GM could be facing a recall after more than 100 complaints have been filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding some of their vehicles. According to MLive, the NHTSA has “launched an investigation into about 2.7 million General Motors trucks and SUVs after receiving complaints concerning brake performance.” Apparently, a few wrecks have already occurred and two injuries have been reported in connection with the potentially defective vehicles.
The news source highlighted that the faulty brakes are “attributed to [the] deterioration of the engine-driven brake assist vacuum pump.” The news source shared that “the brake assist vacuum pump is driven by an accessory belt on the engine and serves as the source of power brake vacuum in the subject vehicles. Over time, the pump’s capacity to generate vacuum may deteriorate” and as a result, the vehicles will “receive supplemental hydraulic brake assist from the ABS system, albeit at lower levels than the vacuum-powered primary system.” This can ultimately lead to the vehicle experiencing a reduced amount of brake power which will essentially cause the vehicle to take longer to stop.
Therefore, if a vehicle is required to come to an abrupt stop yet their vehicle is one that has been affected by the faulty brake pump, they may not be able to do so which could result in them colliding with the vehicle in front of them. In fact, the NHTSA reported that nine incidents have occurred “including vehicles incurring damage as a result [of them] colliding with another vehicle or fixed object [when traveling] at low speeds.”
Which GM vehicles may be affected by the defective brake pumps?
The vehicles being investigated include 2014 through 2016 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks. Some other vehicles the NHTSA is investigating include the Chevy Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and the Cadillac Escalade. Currently, the NHTSA is using the information they gather from their investigation to determine whether they need to issue a recall. For now, those who own one of these vehicles are advised to take their truck or SUV to a GM dealer or mechanic to have their brakes checked. It is also recommended that if you do decide to take your vehicle in for inspection, keep your receipts so that if a recall is issued, you can get reimbursed for the cost of your visit.
It is important to keep up with the current recalls that are issued along with check your local news station’s website as most will often report when a vehicle might contain a defective part so that you are able to take the necessary steps to get your vehicle repaired. Some of the recalls that are issued can be life-threatening, so it is best you check regularly to see if any have been reported on your particular vehicle.
In the event you are ever involved in a car wreck and you believe it was caused by a defective or faulty part on your vehicle, you will want to contact Nashville, TN personal injury attorney George R. Fusner, Jr. to find out who will be held liable for your accident. There may be multiple parties involved so it best you let an experienced and qualified Nashville personal injury lawyer help you determine this as well as find out what you might be entitled to in terms of compensation in the event you sustained an injury.
You can reach the Law Office of George R. Fusner, Jr. at
7104 Peach Court
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone- 615-251-0005
Fax- 615-370-8447
