General Motors (GM) has announced a recall affecting nearly 450,000 of its most popular vehicles from the 2023 and 2024 model years, including various models of the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, Cadillac Escalade, and their extended versions. The recall stems from an issue in the Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software, which may fail to display a warning light when the vehicle is low on brake fluid.

GM September 2024 Recall – Models Affected

The September 20th, 2024 recall impacts the following vehicles:

In total, 449,671 Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac trucks and SUVs are affected by the software malfunction.

GMC Yukon Denali
GMC Yukon Denali

What Is The Recall For?

The issue centers around the eBCM, a crucial system responsible for ensuring the safety of vehicle braking functions. In the event of a loss of brake fluid, the eBCM software is supposed to trigger a warning light on the dashboard. In these vehicles, however, the software may fail to display the warning, leading to potential safety risks. If a vehicle is driven with low brake fluid, its braking performance can be severely compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.

This defect puts these vehicles in violation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, which regulates “Light Vehicle Brake Systems.” If a driver is unaware of low brake fluid levels, the vehicle may continue to be operated without sufficient braking power. This could lead to an increased stopping distance, reduced braking efficiency, and a higher risk of accidents. While there have been no reports of crashes or injuries related to this issue at the time of the announcement, GM has moved swiftly to address the potential hazard, as you would expect.

The 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X driving on pavement finished in Desert Sand Metallic.
The 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X driving on pavement finished in Desert Sand Metallic.

An Easy OTA Remedy

GM will address this issue by providing a software update for the affected vehicles. The remedy will involve an update to the eBCM software, ensuring that the low brake fluid warning light functions properly. The update will be made available to owners via an over-the-air (OTA) update, allowing many drivers to complete the fix without visiting a dealership. For those who prefer or require it, the software update will also be available at authorized dealerships at no cost.

GM plans to notify owners of the recall by mail starting October 28, 2024. Owners who believe their vehicle may be affected can contact GM customer service for more information:

GMC: 1-800-462-8782
Chevrolet: 1-800-222-1020
Cadillac: 1-800-458-8006

GM has assigned the recall number N242447990 to this issue.

What Should Owners Do?

If you own one of the affected vehicles, keep an eye out for the official recall notice. Once received, ensure your vehicle’s software is updated promptly to prevent any potential safety risks. If you’re unsure whether your vehicle is part of the recall, you can check your vehicle’s VIN on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or contact your dealership directly.