GM Brake Defects Lawsuit Claims Manufacturer Knew of Problems With 2025 Vehicles

New York woman alleges that the brake system on her Chevrolet Traverse suddenly stopped working while she was driving, posing a serious accident risk.

A recently filed class action lawsuit alleges that General Motors (GM) failed to issue a recall for several 2025 model year vehicles, despite internal testing data, dealer reports and consumer complaints warning of dangerous brake cylinder defects.

The complaint (PDF), brought by Eric Barron and Chelsey Thompson in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on October 2, names General Motors LLC as the sole defendant. 

According to the lawsuit, GM was aware that the master brake cylinder in certain vehicles could fail prematurely, causing a sudden loss of braking power and increasing the risk of crashes or serious injuries.

The master cylinder serves as the core of a vehicle’s hydraulic braking system, converting pedal pressure into hydraulic force that delivers brake fluid to each wheel. When it malfunctions, the system may lose pressure entirely, leaving drivers unable to stop the vehicle safely.

The complaint alleges the defect impacts the following 2025 GM models:

• Chevrolet Traverse
• GMC Acadia
• Buick Enclave
• Chevrolet Colorado
• GMC Canyon

The lawsuit claims GM was aware of this defect before releasing its 2025 lineup, yet continued using the same part despite prior internal warnings.

According to the complaint, GM issued a service update for certain 2024 Chevrolet Traverse and 2025 Buick Enclave vehicles, acknowledging that internal seals in the master brake cylinder could fail, causing loss of braking power. Despite this, the same or similar parts were allegedly used in the 2025 model lineup without a recall.

The filing cites dozens of NHTSA complaints describing complete brake failures, dashboard warnings, and long waits for replacement parts. Plaintiffs accuse GM of concealing the defect, continuing to market the vehicles as safe and reliable despite knowing the brake cylinders could fail.

GM Brake Cylinder Lawsuit

Thompson, of Rochester, New York, says her 2025 Chevrolet Traverse experienced brake failure just four weeks after purchase. She reported that warning lights appeared on the dashboard before the brake pedal sank to the floor, forcing her to use the parking brake to stop. A dealership later confirmed the master brake cylinder had failed at just 1,237 miles.

Barron, of Springfield, Pennsylvania, purchased his Chevrolet Traverse vehicle in April 2025, and experienced a similar brake failure less than three months later. After dashboard warnings appeared, a dealership confirmed the master brake cylinder had failed.

Both Barron and Thompson claim that their vehicles are worth considerably less than they paid for them, due to the master brake cylinder defects, and that GM has failed to issue a recall concerning the known issue or fix the problem under warranty in a timely manner.

“The Defect substantially impairs the Class Vehicles’ ability to provide safe and reliable transportation and renders the vehicles unmerchantable and worth less money at the time of sale or lease.”

— Eric Barron and Chelsey Thompson v. General Motors LLC

The plaintiffs raise allegations of fraudulent concealment, unjust enrichment, breach of express warranty, breach of implied warranty of merchantability, violation of the Pennsylvania Lemon Law, the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, the New York Lemon Law, and New York General Business Law.

They are seeking class action certification for their complaint, including special subclasses for residents of Pennsylvania and New York, as well as actual, incidental, consequential and punitive damages, in addition to equitable relief, including replacement of the affected vehicles or repair of their master brake defect.

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