Common Engines (GM) has issued a critical review influencing more than 62,000 medium-duty pickup trucks, citing a basic deformity in the brake weight sensor gathering that seem possibly lead to under-hood fires. The review impacts a few models beneath the Chevrolet Silverado brand, traversing demonstrate a long time 2019 through 2024, raising concerns over vehicle security for both commercial and person owners.
According to documentation discharged by the National Interstate Activity Security Organization (NHTSA), the deformity centers around a spill in the brake weight sensor, which is portion of the brake weight switch get together. This spill can permit brake liquid to elude and come into contact with the truck’s electrical circuitry, causing short-circuiting. In turn, this may touch off an motor compartment fire, indeed when the vehicle is stopped and turned off.
Affected Models
The review particularly covers Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD models — medium-duty trucks frequently utilized in commercial applications such as utility administrations, development, and overwhelming pulling. These vehicles are fundamentally fabricated at GM’s Navistar office in Springfield, Ohio.
In add up to, 62,479 trucks are included in the review, most of which are based in the Joined together States. A few may have been sent out to worldwide markets or obtained by armada operators.
Root Cause and Security Risk
The center issue lies in the brake weight switch gathering, which was provided by a third-party producer. Over time, the stomach inside the switch may corrupt, particularly when uncovered to tall weight and temperature conditions. Once compromised, brake liquid can spill out, and since the switch is electrically fueled, this makes a fire risk due to electrical shorts.
The NHTSA report states:
“Brake liquid may spill into the brake weight switch, causing an electrical short-circuit, which can result in an motor compartment fire whereas driving or without further ado after the vehicle is turned off.”
As of late June, GM has detailed 21 fire-related episodes tied to the imperfection, in spite of the fact that no wounds or fatalities have been archived. The automaker started exploring the issue prior this year after accepting numerous field reports and guarantee claims demonstrating motor fires or burnt components beneath the hood.
GM’s Official Response
GM affirmed it will start informing influenced proprietors by mail beginning July 15, 2025. Clients will be educating to bring their vehicles to a certified dealership, where professionals will supplant the flawed brake weight switch and introduce a intertwine planned to secure the circuit from overheating or catching fire.
The company too famous that all repairs will be performed free of charge beneath the review. In a explanation, GM emphasized its commitment to safety:
“We are taking proactive steps to guarantee the security and fulfillment of our clients. Whereas the hazard of fire remains moo, we encourage all influenced vehicle proprietors to plan benefit as before long as possible.”
GM has prompted proprietors to stop their vehicles outside and absent from structures until the repair is completed, particularly if they take note the brake caution light enlightened or identify the scent of burning beneath the hood.
What Proprietors Ought to Do
If you possess a 2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, or 6500HD, you can check whether your truck is influenced by going to the NHTSA review site (nhtsa.gov/recalls) or by calling GM client benefit at 1-800-222-1020. Merchants have as of now been informed and will start getting parts stock in early July.
Owners ought to not disregard caution signs such as:
- Brake liquid level dropping
- Brake caution light on dashboard
- Burning scent close the motor bay
- Visible smoke or unordinary warm when the truck is parked
Background: Not GM’s To begin with Brake Issue
This most recent review comes in the midst of increased examination of brake framework issues over the car industry. In 2023, GM issued a review for select Cadillac and GMC vehicles over comparable fire dangers tied to defective electronic brake boosters. Whereas the current Silverado review influences a diverse framework, it once once more highlights provider quality control concerns and the significance of thorough component testing.
GM has said it is working closely with the portion provider to correct the plan imperfection and anticipate comparable issues in future models.
Industry Reaction
The trucking and armada businesses, which depend intensely on medium-duty Silverado models, have communicated concern over the potential downtime and affect on operations. In any case, numerous armada administrators acknowledged GM’s quick reaction and clear repair process.
Jason Holt, a armada upkeep director in Texas, stated:
“Our company runs over 80 Silverado 5500HDs, and security is our beat need. It’s consoling to see GM taking conclusive activity some time recently this caused something worse.”
Bottom Line
While the chance of fire remains generally moo, the review of over 62,000 trucks is a major security caution that requires quick consideration from vehicle proprietors. GM’s proactive review and arranged fixes flag the company’s center on shopper security, but it moreover underscores the require for superior provider oversight in an progressively complex vehicle fabricating environment.
For influenced drivers and businesses, incite adjusting is basic to guarantee security and keep up operational readiness.