Why General Motors is Recalling over 800,000 Newer Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras

General Motors has issued two large recalls for possible brake and battery problems with its two most popular truck brands. Here is how GM is going to fix the battery problem.

General Motors is recalling more than 814,000 of its most popular vehicles, because of two potential problems with brakes and batteries. The recall primarily affects 2019 Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras. The second recall affects 2020 models of the Silverados and Sierras as well.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the first recall affects 463,995 vehicles. The recall affects certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s, certain 2019 GMC Sierra 1500s and some 2019 Cadillac CT6 models.

Electronic Brake Control Modules Causing Problems

The trucks have a faulty Electronic Brake Control Module that causes a software error. The error can disable the vehicle’s Electronic Stability Control and the Antilock Brake System. To further complicate matters, the module problem does not trigger the lights on the dash alerting the driver that the brakes and stability control are malfunctioning. If the driver doesn’t know that the Stability Control and the brakes aren’t working, it raises the risk of a crash.

How GM Will Fix the Problem

GM will be notifying all of the owners who are affected by the recall. Service departments should be able to correct the problems with the Control Module starting on January 27th, 2020. The service technicians will be able to reprogram the faulty brake modules, free of charge. GM's number for this recall is N192268090. NHTSA’s Recall Campaign Number is 19V889000.

Second Recall Involves Problems With the Alternator Cable

The second big General Motors recall involves more than 350,000 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s and GMC Sierra 1500s.

In the second recall, there are problems with the cable between the alternator and battery. The defect could cause the truck to stall or even trigger a fire. Apparently, they used too much glue while installing some of the B+ battery cables. Too much glue means that the electrical connection can be intermittent, causing the truck to stall out. The sudden stalling could lead to a crash. Also, the intermittent connection could lead to arcing. If the cables become overheated, it could lead to a fire.

How GM Will Fix the Battery Cable Problem

This recall should also start on January 27th. Service technicians will inspect the battery cables and check for too much glue. They will clean the connections and reattach the battery cables. If there is any indication of arcing or fires, they will replace the damaged parts. Again, all of the service involved in the recalls will be free.

GM's number for this recall is N192273510. NHTSA’s Recall Campaign Number is 19V888000.

Owners with questions can contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to www.safercar.gov.

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