In recent years, faulty wheels on some pickup trucks and SUVs have caused serious accidents and injuries. This problem led General Motors (GM) to issue recalls on some of their vehicles. If you own a GM truck or SUV, this defect could affect you.
Recently, GM issued a recall for an estimated 650,000 Chevrolet and GMC pickup trucks and SUVs. The GM recall affects certain trucks manufactured from 2014 to 2018 and SUVs manufactured from 2015 to 2020.
The main problem was a faulty wheel-speed sensor. The wheel-speed sensor communicates the vehicle’s speed to the antilock braking system (ABS). A software error can force the vehicle to activate the brakes on the wheel opposite of the faulty sensor, which increases the risk of a serious crash.
When the problem occurs, drivers may notice a warning light regarding their ABS failure or Stabilitrak failure. Stabilitrak is the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system on a GM vehicle. If you noticed this warning light and your vehicle is under recall, then you should visit your local dealership for repairs as soon as possible. You can also contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782.
The GM Recall: Just the Facts
How Many Vehicles Are in the Recent GM Brake Recall?
GM recalled 638,068 vehicles affected by the issue.
What Types of Vehicles Did GM Recall?
The only types of vehicles recalled were pickups and SUVs equipped with 5.3-liter V8 engines, four-wheel drive, and 3.08 ratio rear axles. Those models include:
- 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks
- 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon SUVs
Why Were These Vehicles Recalled?
The wheel-speed sensor on these vehicles has a tendency to fail. This failure could lead to serious and catastrophic accidents and injuries. The failure most often occurred when the vehicle was in all-wheel-drive mode and driven at higher speeds between 41 and 60 mph.
What If the Recall Affected My Vehicle?
If your vehicle is under recall, then GM will notify you. If you are unsure about the recall status of your vehicle, then contact your local dealership or GM for more information. GM must reprogram the brake system software for free.
When Auto Defects Lead to Injuries and Deaths
Unfortunately, the latest GM recall highlights a growing trend in the automotive industry. Defective automobile parts have led to serious injuries and deaths in recent years. From faulty airbags to defective tires, defective automobile products can seriously injure consumers and their families.
If you or someone you love suffered harm in an accident and you believe that a faulty product was to blame, a product liability lawyer can help. Product liability lawyers can hold negligent manufacturers responsible for the harm their products cause. After all, manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure that their products are safe and free from known defects.
When manufacturers fail to ensure the safety of their products, consumers are the ones who pay the price.
Unfortunately, car manufacturers often put profits before people. That’s why consumers need an aggressive law firm on their side when an accident occurs.
Contact Our Houston Product Liability Lawyer
If you have been harmed by a defective product or device, we can help. Our Houston product liability attorney has the experience and resources needed to tackle these complex cases.
Our firm has successfully recovered over $100 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We can help you too. Don’t go it alone. Call us at (832) 460-5181 or fill out our confidential contact form for more information. We want to fight for you after a serious product liability injury. Call today!