General Motors (GM) is recalling 449,671 pickup trucks and SUVs in the United States due to a software issue that may prevent the low brake fluid warning light from activating, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced Friday.
The recall affects several 2023 and 2024 model year vehicles, including the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2023 GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, 2023-2024 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, and the 2023-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV.
According to the NHTSA, the electronic brake control module software in these vehicles may fail to display a warning light when brake fluid levels are low. This could potentially leave drivers unaware of reduced braking performance, increasing the risk of accidents.
To address the issue, GM dealers will perform an over-the-air update to correct the electronic brake control module software. The automaker has not yet announced when it will begin notifying affected vehicle owners.
This recall highlights the increasing importance of software in modern vehicles and the potential for digital glitches to impact critical safety systems. It also underscores the growing ability of automakers to address certain issues through remote software updates rather than requiring physical repairs at dealerships.
GM has not reported any accidents or injuries related to this issue. The company advises owners of affected vehicles to watch for recall notifications and to contact their local dealerships with any concerns.