Over 450,000 General Motors Trucks and SUVs Recalled Over Faulty Braking Systems

Warning lights may not illuminate if the system has degraded far enough, leaving drivers with no indication that brakes may fail before an accident.

According to federal safety officials, eight different GM models of SUVs and pickup trucks have a software malfunction, which may prevent a warning light from showing when a loss of brake fluid occurs, potentially resulting in sudden braking problems that may increase the risk of a car accident.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) posted information about a GM recall on September 12, pointing out that defects with the Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software on certain 2023 and 2024 model year vehicles could result in extremely dangerous driving situations.

Electronic Brake Control Modules monitor each wheel, and send electrical impulses to the vehicle’s computer. In the case of the recalled GM trucks and SUVs, the eBCM also monitors brake fluid levels, and may not report when those levels are low, leading either to difficulty depressing the brake pedals or to loose pedals that may quickly go to the floor, causing the brakes not to work properly.

The recalled GM models (PDF) include:

• 2023-2024 Cadillac Escalade
• 2023-2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV
• 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• 2023-2024 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
• 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe
• 2023 GMC Sierra 1500
• 2023-2024 GMC Yukon
• 2023-2024 GMC Yukon XL

General Motors says they do not know of any accidents or injuries related to the recall.

The auto manufacturer became aware of the eBCM problem in April 2024 after a GM engineer noticed there was no warning light during a test in which brake fluid was intentionally leaked out of a vehicle, and reported the issue.

GM then launched an investigation, which revealed that a mismatch in the eBCM software and eBCM calibrators built into the vehicles at the factory could cause the system to fail to detect and notify the driver of a brake fluid leak. Notifications are required under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, “Light Vehicle Brake Systems.”

The company’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) initiated the noncompliance recall (PDF) in September 2024.

GM estimates that 449,671 vehicles are at risk of having one of the faulty brake systems. The company is urging owners to always watch for a red brake warning light before total loss of brake fluid occurs. However, in certain cases of brake fluid leaks in the recalled vehicles, there may be no indication whatsoever, especially if the vehicle’s brake pedal performance has already degraded before the warning light appears.

Owners should begin receiving notification letters in October 2024, with instructions on how to schedule a repair at their local dealer. All covered vehicles are still under warranty. GM can update the software in the eBCM either at a dealership or, for eligible vehicles, via over-the-air (OTA) updates for owners who have accepted the terms and conditions.

Dealers are advised to review IVH or the Dealer Maxis reports for open VINs in their inventory.

GM’s number for this recall is N242447990. Customers with additional questions may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006.

The contact for this recall is DeMara Magruder who may be reached by email at demara.magruder@dot.gov. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.