GM Issues Recall of Approximately 450,000 Vehicles Due to Brake Warning Malfunction
In a recent development, General Motors Co. has announced a recall of 449,671 vehicles due to a software fault in the electronic brake control module. The issue was first discovered by a GM engineer on April 18 and was later confirmed through an investigation that revealed a mismatch between the electronic brake control module software and calibrations.
The problem was observed during a "forced brake fluid leak test" on a vehicle where the brake warning light failed to illuminate when the fluid level dropped. This fault may cause the brake warning light on the dash to not illuminate if there is a loss of brake fluid, potentially posing a safety risk.
The affected vehicles include certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups, as well as the 2023-2024 models of Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL SUVs, and Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV. Vehicles produced after July 24, 2024, are not affected by the recall.
GM made the decision to conduct a noncompliance recall for vehicles produced before July 24 on Sept. 5. Dealers were notified of the recall on Sept. 12, and owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on Oct. 28. Customers can also visit a dealer to have the software updated.
It is worth noting that a software update was implemented on vehicles produced after August 1. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that 100% of these vehicles have the software defect.
The company opened a product investigation on April 30 and has since remedied the problem via an over-the-air software update for the electronic brake control module. GM is not aware of any crashes or injuries associated with this issue.
While the exact production dates for the affected vehicles produced before July 24, 2024, have not been specified in the available search results, Volkswagen reportedly reduced the planned production volume at the Hannover plant by 21,000 units in 2025, including the electric ID. Buzz and the combustion engine Multivan. However, exact production data before July 24, 2024, were not detailed.
GM encourages customers to stay vigilant and to take advantage of the software update to ensure the safety of their vehicles. The company remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality for its customers.
