NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Exterior Lighting complaints
140 reportsClear category filter95,000 miles · Sep 28, 2020
Exterior Lighting
ONE OF THE BREAK LIGHTS IS OUT. THEY HAVE MADE THE BRAKE LIGHTS IN SUCH A WAY THAT YOU CAN NO LONGER JUST REPLACE THE BULBS BUT HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE UNIT AT A COST OF $885. THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE 2015 AND 2016 MODELS THAT CAUSES THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FAIL. GMC IS AWARE OF IT AND DID EXTEND WARRANTY COVERAGE SO THAT…
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ONE OF THE BREAK LIGHTS IS OUT. THEY HAVE MADE THE BRAKE LIGHTS IN SUCH A WAY THAT YOU CAN NO LONGER JUST REPLACE THE BULBS BUT HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE UNIT AT A COST OF $885. THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE 2015 AND 2016 MODELS THAT CAUSES THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FAIL. GMC IS AWARE OF IT AND DID EXTEND WARRANTY COVERAGE SO THAT IF YOU ARE "LUCKY" ENOUGH TO HAVE THEM FAIL WITH LESS THAN 72,000 ON YOUR VEHICLE THEY WILL REPLACE THEM AT NO COST BUT AFTER THAT THEY WILL NOT. THEY KNOW THE PRODUCT AND IT SHOULD BE RECALLED. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR PEOPLE TO DRIVE AROUND WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS BECAUSE IT COSTS NEARLY $900 A PIECE TO REPLACE THEM! PERHAPS THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE TURNED WHAT USED TO BE AN CHEAP, EASY THING TO FIX ON YOUR OWN INTO A $900 REPAIR IN THE FIRST PLACE. NOW THAT THEY HAVE THEY SHOULD AT LEAST STAND BEHIND THE PRODUCT.
NHTSA ODI #11361630
42,000 miles · Sep 27, 2020
Exterior Lighting
LED BRAKE LAMP WENT OUT AT 42K MILES, BUT GM REQUIRES REPLACEMENT OF ENTIRE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY AT EXPONENTIAL COST.
NHTSA ODI #11361373
Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2020
Exterior Lighting
THE LEFT LED TAIL LIGHT WOULD GO OUT AND THEN COME BACK ON. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. POLICE STOPPED ME TWICE BUT THANKFULLY, DID NOT GIVE ME A TICKET. HAD IT REPAIRED 2 OR 3 TIMES. IT MIGHT LAST A DAY OR TWO AND THEN GOES OUT AGAIN. APPARENTLY, THERE IS A THIN METAL PIECE THAT IS SORTED TOGETHER THAT KEE…
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THE LEFT LED TAIL LIGHT WOULD GO OUT AND THEN COME BACK ON. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. POLICE STOPPED ME TWICE BUT THANKFULLY, DID NOT GIVE ME A TICKET. HAD IT REPAIRED 2 OR 3 TIMES. IT MIGHT LAST A DAY OR TWO AND THEN GOES OUT AGAIN. APPARENTLY, THERE IS A THIN METAL PIECE THAT IS SORTED TOGETHER THAT KEEPS BREAKING. THE RIGHT ONE HAS STARTED DOING IT TOO. I WAS OVER THE MILEAGE FOR THE RECALL. CAN'T AFFORD THE $1600 OR SO IT WOULD COST FOR NEW IMPROVED TAIL LIGHTS. WHAT DOES MILEAGE HAVE TO DO WITH REPAIRING A DEFECT IN THE PRODUCTS USED IN THE TAIL LIGHT? I AM CONSTANTLY AFRAID SOMEONE WILL REAR END ME SINCE THE LIGHT DOESN'T WORK.
NHTSA ODI #11360531
52,000 miles · Sep 8, 2020
Exterior LightingService Brakes
2015 REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WORK INTERMITTENTLY AND NEED TO BE REPLACED OR REPAIRED. GMC KNOW THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE DONE NOTHING. HUGE SAFETY ISSUE!!
