General Motors will recall 449,671 pickups and SUVs due to faulty software that can lead to a failure of their brake fluid warning lights. The good new is that GM will use smartphone technology to make the repairs.
GM Warning Lights vary from model to model but should be obvious to owners when lit.
Of all the hardware on your car, none are as important as your brakes. But a defect on nearly 450,000 General Motors SUVs and pickups could render them inoperable – and without warning.
The defect specifically concerns warning lights that are supposed to be triggered whenever a vehicle experiences a loss of brake fluid.
The automaker did not issue an advisory telling motorists to stop driving their vehicles, however. Loss of brake fluid is a relatively uncommon situation, especially in newer vehicles. But when it does occur it can lead to reduced braking performance and, in worst-case situations, a complete loss of brakes.
What vehicles are affected?
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade is one of the models covered by the recall.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some version of these models are covered by the recall:
- 2023-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV;
- 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500;
- 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban;
- 2023 GMC Sierra 1500;
- 2023-2024 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL.
The problem
All modern vehicles are capable of sensing brake fluid levels. If levels begin to drop – typically through a leak in the hydraulic brake lines, though other causes are possible – that triggers a warning light on the instrument panel
Losing brake fluid is always a safety concern but owners should take the new recall seriously because of the mass of these vehicles – which requires brakes to be in particularly good condition. These models are frequently used for towing or hauling cargo which puts even more strains on the brake system.
According to GM and NHTSA, faulty software means that the warning lights may not activate if brake fluid levels fall below a safe level.
More Safety News
- Ram Recalls 1.2 Million Pickups
- Tesla Recalls Nearly 2 Million EVs
- Ford Recalls Over 2 Million Explorers
The fix
Repairs can be made using the same over-the-air update technology found on all modern cellphones.
The good news is that these products all are capable of making smartphone-style over-the-air updates. That means motorists may not even realize that the faulty software has been replaced.
Otherwise, owners will need to take their vehicles into a dealer service shop. Either way, repairs will be made at no cost to consumers.
Owner notification letters will be issued by GM no later than October 28. But motorists can contact the automaker by phone. The Cadillac contact number is 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet’s is 1-800-222-1020; and GMC can be reached at 1-800-462-8782.
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