GM Power Steering Recall Affects Nearly 1.2 Million Trucks and SUVs

The recently announced GM power steering recall affects nearly 1.2 million vehicles including the model year 2015 GM trucks, SUVs, and Cadillac Escalade vehicles.

In September 2018, General Motors announced a GM power steering recall due to a defect which causes the electric power steering system to stop working temporarily. According to GM, 30 accidents have occurred so far in connection with the defect – resulting in two injuries but no fatalities.

The GM power steering recall affects 1,015,918 vehicles in the United States including 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2015 GMC Sierra 1500, 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2015 Chevrolet Suburban, 2015 GMC Yukon, and 2015 Cadillac Escalade models. Additional vehicles have been recalled in Canada, Mexico, and other countries.

In 2017, the company initiated a similar GM power steering recall which affected around 700,000 model year 2014 Chevrolet Silverado trucks and GMC Sierra trucks due to the same power steering issue. However, improvements have allegedly been made to the systems in models made after 2015, so further GM power steering recall issues should not be an issue.

Electric power steering systems make it easier for drivers to turn and direct their vehicles. A lack of electric power steering can make it very difficult for drivers to turn their steering wheels. The abrupt failure of the electric power steering system can cause a number of problems leading to potential crashes. If power steering goes out while the vehicle is turning, the failure could cause the vehicle to crash.

“If EPS assist is lost and then suddenly returns, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says.

The defect which prompted the GM power steering recall is reportedly in the vehicles’ software and electrical systems.

GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson said in a statement that “if you have a weak connection and one or more high amperage systems put too much load on it, you can get a voltage drop.”

“The high load on the steering gear can contribute to the voltage drop, but a number of things also can contribute to a voltage drop and affect steering assist,” Wilkinson added.

The NHTSA has reported that the power steering defect may also cause electrical systems problems. Systems in the vehicle may become disabled including dashboard lights, traction control, air conditioning, warning chimes, power door locks, and cruise control.

Owners of Cadillac Escalade models and other affected vehicles will be notified and can visit a dealership to have their issue addressed. As a part of the GM power steering recall, technicians will update the power steering software in the affected vehicles at no cost to the owner.

Join a Free GM Power Steering Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

The vehicles affected by the GM power steering recall include:

• 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• 2015 GMC Sierra 1500
• 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
• 2015 Chevrolet Suburban
• 2015 GMC Yukon
• 2015 Cadillac Escalade

If you own or lease one of the vehicles listed above, you may be able to participate in this GM power steering defect class action lawsuit investigation.

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