan Popic , , ,

Washington, D.C. – December 3, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE: GM), which owns the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands, recalled over 1.7 million vehicles in nine different GM recalls in the past six months.

Some of the most prominent recalls are included below. Read on to find out if your vehicle is affected.

Daytime running lights that are always on  

In late November, GM recalled a large batch of SUVs because their daytime running lights would stay on even when they should not. This may potentially blind oncoming motorists, increasing the risk of an accident. More than 300,000 vehicles were affected by this recall, including:  

  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2021 Cadillac Tahoe
  • 2021 GMC Yukon
  • 2021 GMC Yukon XL

In-your-face hoods 

In September, GM recalled approximately 120,000 city cars because their hood latches may corrode. If this happens, the hood may open while driving, obstructing the driver’s field of view and increasing the risk of an injury. The following cars were affected by this recall:  

  • 2013 – 2015 Chevrolet Spark
  • 2014 – 2015 Chevrolet Spark EV

Seat and seat belt issues 

Seat belts that may detach during a crash, increasing the risk of an injury, were the cause of a GM recall that took place in August 2022. In total, almost half a million SUVs were affected by this issue, including:   

  • 2021 – 2022 Cadillac Escalade 
  • 2021 – 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet Suburban  
  • 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe 
  • 2021 – 2022 GMC Yukon
  • 2021 – 2022 GMC Yukon XL

More recently, in October, approximately 7,000 cars were recalled because the driver’s seat belt potentially not being able to restrain the occupant in the event of a crash. The following models were affected by this issue: 

  • 2022 – 2023 Chevrolet Equinox
  • 2022 GMC Terrain

Defective brake boosters 

In July, there was a Buick recall for over 20,000 cars because their brake boosters could fail to engage. This would prolong the stopping distance, upping the risk of a crash. 

Windscreen wipers falling apart

Back in April 2022, GM recalled a large number of their SUVs because their windshield wipers could detach, which would reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash and injury. Almost 700,000 cars were affected by this recall, including: 

  • 2014 – 2015 Chevrolet Equinox
  • 2014 – 2015 GMC Terrain

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

At this moment, various GM engine issues and other problems had caused roughly 1.7 million of their cars to be recalled in the past six months. To do a GM recall check and see if yours is affected by any of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicGeneral Motors’ latest recalls affect more than 1.7 million cars
NHTSA closes General Motors investigation over difficult steering

NHTSA closes General Motors investigation over difficult steering

June 11, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – June 11, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator has closed an investigation into General Motors (NYSE:GM) over loss of power steering assist, which could increase steering effort and result in a crash. 

The investigation covered a total of 617,166 vehicles, including the following  

  • 2010-2012 Chevrolet Equinox
  • 2010-2012 GMC Terrain

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation back in January 2020, following complaints regarding an intermittent lack of power steering support.

However, the lengthy investigation has found out that this would only happen on rare occasions and under unique circumstances. In effect, the vehicle needs to travel in a straight line for at least half an hour, with the driver not turning the steering wheel. Even then, the power steering will regain its function after a brief moment. 

With that in mind, and the fact there were no reported accidents or injuries caused by this issue, the regulator did not identify the issue as a “safety defect” and closed the inquiry.

Risks

A malfunctioning power steering makes maneuvering more difficult, especially at lower speeds. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.  

The repair

The factory power steering gear on these vehicles suffered from poor lubrication,  which made steering more difficult. General Motors previously addressed this issue in November 2014, as a part of its Special Coverage repair.  During it, dealers have replaced the power steering hardware on affected vehicles with updated components and reprogrammed the “steering gear control module.”

The remedy “appears to be sufficient” to resolve the safety issue, according to NHTSA.

Other General Motors recalls 

In April, the manufacturer recalled GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox cars because of defective windshield wipers, as reported.

There was a GM SUV recall in August of last year because of the loss of power steering assist, as reported.

Could your vehicle be a part of a recall?

