GM Brake Recall Includes 210,000 Cars, SUVs, and Trucks

Consumer Reports
GM Brake Recall Includes 210,000 Cars, SUVs, and Trucks

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General Motors is recalling more than 210,000 SUVs and pickup trucks because a faulty brake component could reduce the effectiveness of the rear brakes and increase the risk of a crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The GM brake recall affects certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox SUVs, Impala and Cruze sedans, and Bolt and Volt electric vehicles; GMC Terrain SUVs; Buick Lacrosse and Regal cars; Cadillac XTS SUVs; and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu sedans.

NHTSA said that a faulty brake-system component may cause bubbles to form in the brake fluid, which could reduce rear braking performance.

GM was informed about the problem by the part supplier ZF, according to a NHTSA filing. It is a problem that has affected Audi and Volkswagen, Dodge and Jeep, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, a GM spokesman said.

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The Details

Vehicles recalled: 210,628 cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks, including:

  • 2018-2019 Buick LaCrosse sedan built from March 27, 2018, through June 22, 2018.

  • 2018-2019 Buick Regal sedan built from May 16, 2018, through June 25, 2018.

  • 2018-2019 Cadillac XTS SUV built from April 18, 2018, through June 21, 2018.

  • 2018-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV built from March 27, 2018, through July 17, 2018.

  • 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze sedan and 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox SUV built from March 19, 2018, through June 19, 2018.

  • 2018-2019 Chevrolet Impala sedan built from April 18, 2018, through June 21, 2018.

  • 2018 Chevrolet Malibu sedan built from March 27, 2018, through June 19, 2018.

  • 2018-2019 Chevrolet Volt EV built from March 27, 2018, through June 20, 2018.

  • 2018-2019 GMC Terrain SUV built from March 19, 2018, through June 15, 2018.

The problem: Because a surface coating was not properly applied to rear brake calipers, gas may end up in the rear brake hydraulic circuit, which may lead to reduced braking performance.

The fix: Dealers will bleed, or drain, the brake system at no charge to the owners.

How to contact the manufacturer:

  • Buick: 800-521-7300

  • Cadillac: 800-458-8006

  • Chevrolet: 800-222-1020

  • GMC: 800-462-8782

NHTSA campaign number: 18V576. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.

If you plug in the 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and this recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a new recall issued.



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