Late and new Chevy and GMC pickups have serious defects, including an error caused by too much glue.
New-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups with software faults can disable ESP and ABS systems. Some trucks are affected by both problems.
GM did not say how many 2019 and 2020 model trucks remain in the dealer’s warehouse.
A small group Cadillac CT6 sedan was also affected.
General Motors is recalling more than 700,000 pickup trucks in the U.S. because of a software failure that could disable critical and separate safety functions, adhesives on battery cables that can cause fires, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.
On the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 models, errors in ECU braking can disable both anti-lock braking and stability control systems without warning, and without any warning lights or notifications warned that these systems are completely turned off. Fewer than 1000 Cadillac CT6 sedans from 2019 with 4-cylinder and V-8 engines are also included. A total of 463,995 vehicles were affected.
GM said it discovered the problem from the ECU brake supplier, ZF TRW, last month. The agent will update the software starting at the end of January.
Another 350,371 Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 trucks from both 2019 and 2020 may have excess glue on the atoms that connect the generator to the main battery. This glue can cause “intermingling electrical connections” that may result in an alert on the device panel that says “Battery maintenance” or “Battery Saver”. Poor connectivity can also cause heat accumulation that can soften terminal mounting bolts and not read it, causing problems. Or electric arcs can occur and melt other parts in the engine compartment and cause a fire. GM’s Canadian division first reported the problem in August after a 2019 Sierra 1500 stalled due to a lack of power. Dealers will check the excess glue and replace any damaged ingredients starting at the end of January.
There are no reports of accidents or injuries related to these defects. Due to the overlap of production dates cited in these two recalls, it is very likely that some trucks in 2019 — according to our estimates, more than 90,000 — have both faults instead of just one. Our total estimate above reduces the likelihood of double counting the total number of affected trucks.