This investigation is closed, without any further action being required. However, if GM steering issues led to a recall, it would have affected more than 600,000 vehicles.

Your vehicle could still be part of a different recall. To do a Chevrolet or GMC recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNHTSA closes General Motors investigation over difficult steering
GM to recall SUVs with blinding headlights

GM to recall SUVs with blinding headlights

March 11, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – April 5, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) formally launched this recall around the time this article came out. The remedy is still under development. Owners will receive letters with more information on April 23, 2022.

Washington, D.C. – March 11, 2022 –  General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the GMC brand, will have to recall approximately 725,000 2010-2017 GMC Terrain SUVs following a rejection of appeal to the U.S. auto safety regulator to avoid the recall.

The headlights on these vehicles are too bright and might temporarily blind other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

The timeline of the recall is not clear.

Summary  

On vehicles that will be a part of this recall, headlights are brighter than federal regulations allow. This issue was originally noticed by the GMC itself, that reported it to the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in June 2019.

In its report, the manufacturer asked NHTSA to consider the defect “inconsequential” given that the reflections from the lights would appear “high above the vehicle… outside the driver view,” among other reasons.

However, on March 4, NHTSA rejected GM’s petition. As a result, GM will have to recall these vehicles to rectify the problem.  

Recall risks

Headlights that are too bright can cause glare, which may temporarily blind drivers of oncoming and surrounding vehicles. This can cause a crash, which increases the risk of an injury.

Other GMC Terrain recalls 

The last 2012 GMC Terrain recall was in July 2016 due to the risk of rollaway. Similarly, the last 2013 GMC Terrain recall also dates back to 2016, when over 360,000 of these cars were recalled due to faulty windshield wipers.

More recently, the 2020-2021 Terrain SUVs were among vehicles recalled due to tire tread separation that could result in the driver losing control of the vehicle, as reported.

The repair

GM said that it would fix the problem by replacing the faulty headlights. Additional details are not yet available but all repairs will be free of charge as it is always the case for recalls.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Because of this GMC Terrain headlights issue, more than 700,000 vehicles will soon have to be recalled. To do a GMC recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGM to recall SUVs with blinding headlights
General Motors recalls new SUVs over stalling issue

General Motors recalls new SUVs over stalling issue

October 17, 2021 Rebecca Rand , , ,

Warren, MI – October 17, 2021 –General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 14,901 SUVs that may stall due to a fuel pump issue. Stalling on the road can result in a crash, increasing the risk of injury for the occupants of the car and their fellow motorists. The recall includes the following models:

  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2021 GMC Yukon
  • 2021 GMC Yukon XL

The faulty component that caused this recall is the “Fuel Pump Power Control Module,” part #13537053. 

Recall summary  

The recalled Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Suburban, Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs contain a faulty fuel pump power control module. The module is a small computer that delivers power to run the car’s fuel pump, which in turn, delivers fuel to the engine. 

The defective control module may fail, causing the fuel pump to shut down which may starve the engine of gasoline and stall the car. GM blamed the defect on the supplier, Vitesco, but did not provide a specific cause for the fault. 

The recall is based on 617 related complaints and 229 reports of stalls drawn from warranty claim data. GM said it was not aware of any injuries related to this issue to date. 

Recall risks

Stalling out on the road puts the car at risk of being hit by faster-moving traffic. Read more about the risks of stalling and what to do if your car stalls in this article about a recent Chrysler recall.

Warning signs

Drivers may notice a few different “symptoms” if this problem is occurring:

  1. The check engine light may illuminate.
  2. The engine is running rough.
  3. The vehicle may enter into a “reduced power” mode, causing sluggish acceleration.

Other related recalls

General Motors recalled the same Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, and Yukon vehicle models over a recent power steering failure that affected 26,847 SUVs. 

In June, there was a Cadillac Escalade recall because of faulty airbag warning lights, as reported. The recall also included Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban and Yukon vehicles. 

