Another major recall from the Detroit automaker was announced today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This time around, General Motors was the source of a problem affecting the daytime running lights in at least one vehicle from each of its four makes. Luckily, this is a minor issue that, in theory, should be easily fixable.
Long story short, the daytime running lights may not turn off on certain Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles when the headlights are turned on. In its recall notice on the matter, GM did not mention any potential damage that could occur as a direct result of the lights remaining on. However, glare from headlights and daytime running lights running simultaneously can reduce visibility, increasing the likelihood of a collision. Turning both lights on is also a violation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108. GM did not mention any accidents or injuries related to the problem.
In total, 740,108 vehicles are included in the recall. That includes popular vehicles like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade. Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, and CT5 models are also included.
Below are the details of the recall, including the model year and number of vehicles affected.
Create models | Model Year | Affected Units |
Chevy Silverado 1500 | 2022-2023 | 170,248 |
Suburban Chevrolet | 2022-2023 | 57,503 |
Chevrolet Tahoes | 2022-2023 | 104,806 |
GMC Sierra 1500 | 2022-2023 | 115,885 |
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL | 2022-2023 | 93,457 |
Cadillac Escalade / Escalade ESV | 2022-2023 | 44,052 |
Cadillac CT4 | 2020-2023 | 24,697 |
Cadillac CT5 | 2020-2023 | 43,510 |
Buick Imagine | 2021-2023 | 85,950 |
The problem is not stemming from any kind of hardware issue but a software bug that is clearly visible in the body control module. A GM control engineer discovered the error, leading to a wider investigation that prompted the recall. Regarding software, GM says the fix is a software update, which can be done at the dealer or via an over-the-air update on vehicles equipped with the capability. GM will begin contacting affected vehicle owners by mail, starting January 23.
This is an extension of GM’s previous recall for the same issue that was issued in early November. The recall (22V-827) affects 338,725 Suburbans, Tahoes, Yukons, and Escalades.