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General Motors recalls vehicles with defective rearview cameras

September 30, 2022 Joseph Estabillo Cadillac Recalls, GM Recalls, GMC Recalls

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.

NHTSA closes General Motors investigation over difficult steering

June 11, 2022 Bojan Popic GM Recalls

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.

General Motors recalls vehicles with defective windshield wipers

April 5, 2022 Senamile Nkosi Chevrolet Recalls, GM Recalls, GMC Recalls

Warren, MI – April 5, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) is recalling 681,509 vehicles with defective windshield wipers. This increases the risk of a crash.

The recall includes the following SUVs:

2014 – 2015 Chevrolet Equinox
2014 – 2015 GMC Terrain

Recall summary

The operation of the wipers is controlled by the windshield wipers’ module. In this recall, the ball joints – which are important for the movement of the various parts – in the module may rust and separate from their sockets due to what appears to be faulty design.

This means that when the windshield wipers may fail to perform obstructing the driver’s view.

Recall risks

The defect increase s the risk of a crash or injury to the driver, passengers and other motorists.

Other recent GM recalls

Last month, there was a GMC Terrain recall that involved the 2010-2017 model-years due to blinding headlights, as reported.

In September 2021, there was a Chevrolet Equinox recall due to the risk of loss of vehicle control because of faulty tires. The recall also included GMC Terrain SUVs, as reported.

In August 2021, there was a Chevrolet recall. The recall – that encompassed Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles – was necessitated by faulty airbags whose inflators may rupture at any point even when there is no crash.

Repair

To resolve the issue, dealers will replace the front windshield wiper module free of charge. Owners who have already paid for the repairs out of pocket will be reimbursed. Letters with more information will be sent to the drivers starting May 2, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 680,000 Chevrolet and GMC vehicles are included in this recall. To do a GM recall check, please, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

GM to recall SUVs with blinding headlights

March 11, 2022 Bojan Popic GMC Recalls

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.

General Motors under investigation for airbag failures

April 19, 2021 Rebecca Rand Cadillac Recalls, Chevrolet Recalls, GM Recalls, GMC Recalls

Washington, D.C. – April 19, 2021 – The U.S. government’s highway safety regulator is investigating General Motors (NYSE:GM) over reports of an airbag malfunction. The investigation cites 15 complaints and covers the following vehicles:

2020 – 2021 Cadillac CT4
2020 – 2021 Cadillac CT5
2020 – 2021 Cadillac Escalade
2020 – 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2020 – 2021 Cadillac XT5
2020 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2020 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
2020 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
2020-2021 Chevrolet Suburban
2020 – 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
2020 – 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
2020 – 2021 GMC Sierra 2500
2020 – 2021 GMC Sierra 3500
2020 – 2021 GMC Yukon
2020 – 2021 GMC Yukon XL
2020 GMC Sierra Denali
2021 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 5500HD
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 6500HD

Complaints

Of the 15 complaints, consumers submitted to the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), six mention serious crashes where the airbags failed to deploy, while eight highlight injuries that occurred in connection with the problem.

One complaint from Dayton, Ohio graphically describes the consequences when one driver’s airbag failed to deploy in an accident, resulting in a serious head injury. During the accident, “something hit [the driver’s] face while the “steering wheel airbag” failed to deploy. The driver remembers crawling out of their overturned Cadillac Escalade and being taken to the hospital. Upon being discharged, the person experienced “loss of taste and smell” except for the “smell of brain matter” from “fluid” dripping down their nasal cavity.

Other complaints describe the airbags failing to deploy despite the driver hitting several trees.

Cause of the problem

The administration’s investigation points to a bulletin GM posted for dealers and repair shops in March, addressing problems with the airbag warning light. The bulletin blames the problem on “rust particles in the connection terminal interface of the driver airbag inflator.”

However, according to a statement obtained by the Associated Press (AP), GM said it was unaware of any airbags failing to deploy due to this problem, adding that its own analysis of the issue found that airbags would still deploy in a crash even if the malfunction light was on.

Warning signs

Some of the complaints describe the airbag and “service safety restraint system” warning lights coming on as often as “every two to three minutes when driving.”

