Cadillac Recall Issued Over Defective Brake Pedals That Could Fracture

More than 2,100 Cadillac vehicles have been recalled after an internal investigation by General Motors found that certain vehicles may experience brake pedal failure during normal operation, with the brake pedal assembly possibly fracturing, which may increase the risk of a crash or serious injury. 

A 2015 Cadillac ATS and CTS recall (PDF) was announced by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on June 3, following an investigation that led to the discovery of fracturing brake pedal assemblies installed during the manufacturing process. To date, no injuries or incident reports have been received outside of the testing facility.

On March 24, 2015, officials from a GM plant reported that a 2015 model year Cadillac CTS vehicle failed the testing process due to a fracture in the bracket between the brake pedal assembly and the rod that actuates the vehicle service brakes. GM reportedly implemented a containment and inspection process for all vehicle manufactured with similar model actuators eventually leading to an investigation opened on April 22.

The automaker’s investigation determined that some of the brackets between the brake pedal assembly and rod actuator may have been fractured during the manufacturing process due to the mechanical failure of a machine.

GM reported to the NHTSA that a machine used by the supplier to manufacture the affected brackets experienced a mechanical failure due to the supplier periodically using incompatible raw material in the machine. On May 27, the company determined a safety defect exists in an unknown population of the vehicles, prompting their Safety and Field Investigation Decision Authority to conduct a recall.

If the brake pedal assembly fractures while the vehicle is in motion, the driver will lose the braking ability completely. This could cause fatal scenarios when approaching intersections or congested traffic-ways, posing a risk to drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

The recall includes 2,163 model year 2015 Cadillac ATS and CTS vehicles manufactured by General Motors from January 27, 2015 to March 24, 2015.

The NHTSA anticipates GM to begin notifying owners of the recall on August 1, 2015, which will provide customers with instructions on how to schedule an appointment at a local dealer to have the brake assembly inspected and replaced if necessary free of charge. Customers with further questions may contact Cadillac’s customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and refer to the recall number 15352.