General Motors has issued a massive recall affecting 210,628 vehicles in the US and 19,385 in Canada because of faulty brakes. According to a safety report filed by GM, improperly chromed rear brake caliper pistons can cause gas to be released into the braking system’s hydraulic circuit resulting in a “soft or spongy feel” when the brakes are applied.
Obviously, reduced brake response could increase the risk of an accident if you can’t stop in time. These brake calipers are sourced from Germany’s ZF group, which is the same manufacturer of the faulty brake calipers that led to 150,000 Dodge and Jeep vehicles being recalled.
“The manufacturer of the brake pistons failed to properly chrome and temper the brake pistons during the manufacturing process,” the report says. “In this condition, hydrogen gas can remain trapped in the piston body.” Vehicles affected by the recall are 2018 and 2019 models of the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Bolt EV, Cruze, Equinox, Impala, Malibu and Volt.
ZF Group has been investigating similar reports on its brake calipers from other automakers such as Audi, Volkswagen and BMW but failed to notify GM until June 14. Luckily, GM says it is not aware of any accidents caused by the brake issue. To rectify the problem, GM will bleed the rear brakes of affected vehicles to remove any gas.
