GM trucks and SUVs may lose brake power assist

NHTSA campaign 20V603000 · Reported 2020-10-01 · General Motors LLC

medium How serious is it? About this label

Serious but gradual — you will likely feel the pedal getting harder before it becomes dangerous, and the notice does not tell owners to stop driving, but longer stopping distances mean you should get it fixed promptly.

What's wrong, in plain English

These trucks and SUVs use a pump to help you push the brake pedal down. Over time that pump can get weaker, so the pedal takes more foot pressure and the vehicle needs more room to come to a stop. The brakes still work, but they can feel hard and stopping takes longer than you expect. Dealers reprogram the computer that manages the brake system so it handles the weaker assist better. This repair has been available since November 2020.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your vehicle is included. 2. Call your dealer or GM at 1-866-522-9559 (Cadillac 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet 1-800-630-2438) and mention recall N202300860. 3. Have the free reprogramming done, and leave extra stopping distance until then.

Affected vehicles (5)

2018 Cadillac Escalade
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2018 Chevrolet Tahoe
2018 GMC Sierra 1500
2018 GMC Yukon

Who to contact

Cadillac — official Cadillac recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-458-8006

Chevrolet — official Chevrolet recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-222-1020

GMC — official GMC recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-462-8782

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Can Cadillac brake recalls affect stopping power and warning lights? · all 6 Cadillac recalls in this area
Chevrolet brake recalls: fire risk, software faults and failing calipers · all 17 Chevrolet recalls in this area
GMC brake recalls: why braking gets weaker or warning lights fail · all 11 GMC recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.
Safety risk: A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2020. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-522-9559, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N202300860.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.