Faulty Brake Vacuum Pump in General Motors Vehicles Causes 113 Crashes, Triggers International Recall
November 7, 2019
Nearly 3.5 million GM pickup trucks and sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are now the focus of an international recall. Issued in September 2019 in the U.S., this recall was launched to fix faulty brake vacuum pumps that have reportedly caused 113 accidents and 13 injuries.1
The U.S. GM recall comes nearly one year after federal authorities at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into the matter—and more than three months after a similar recall was issued in Canada.
Now, some are asking why it took GM so long to issue this recall when the automaker has been aware of at least 111 reports of crashes caused by its faulty brake pump since November 2018.2
What Is the Problem with the GM Brake Vacuum Pump? How Has It Caused Accidents?
The powered brake-assist system in the recalled GM vehicles has a flaw in its vacuum pump that can:
- Cause the system to fail
- Require a driver to exert far more force to push the brake pedal
- Unexpectedly increase the distance needed to stop a vehicle once the brakes are activated
This combination of factors makes it difficult for drivers to safely stop vehicles when they need to, leading to wrecks.
According to authorities, this brake issue is more likely to arise when vehicles are traveling at slower speeds, like when they are:
- In parking lots
- Approaching intersections or crosswalks
- Slowing for pedestrians.
When the defective vacuum pump is about to cause the powered brake-assist system to fail, it may trigger some other irregularities first, like:
- Vibrating brake pedals
- Increasing pressure needed to depress the brake pedal
- A ticking sound in the engine compartment
- A “Service Brake Assist” message on the dashboard.
Hurt by a Faulty Brake System or Any Defective Auto Equipment?
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What GM Pickup Trucks & SUVs Are the Focus of This Recall?
The GM pickups and SUVs that are at the center of this recall include:
- 2014 to 2018 Chevrolet Silverados (1500, 2500 & 3500)
- 2014 to 2018 GMC Sierras (1500, 2500 & 3500)
- 2015 to 2018 GMC Yukons
- 2015 to 2018 Chevrolet Suburbans
- 2015 to 2018 Chevrolet Tahoes
- 2015 to 2017 Cadillac Escalades
GM is notifying vehicle owners of this brake pump recall by mail (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V-645).3 To check if your vehicle is included in this or any other automaker recall, use this NHTSA search tool and input your vehicle identification number (VIN).
What is GM Doing to Fix the Faulty Brake Pumps? What Should I Do If My Vehicle Is Part of the GM Recall?
Owners of the recalled GM pickup trucks and SUVs are urged to take their vehicles to their local GM dealer for repairs.
To fix the faulty vacuum pumps, dealers are updating vehicle software systems at no charge. This update should trigger the secondary power brake assist system to activate more quickly if there are problems with the primary system.
How Do I Know If a Faulty Brake Pump in My GM Vehicle Caused an Accident?
Contact the Amaro Law Firm for experienced help investigating the cause(s) of your crash. We have extensive experience:
- Identifying how and when faulty auto parts have contributed to motor vehicle accidents
- Building strong cases for crash victims and helping them navigate the road to recovery
- Standing up to opponents, like negligent automakers, in various legal settings.
If you suspect a defective brake vacuum pump in your GM vehicle may have caused a wreck, we’re the team you can rely on for:
- Essential answers and advice
- Exceptional advocacy and representation when it’s time to pursue your potential claim
- The best possible outcome.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at the Amaro Law Firm for Answers About Your Legal Options
A personal injury lawyer at the Amaro Law Firm can help you seek justice and financial recovery if you or a loved one has been hurt by defective automotive equipment and/or in a motor vehicle accident.
Call (713) 352-7975 or Contact Our Firm
for Your FREE, Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation
We are ready to answer your questions, advocate your rights, and help you at every step moving forward.
At the Amaro Law Firm, our attorneys are known for their experience, tenacity, and record of success. We know how devastating accidents can be, and we know how crucial financial recoveries are to helping people heal and rebuild their lives. That’s why we’re dedicated to working diligently and tirelessly to help our clients secure the resolutions and recoveries they deserve.
The Amaro Law Firm’s record of excellence and success in defective products and accident cases has earned us 5-star ratings on Google and Facebook, glowing reviews from former clients, and a 10 rating on Avvo.
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1: According to these findings
2: According to this report
3: NHTSA information about this GM brake pump recall