General Motors is recalling over 62,000 US vehicles over a faulty brake assembly that can cause fires to break out, even when the cars are off and unattended.
The defective assembly may let brake fluid leak into the pressure switch, causing a short circuit and leading to a potential fire.
Certain 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty 4500HD, 5500HD and 6500HD vehicles are impacted by the recall.
It covers 62,468 vehicles. GM said it expects only about 1%, or roughly 625 vehicles, to have the defect.
If fluid shorts the brake pressure switch, the circuit can generate excessive heat that could result in a fire when the vehicle is in motion or parked, increasing the risk of injury.
GM is urging owners to keep impacted vehicles parked outside and away from any nearby structures until they can be repaired, since an underhood fire could occur even when the vehicle is off.
Owners will be notified of the recall in letters expected to be mailed by July 28. Second letters will be sent out when a remedy is available, GM said.
Drivers should then bring impacted vehicles to a GM dealership, where the brake pressure wire harness can be replaced free of charge, the automaker said.
The defect was caused by the use of an unauthorized chemical by the supplier during the manufacturing process, which can cause a rubber part in the brake assembly to degrade over time.
GM said it received 160 field reports, including one alleged fire, potentially related to the recall. It is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with the faulty brake assembly.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