NHTSA ODI #11353673
85,000 miles · Aug 12, 2020
Exterior Lighting
TOOK MY CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 2015 YUKON XL INTO DEALER WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY WITH INTERMITTENT FAILURE IN BOTH TAIL LAMPS (THE RED PART FOR BRAKE AND TAIL LAMP FUNCTION GOES OUT; TURN SIGNAL STILL WORKS). CONDITION WAS NOT NOTED ON MY SERVICE TICKET SINCE THE TAIL LAMPS WAS WORKING FINE AT THE TIME. WARRANTY EXPIRED, PASSEN…
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TOOK MY CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 2015 YUKON XL INTO DEALER WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY WITH INTERMITTENT FAILURE IN BOTH TAIL LAMPS (THE RED PART FOR BRAKE AND TAIL LAMP FUNCTION GOES OUT; TURN SIGNAL STILL WORKS). CONDITION WAS NOT NOTED ON MY SERVICE TICKET SINCE THE TAIL LAMPS WAS WORKING FINE AT THE TIME. WARRANTY EXPIRED, PASSENGER TAIL LAMP WENT OUT COMPLETELY AND BOTH DEALER AND A CALL TO GMC TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULDN'T ASSIST IN SPITE OF MY ATTEMPT TO ADDRESS WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. NEEDED TAIL LAMP TO PASS STATE INSPECTION AND RETURN MY WIFE AND FOUR KIDS SAFELY TO THE ROAD, SO I HAD TO PAY. AS I WALKED OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP TO RETRIEVE MY VEHICLE AFTER THE $400 PASSENGER TAIL LAMP REPLACEMENT, I FOUND THE DRIVER SIDE TAIL LAMP TO BE INOPERABLE, EVEN THOUGH IT HAD JUST PASSED THE STATE INSPECTION 20 MIN PRIOR. I SHOWED THE SERVICE ADVISOR AND SPOKE TO SERVICE MANAGER. THEY BOTH AGREED THAT THE TAIL LAMP ISSUE IS WIDE-SPREAD, UNSAFE, AND A MAJOR QUALITY ISSUE, BUT THEY WERE BOUND BY GMC POLICIES. YES, GMC EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THESE TAIL LAMPS, BUT I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE AS PREOWNED CERTIFIED WITH 68K MILES. SPECIAL PART WARRANTY WENT TO 70K AND MY CERTIFIED WARRANTY WENT TO 80K. I DID MY PART AND TOOK THE VEHICLE IN AS SOON AS THE PROBLEM AROSE, YET HERE I AM HOLDING AN $800 BAG OF BROKEN TAIL LAMPS. HORRENDOUS QUALITY ISSUE THAT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FOR THESE VEHICLES. IT IS TIME TO ISSUE THE RECALL!!!
NHTSA ODI #11348875
72,000 miles · Jul 10, 2020
Electrical SystemExterior LightingService Brakes
MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE. ANOTHER 2015 YUKON WITH NO TAIL OR STOP LIGHTS. I'M OVER MILLAGE ON SPECIAL RECALL. THERE SHOULD BE NO TIME/MILLAGE ISSUE ON THIS. SEAT BELTS LOCK UP. BRAKES ARE EITHER GOOD OR MUSSY WHENEVER THEY WANT TO BE. HARD TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ALSO WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IT WOULD COMPLET…
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MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE. ANOTHER 2015 YUKON WITH NO TAIL OR STOP LIGHTS. I'M OVER MILLAGE ON SPECIAL RECALL. THERE SHOULD BE NO TIME/MILLAGE ISSUE ON THIS. SEAT BELTS LOCK UP. BRAKES ARE EITHER GOOD OR MUSSY WHENEVER THEY WANT TO BE. HARD TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ALSO WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IT WOULD COMPLETELY DIE (NO LIGHTS MOTOR DIED, NO POWER STEERING, NO AIR BAGS, NO RADIO NOTHING AT ALL ON THE X-WAY AT 70 MPH) AND THE DEALER COULD NOT REPAIR IT! RUST ON FRAME RAILS. (AND MORE).
NHTSA ODI #11338588
Mileage unknown · Jun 30, 2020
Electrical SystemExterior LightingService Brakes
MY PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY NEED TO BE REPLACED AS THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. THIS HAS BECOME A COMMON PROBLEM AS EVIDENCED BY THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS FILED ON YOUR SITE FOR THE SAME ISSUE. LACK OF PROPERLY FUNCTIONING TAIL LIGHTS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11331792
80,000 miles · Jun 30, 2020
Exterior Lighting
THE REAR PASSENGER & DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS JUST RANDOMLY STOPPED WORKING. NOT A BULB ISSUE AS IT IS THE LED PANEL OF LIGHTS. THE BACK-UP BULB STILL WORKS, BUT THE LED BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T. LED LIGHTS SHOULD LAST YEARS. DEALERSHIP SAYS IT HAPPENS A LOT TO THESE VEHICLES, AND I HAVE TO BUY A WHOLE NEW UNIT FOR EACH SIDE. THIS IS…
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THE REAR PASSENGER & DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS JUST RANDOMLY STOPPED WORKING. NOT A BULB ISSUE AS IT IS THE LED PANEL OF LIGHTS. THE BACK-UP BULB STILL WORKS, BUT THE LED BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T. LED LIGHTS SHOULD LAST YEARS. DEALERSHIP SAYS IT HAPPENS A LOT TO THESE VEHICLES, AND I HAVE TO BUY A WHOLE NEW UNIT FOR EACH SIDE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE - BREAK LIGHTS FAILING DUE TO POOR WIRING. AGAIN NOT A REPLACEABLE BULB ISSUE, IT IS DUE TO A WIRING ISSUE WITHIN THE LED LIGHTING UNIT ITSELF.