There was a Chevrolet Tahoe recall in March because of the risk of flat tires.

There have been many Chevy recalls, including one in October 2019 for unintended braking.

The repair

GM dealers will replace the power control module on the recalled Chevy Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade SUVs for free. All owners will be officially notified about the recall starting November 8, but the repair is already available. Customers are eligible for courtesy transportation if they are concerned about driving their cars.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 14,000 vehicles are included in this Chevy, Cadillac and GMC recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandGeneral Motors recalls new SUVs over stalling issue
GM recalls Chevrolet and GMC pickups with dangerous airbags

GM recalls Chevrolet and GMC pickups with dangerous airbags

August 15, 2021 Rebecca Rand , ,

Warren, MI – August 15, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 410,019 pickup trucks with potentially dangerous airbags embedded in the vehicles’ roof-rails. The airbag inflator might rupture, propelling gas and the inflator’s end-cap into the vehicle at high speeds, which could injure vehicle occupants. 

The recall includes:

  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet  Silverado 2500
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet  Silverado 3500
  • 2015 – 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2015 – 2016 GMC Sierra 2500
  • 2015 – 2016 GMC Sierra 3500

The affected component is roof rail airbags with multiple part numbers, including 84487867 and 84487868. The bags were manufactured by a successor of Takata, Joyson Safety Systems, in Mexico.

Recall summary  

The pickup trucks’ roof rail airbags deploy like “curtains” over the windows to protect vehicle occupants’ heads during a crash. Inflators within these bags do what you expect them to do.  

Due to a manufacturing mistake, moisture “was introduced into the [inflator] vessel,” which may result in its corrosion. This may allow compressed gas to escape from the inflator and  result in the parts of the inflator hurling themselves into the car occupants, causing injury.

Background of the recall

Initially, GM recalled a smaller group of approximately 9,000 trucks this past November. The automaker expanded the recall in June after it became aware of three additional roof rail airbag inflator ruptures in Florida and Texas. General Motors noted that “thermal cycling” (i.e. very hot days and cool nights) exacerbate the defect, making the inflator more likely to rupture. 

Risks

If the airbag inflator ruptures and the inflator’s end cap or other parts go flying into the cabin, they could hit vehicle occupants at high speeds, potentially injuring them. 

This defect is different from the infamous Takata airbag defect. Takata airbag inflators do not randomly explode. Rather, they deploy “too hard” during a crash, blowing the inflator to pieces that can impale vehicle occupants. The recalled cars’ inflators, on the other hand, explode because the container holding the compressed gas becomes too weak to hold it. This can occur at any time–not just when the airbags are triggered during a crash. Both are dangerous and should be repaired as soon as possible.

The repair

Chevrolet and GMC dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the right- and left-side roof rail airbags for free. Owners will be warned about the recall by mail around August 16 and will receive a second letter once recall repairs become available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 410,000 vehicles are included in this Chevrolet and GMC recall. To see if your truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandGM recalls Chevrolet and GMC pickups with dangerous airbags
GM recalls vehicles due to risk of overloading

GM recalls vehicles due to risk of overloading

August 12, 2021 Mikaela Bolker ,

Warren, MI – August 12, 2021  – General Motors (NYSE: GM) has announced a recall for 7,199 2021 GMC Canyon pickup trucks due to an incorrect label which may cause the driver to add too much weight to the truck, increasing the risk of a crash.

The component in question is a “Tire and Loading Information Label,” with the part number 15261447.

Recall summary 

As reported, the tire and loading information label states “the maximum amount of weight the driver can safely add to the truck as cargo.”  The GMC Canyon load capacity label incorrectly overstated the weight capacity by 51 lbs.

Risks

Overloading the pickup truck can cause significant changes to the “driving dynamics” of the vehicle, which may result in a crash. In another similar recall, the issue was also expected to increase the vehicle’s stopping distance.

