Chevrolet, Buick, GMC Brake Problems Results in Recall of 210K Vehicles

More than  200,000 Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles are being recalled due to a manufacturing error that allow gas to enter the braking system and reduce the driver’s ability stop, increasing the risk of an auto accident. 

The General Motors brake recall was announced by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) late last month because the rear-brake caliper pistons could contain trapped hydrogen gas that could hinder the vehicles’ ability to brake. To date, no injuries or crashes have been reported in relation to the recall.

General Motors (GM) first learned of the issue in May 2018, when an engineer reported the brake pedals failed a pre-inspection test. The brake supplier notified GM an investigation was currently ongoing into potential issues with the brakes that could cause them to be soft, and fail to properly apply braking ability.

According to the NHTSA, the investigation revealed the brake pistons were not properly chromed and tempered during the manufacturing process, which could allow gas to remain trapped in the piston body. In this event, the trapped gas could contact the brake fluid and be released into the brake system, potentially softening the brakes and disrupting brake performance, resulting in longer stopping distances and increased risk of crash and injury.

To date, GM is aware of at least 375 warranty claims relating to the brake issues, in which 306 of the claims were able to be corrected bylocal dealers.

The recall affects model year 2018 through 2019 Chevrolet Cruze, 2018 through 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, 2018 through 2019 Chevrolet Impala, 2018, Chevrolet Malibu, 2018 through 2019 Chevrolet Volt, 2018 through 2019 GMC Terrain, 2018 through 2019 Buick Lacrosse, 2018 through 2019 Buick Regal, 2018 through 2019 Cadillac XTS, 2018 through 2019 Cadillac XTS Professional and 2018 through 2019 Chevrolet Bolt models.

GM will begin notifying owners of the recall and provide instructions on how to schedule a free repair at their local dealers, who will be instructed to “bleed” the brake system to remove any gas. Customers with additional questions or concerns regarding the recall may contact General Motors Customer Service and reference recall campaign number 18279.