NHTSA ODI #11331752
102,000 miles · Jun 5, 2020
Exterior LightingService Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC YUKON XL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE REAR BRAKE TAILLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KEWEENAW BUICK GMC LOCATED AT 608 QUINCY ST, HANCOCK, MI 49930, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC YUKON XL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE REAR BRAKE TAILLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KEWEENAW BUICK GMC LOCATED AT 608 QUINCY ST, HANCOCK, MI 49930, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
NHTSA ODI #11327424
66,000 miles · May 27, 2020
Exterior LightingService Brakes
THE BRAKE LIGHT IS NOT WORKING. ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS IN THE ASSEMBLY ARE FINE. REVERSE AND TURN SIGNAL, NO BRAKE INDICATION. IT DOES NOT ACTIVATE A WARNING ON THE DASH FOR THE BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE. THIS HAPPENS 24/7... THIS SHOULD NOT OCCUR WITH AN ITEM PRICED AT OVER $700.00 TO REPLACE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11326255
Official recalls
2Jul 10, 2017
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Seat Belts:pretensioner
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Air Bags:frontal
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Sep 8, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Seat Belts:pretensioner
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Air Bags:frontal
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE18012 · Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
Opened Nov 20, 2018 · Closed Apr 10, 2022
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes; Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum
On November 20, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE18-012 to investigate instances of sudden onset of a hard brake pedal that could result in extended stopping distance due to an issue with the brake assist vacuum pump in model year (MY) 2014 through 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series pickup trucks and MY 2015 through 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon SUVs.If the brake assist vacuum pump fails to operate as intended, the amount of brake power assist supplied to the driver can be significantly reduced, extending the subject vehicle stopping distance. GM stated that the root cause of pump failures was due to foreign debris such as oil sludge in the engine oil. GM stated that this debris can become trapped by the oil inlet filter screen. Under normal operation, this screen allows a small amount of oil into the brake vacuum pump. The foreign debris can, over time, clog the pump which can cause a loss of lubrication and a reduction in the amount of vacuum produced leading to a hard pedal and extended stopping distance.On December 13, 2018, GM issued a Special Coverage (N182202780) for the brake vacuum pump issue in MY 2014-2017 trucks and 2015-2017 SUVs on the K2XX platform for 6 years or 72,000 miles. Special Coverage repair includes the replacement of the vacuum pump and vacuum pump belt. Consumers received notification of the coverage via mail. On September 6, 2019, GM notified NHTSA that it was conducting safety recall 19V-645 which reprograms the electronic brake control module (EBCM) and included approximately 3.5 million trucks and SUVs. In October 2019, GM extended the terms of special coverage N182202780 to 10 years or 150,000 miles as well as now including the entire scope of recall 19V-645. In October 2020, GM expanded the scope of coverage N182202780 to include the MY 2018 Escalade and 2019 Tahoe.The remedy implemented in GM recall 19V-645 appears to be sufficient in addressing the safety-related concerns of this issue. Loss of vacuum assist now occurs at a progressive rate as well as there being a more timely warning of a brake problem to the driver through the driver information center (DIC). In view of the recall action and revision to the special coverage, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Service Brakes
On November 20, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE18-012 to investigate instances of sudden onset of a hard brake pedal that could result in extended stopping distance due to an issue with the brake assist vacuum pump in model year (MY) 2014 through 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series pickup trucks and MY 2015 through 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon SUVs.If the brake assist vacuum pump fails to operate as intended, the amount of brake power assist supplied to the driver can be significantly reduced, extending the subject vehicle stopping distance. GM stated that the root cause of pump failures was due to foreign debris such as oil sludge in the engine oil. GM stated that this debris can become trapped by the oil inlet filter screen. Under normal operation, this screen allows a small amount of oil into the brake vacuum pump. The foreign debris can, over time, clog the pump which can cause a loss of lubrication and a reduction in the amount of vacuum produced leading to a hard pedal and extended stopping distance.On December 13, 2018, GM issued a Special Coverage (N182202780) for the brake vacuum pump issue in MY 2014-2017 trucks and 2015-2017 SUVs on the K2XX platform for 6 years or 72,000 miles. Special Coverage repair includes the replacement of the vacuum pump and vacuum pump belt. Consumers received notification of the coverage via mail. On September 6, 2019, GM