Other GM recalls

In July 2021, there was a GMC recall for 285,622 vehicles over a concern that the airbag malfunction indicator may fail to warn the driver if there is a problem with the airbag.   

The GMC Canyon 2015 was recalled in April 2021 when 60,678 pickup trucks may lose power steering on “startup or while driving.” 

The GMC Canyon 2021 pickup truck was recalled in December of last year because of faulty seat belts.

Repair

The repair is a modified label that provides the correct vehicle capacity weight.  The manufacturer will mail the labels to the owners, which they can apply themselves or take them to the dealership, if desired. The remedy is free of charge and owner notification letter are set to be sent on August 16, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of this recall? 

Over 7,000 vehicles are part of this General Motors recall. To do a GM recall check, use Motorsafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Mikaela BolkerGM recalls vehicles due to risk of overloading
GM recalls multiple models for faulty airbag warning light

GM recalls multiple models for faulty airbag warning light

July 1, 2021 Vishal Venugopal , , , ,

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 pickups for power steering problem

GM recalls pickups for power steering problem

April 30, 2021 Rebecca Rand , ,

Warren, MI – April 30, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 60,678 pickup trucks that may lose power steering on “startup or while driving,” increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes:

  • 2015 Chevrolet Colorado pickups
  • 2015 GMC Canyon pickups

The component in question is the “electric power steering rack,” with multiple part numbers, including 23228020 and 23228019.

Recall summary  

Power steering is a feature that makes it easier to turn or maneuver the vehicle.

The recall is an expansion of a previous recall conducted in 2016. It stems from an issue with the trucks’ power steering gears, which translate the turning of the steering wheel into the turning of the tires.  

Because of certain electrical connections being corroded or damaged within the gears, the  gears may lose power and shut off the power steering.

Warning signs

If the power steering is deactivated, the driver will hear chimes and see the malfunction indicator light (MIL) come on.

Risks

With a heavy car like a pickup truck, losing power steering can make it difficult to maneuver the car, especially at lower speeds. This augments the risk of an accident.

Read more about what to do if you lose power steering in this article about a similar Mercedes-Benz GLC recall.

The repair

Dealers will replace the faulty part with an improved model, free of charge. Drivers who repaired this issue on their own dime before May 10 are eligible for reimbursement. GM also said “courtesy transportation is available for customers whose vehicles are involved in this recall and are within the warranty coverage period for the warranty which is associated with this recall.”

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 60,000 vehicles are included in this General Motors recall. Want to do a GM recall check? Use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to check for open Chevrolet recalls and GMC recalls.

Rebecca RandGM recalls pickups for power steering problem
General Motors recalls over 94,000 SUVs for damaged seat belts

General Motors recalls over 94,000 SUVs for damaged seat belts

April 7, 2021 Aleksandra Snesareva , , ,

Warren, MI – April 7, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 94,641 vehicles whose seat belts may become damaged or trapped, increasing the risk of injury. The recall includes the following SUVs:

  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2021 GMC Yukon
  • 2021 GMC Yukon XL

Recall summary

The third-row seat and third-row seat belts in these vehicles may have been installed incorrectly. Therefore, they may become “entrapped” or damaged, making them difficult to use or latch. 

Risks

In the event of a crash, the seatbelt might break, amplifying the risk of injury. As stated in this  article about  a recent General Motors recall, seat belts saved about 15,000 lives in 2017 alone.  

Other General Motors recalls

In December 2020 General Motors recalled over 600,000 vehicles, including the 2021 Yukon XL, due to the seat belts being “loose or detached from the seat frame.” In 2021, Chevrolet Tahoe was part of a 33,000-strong  recall due to defective Continental tires.

Repair

GM dealers will inspect and replace damaged seat belts for free. Owners will be contacted about this recall on May 3.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Approximately 95,000 vehicles are part of this General Motors recall. To perform a General Motors recall check, use Motor Safety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Aleksandra SnesarevaGeneral Motors recalls over 94,000 SUVs for damaged seat belts
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