National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Expands Investigation into Brake Assist Failures Across Over 1.1 Million General Motors Vehicles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has upgraded its investigation into brake assist failures to an engineering analysis, affecting more than 1.1 million General Motors vehicles. The probe began in April 2024 after drivers of 2023 Cadillac Lyriq models reported a "Brake System Failure" message. While General Motors attributed the issue to alleged spindle fractures in the eBoost brake-by-wire system, the NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) noted that reports of an immediate loss of brake assist functionality were inconsistent with the automaker's initial description. This expanded investigation now includes a wide range of models, such as the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Buick Enclave, as well as electric vehicles like the Blazer EV and Equinox EV. The analysis also covers vehicles produced in partnership with Honda, including the Acura ZDX and Honda Prologue. The NHTSA reports that the issue has resulted in 745 incidents, including 22 crashes or fires and at least six injuries. General Motors stated that the alleged condition does not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.