According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), more than 2.7 million General Motors (GM) vehicles could be affected by deteriorating brake assist vacuum pumps. After receiving 111 complaints about 2014, 2015 and 2016 truck and SUV models, NHTSA has launched an investigation.
The complaints suggest drivers are having difficulty stopping their vehicles. According to the report, nine crashes have been attributed to hard braking. NHTSA believes the brake assist vacuum pumps in these vehicles could be to blame. The brake assist vacuum pump supplements the driver’s ability to stop. Think about how difficult it is to press the brakes when your vehicle is turned off. Without the give of a vehicle’s brake assist, it could take an extended stopping distance and greater force to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. This issue could make a vehicle susceptible to colliding with other vehicles or objects.
Truck models that could be affected include:
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2014-2016 models
- GMC Sierra, 2014-2016 models
SUV models that could be affected include:
- Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2016 models
- Chevrolet Suburban, 2014-2016 models
- Chevrolet Tahoe, 2014-2016 models
- GMC Yukon, 2014-2016 models
NHTSA has not announced a recall. If you are worried that your vehicle could be affected by a car defect, then you can use NHTSA’s website to check for open investigations or recalls.
At Colson Hicks Eidson, we have experience handling cases against major vehicle manufacturers. Our partner, Mike Eidson, was lead co-counsel in the 2008 class action against Firestone and Ford Motor Company for rollover accidents. To date, our firm has helped more than 200 clients settle accident cases against the companies.
You should be able to expect that your vehicle will keep you safe. When it does not, you have legal options. Contact our Miami car defect lawyers at 305-476-7400 or fill out our online case review form for a free consultation.