notified NHTSA that it was conducting safety recall 19V-645 which reprograms the electronic brake control module (EBCM) and included approximately 3.5 million trucks and SUVs. In October 2019, GM extended the terms of special coverage N182202780 to 10 years or 150,000 miles as well as now including the entire scope of recall 19V-645. In October 2020, GM expanded the scope of coverage N182202780 to include the MY 2018 Escalade and 2019 Tahoe.The remedy implemented in GM recall 19V-645 appears to be sufficient in addressing the safety-related concerns of this issue. Loss of vacuum assist now occurs at a progressive rate as well as there being a more timely warning of a brake problem to the driver through the driver information center (DIC). In view of the recall action and revision to the special coverage, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
On November 20, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE18-012 to investigate instances of sudden onset of a hard brake pedal that could result in extended stopping distance due to an issue with the brake assist vacuum pump in model year (MY) 2014 through 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series pickup trucks and MY 2015 through 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon SUVs.If the brake assist vacuum pump fails to operate as intended, the amount of brake power assist supplied to the driver can be significantly reduced, extending the subject vehicle stopping distance. GM stated that the root cause of pump failures was due to foreign debris such as oil sludge in the engine oil. GM stated that this debris can become trapped by the oil inlet filter screen. Under normal operation, this screen allows a small amount of oil into the brake vacuum pump. The foreign debris can, over time, clog the pump which can cause a loss of lubrication and a reduction in the amount of vacuum produced leading to a hard pedal and extended stopping distance.On December 13, 2018, GM issued a Special Coverage (N182202780) for the brake vacuum pump issue in MY 2014-2017 trucks and 2015-2017 SUVs on the K2XX platform for 6 years or 72,000 miles. Special Coverage repair includes the replacement of the vacuum pump and vacuum pump belt. Consumers received notification of the coverage via mail. On September 6, 2019, GM notified NHTSA that it was conducting safety recall 19V-645 which reprograms the electronic brake control module (EBCM) and included approximately 3.5 million trucks and SUVs. In October 2019, GM extended the terms of special coverage N182202780 to 10 years or 150,000 miles as well as now including the entire scope of recall 19V-645. In October 2020, GM expanded the scope of coverage N182202780 to include the MY 2018 Escalade and 2019 Tahoe.The remedy implemented in GM recall 19V-645 appears to be sufficient in addressing the safety-related concerns of this issue. Loss of vacuum assist now occurs at a progressive rate as well as there being a more timely warning of a brake problem to the driver through the driver information center (DIC). In view of the recall action and revision to the special coverage, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum
On November 20, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE18-012 to investigate instances of sudden onset of a hard brake pedal that could result in extended stopping distance due to an issue with the brake assist vacuum pump in model year (MY) 2014 through 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series pickup trucks and MY 2015 through 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon SUVs.If the brake assist vacuum pump fails to operate as intended, the amount of brake power assist supplied to the driver can be significantly reduced, extending the subject vehicle stopping distance. GM stated that the root cause of pump failures was due to foreign debris such as oil sludge in the engine oil. GM stated that this debris can become trapped by the oil inlet filter screen. Under normal operation, this screen allows a small amount of oil into the brake vacuum pump. The foreign debris can, over time, clog the pump which can cause a loss of lubrication and a reduction in the amount of vacuum produced leading to a hard pedal and extended stopping distance.On December 13, 2018, GM issued a Special Coverage (N182202780) for the brake vacuum pump issue in MY 2014-2017 trucks and 2015-2017 SUVs on the K2XX platform for 6 years or 72,000 miles. Special Coverage repair includes the replacement of the vacuum pump and vacuum pump belt. Consumers received notification of the coverage via mail. On September 6, 2019, GM notified NHTSA that it was conducting safety recall 19V-645 which reprograms the electronic brake control module (EBCM) and included approximately 3.5 million trucks and SUVs. In October 2019, GM extended the terms of special coverage N182202780 to 10 years or 150,000 miles as well as now including the entire scope of recall 19V-645. In October 2020, GM expanded the scope of coverage N182202780 to include the MY 2018 Escalade and 2019 Tahoe.The remedy implemented in GM recall 19V-645 appears to be sufficient in addressing the safety-related concerns of this issue. Loss of vacuum assist now occurs at a progressive rate as well as there being a more timely warning of a brake problem to the driver through the driver information center (DIC). In view of the recall action and revision to the special coverage, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.
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