Cars and Drivers

Steering Problem Leads to GM Recall of 1.2 Million Pickups, SUVs

Paul Ausick

Published: September 13, 2018 12:00 pm

Last Updated: January 11, 2020 5:57 pm

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) on Wednesday notified the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the company will recall more than 1 million 2015 model year pickups and sport utility vehicles to correct a problem with their steering. An additional 96,000 vehicles were sold in Canada and the global total reaches 1.2 million, according to Automotive News.

A company spokesman said GM is aware of 30 accidents resulting in two injuries because of the defect, and no deaths have been reported.

The affected vehicles may experience a temporary loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist followed by a sudden return of EPS assist, particularly during low-speed turning maneuvers. The loss and sudden return of EPS assist typically happens within a one-second period and is caused by an electrical/software issue. When this occurs, the driver could have difficulty steering the vehicle, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

The following six 2015 model year trucks and SUVs are affected. The number of affected vehicles is also given.

• Chevrolet Silverado LD; 450,711
• GMC Yukon; 109,151
• GMC Sierra LD; 186,083
• Cadillac Escalade; 45,270
• Chevrolet Suburban; 79,505
• Chevrolet Tahoe; 145,198

The fix involves updating the electric power steering module software, and owners will have to bring their vehicles in to be repaired. Dealers were notified of the recall on September 7 but no starting date for owner notification was reported.

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