Other GM airbag recalls

GM has recently recalled close to 6 million cars because of potentially lethal Takata airbags that may rupture when deployed. Separately, in April NHTSA launched another investigation after multiple car manufacturers – including GM – recalled airbags that were improperly folded during the installation process and could fail to deploy. The airbags were manufactured by Joyson, a successor of Takata.

It is not clear who produced the GM airbags at the center of the current investigation.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 749,000 vehicles could be recalled as a result of NHTSA’s investigation. To do a GM recall check, bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool and come back to the site when more details become available.

General Motors recalls over 33,000 cars over risk of flat tires

March 11, 2021 Rebecca Rand Buick Recalls, Cadillac Recalls, Chevrolet Recalls, GM Recalls, GMC Recalls

Warren, MI – March 11, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 33,838 vehicles whose tires may rupture out on the road. The recall includes the following models:

2020 Buick Enclave
2020 Cadillac Escalade
2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2020 Cadillac XT4
2020 Cadillac XT5
2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer
2018-2021 Chevrolet Express
2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2020 Chevrolet Suburban
2020 Chevrolet Tahoe
2020 Chevrolet Traverse
2019-2020 GMC Acadia
2018-2021 GMC Savana
2019-2020 GMC Sierra 1500
2020 GMC Yukon
2020 GMC Yukon XL

Recall summary

Before being placed in service, tires are “cured,” or given final shape, using a mold and a rubber “bladder.” The tires in question were accidentally cured for longer than necessary, making them prone to rupture and failure.

While the tires are being recalled by GM, they are part of a larger problem with Continental brand tires. This recall expands an earlier GM recall in November 2020 and includes more models that may be equipped with defective tires.

In its turn, Mercedes-Benz has also just announced that it would inspect over 2,500 cars due to the same issue. To read about warning signs that may indicate that the tires are defective, please see the recent article we wrote about that recall.

Risks

The defective tires may suddenly go flat. Additionally, the outer tread – which is the part that touches the road – could separate from the rest of the tire. Both conditions could cause the driver to lose control of the car and crash.

The repair

GM dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace vehicles’ tires for free. Notifications with more information will be sent to owners around April 12.

Recent Chevrolet recalls, GMC recalls

GM recalled nearly 6 million vehicles equipped with potentially dangerous Takata airbags in February. The airbags’ inflators may break apart after a crash and kill or injure the occupants of the car with sharp metal fragments.

The recall spanned several GM brands, including Chevrolet and GMC.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 33,000 vehicles are included in this GM recall. To see if your [type of vehicle] is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

General Motors vehicles recalled for seat belt issue

December 31, 2020 Ken Boyd Chevrolet Recalls, GM Recalls, GMC Recalls

Warren, MI – December 31, 2020 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 624,216 vehicles due to a seat belt issue in the front-row center seat. The seat belt may not properly secure the occupant in the seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

The recall includes:

2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trucks
2019-2021 GMC Sierra 1500 trucks
2021 Chevrolet Suburban SUVs
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs
2021 GMC Yukon XL SUVs
2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 trucks
2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 trucks
2020-2021 GMC Sierra 2500 trucks
2020-2021 GMC Sierra 3500 trucks

Recall summary

Seat belt brackets are designed to secure the seat belt to the seat frame. In recalled vehicles, the supplier of the front-row center seat failed to attach the brackets to the frame of the seat correctly.

As a result, the seat belt may be “loose or detached from the seat frame.” Passengers may also hear a rattling sound emanating from the seat.

The issue was first caught by the manufacturer in August 2020. There are no injuries associated with this recall.

Other GM recalls

December saw a GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado recall due to an issue with roof-rail airbags, as well as a massive, six-million car recall due to faulty Takata airbags’ inflators that are prone to hurling “sharp metal fragments” into the car occupants in a crash. The latter includes Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe SUVs. However, the trucks involved in both recalls are older models and not the same ones that are being recalled this time around.

