GM Truck, SUV Recall Issued Over Risk Of Electronic Braking System Activating Unexpectedly
More than 600,000 General Motors trucks and SUV’s have been recalled, after the manufacturer identified a software defect that may cause the electronic braking to activate unexpectedly, increased risk of an automobile accident.
The General Motors recall was announced by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on October 30, indicating that a software defect that could cause the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) to activate the driveline-protection system, which may cause the vehicle to swerve and increase the risk of a crash.
According to a recall report, certain four-wheel drive vehicles equipped with 5.3-liter engines and a 3.08-ratio rear axle may be prone to crash hazards due to a wheel sensor failure, that could cause the EBCM to activate the driveline-protection system unintentionally, which may cause the vehicle to pull to one side while in motion.
General Motors indicates the braking problem could occur while the vehicle is traveling at speeds between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel drive mode. In the event of the wheel speed sensor failing, the Electronic Stability Control and the vehicles Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) malfunction indicator lamps will illuminate on the driver information center.
Owners are being warned that in the event of this engagement, the driveline-protection system will cause unintentional braking of the wheel opposite of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly at increased speeds.
The recall impacts approximately 638,068 model year 2015 through 2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014 through 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. All of the impacted vehicles are equipped with a 5.3-liter engines, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive.
No recall repair schedule has yet been released by General Motors, however the manufacturer intends to notify customers of the defect and provide instructions on how to schedule a free repair appointment at their local dealer, who will be instructed to reprogram the EBCM.
General Motors indicates that until the affected vehicles are repaired, customers should operate them in two-wheel drive mode to eliminate the risk of the sensor failure.
Owners with additional questions or concerns regarding the recall may contact Chevrolet Customer Service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customers service at 1-800-462-8782 and reference the recall campaign number N192261050.