Risks

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among those aged 1-54 in the U.S.” Seat belts can sharply reduce the risk of death or injury in a crash but they must be able to secure each occupant in the vehicle. If not, the passenger or the driver may be injured inside the vehicle or thrown from the vehicle during a crash.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers must inspect the seat belt bracket attachments on both sides of the front-row center seat and will reassemble them as necessary. The repair will be free of charge. General Motors expects to begin the recall on February 1, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 624,000 vehicles are included in this General Motors recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sierra and Silverado trucks recalled for airbag inflator issue

December 22, 2020 Ken Boyd Chevrolet Recalls, GM Recalls, GMC Recalls

Warren, MI – December 22, 2020 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 9,279 vehicles that operate with roof-rail airbags. The airbags connect to the inflation system using an end cap and the cap may malfunction. The recall includes:

2015 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks
2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 trucks
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trucks

Recall summary

The vehicles in this recall are equipped with roof-rail airbags (RRAB). These airbags deploy from near the roof and downward, to protect occupants from a side-impact crash.

Each RRAB operates with an inflator, which inflates the airbag with compressed gas during a crash. An end cap keeps the compressed gas in the airbag.
A supplier’s manufacturing error caused moisture to corrode inside the inflator vessel near the end cap.
In the recalled cars, the inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, and compressed gas may propel the end cap into the passenger compartment. The end cap may injure occupants or distract the driver and cause a crash.

GM is aware of two cases of end caps detaching. No injuries have been reported.

Note that this recall is different from the massive recalls for defective Takata airbags in 2015 or the recent recall of Nissan Sentras, also related to airbags.

GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado vehicles have had other recall notices in recent years. Recalls have been made for ignition locks, brakes, seats and for seat belt issues.

Risks

A detached end cap may fly forcefully into the vehicle and hit an occupant, causing an injury. The end cap detachment may also distract the driver.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will inspect each RRAB and replace modules that appear to be dangerous. The repair is free of charge. General Motors expects the recall to begin on January 10, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 9,200 vehicles are included in this Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

General Motors issues another round of recalls for brake assist system

November 25, 2020 Ken Boyd Cadillac Recalls, Chevrolet Recalls, GM Recalls, GMC Recalls

Pleasanton, CA – November 25, 2020 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 14,620 vehicles that operate with either 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engines. In each case, the power of the mechanical vacuum pump – which helps the engine with several key functions, including braking – may decrease. This may negatively affect the brake assist system. The recall includes:

2018 Cadillac Escalade sedans
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trucks
2018 Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs
2018 GMC Sierra 1500 trucks
2018 GMC Yukon SUVs

Recall summary

Among other functions, the mechanical vacuum pump provides power to the brake assist system. Due to a design error that was not addressed during a previous recall of the vacuum pump in the power assist brakes last year, essentially “the output” of the pump can drop over time, making the power brake assist system less effective.

There are several factors that alert the driver to the brake assist issue:

The brake pedal may vibrate when the driver applies the brakes
Braking requires more effort
A ticking sound is emitted from the engine compartment when the brakes are applied
The driver may see a “Service Brake” message pop up on the dash

Risks

If the brake assist is not operating correctly, the driver must press on the brake pedal with more effort and depress it further to be able to stop the vehicle.

This change in braking ability increases the risk of a crash. Drivers may not be able to brake quickly enough to slow or stop the vehicle. GM notes that the problem is more apparent at low speeds when a driver applies soft pressure to the brakes.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to inspect the Electronic Brake Control Module and reprogram the system. The recall is free of charge and began on November 16.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

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

Recall summary

Recall risks

Background of the recall

Warning signs

Other General Motors recalls

Repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Investigation summary

Risks

The repair

Other General Motors recalls

Could your vehicle be a part of a recall?

Recall summary

Recall risks

Other recent GM recalls

Repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Summary

Recall risks

Other GMC Terrain recalls

The repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Complaints

Cause of the problem

Warning signs

Other GM airbag recalls

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Recall summary

Risks

The repair

Recent Chevrolet recalls, GMC recalls

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Recall summary

Other GM recalls

Risks

The repair

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Risks

The repair

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Recall summary

Risks

The repair

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