General Motors (GM) electric vehicles (EVs), including those co-developed with Honda, are under heightened scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) following reports of brake system failures. These incidents, which include over 20 crashes or fires and at least six injuries, affect more than 1 million vehicles, extending beyond EVs to models such as the Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Buick Enclave, and Envision. The NHTSA initiated its investigation in April 2024 after receiving complaints about 2023 model year Cadillac Lyriq vehicles displaying a “Brake System Failure” message. The agency has now elevated its probe to an “engineering analysis,” the most intensive level of investigation, often preceding a recall mandate.
GM has conducted internal investigations, attributing the issue to fractures in the spindle of its “eBoost” brake-by-wire system. However, the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) reports receiving additional complaints describing an immediate loss of brake assist during braking, a scenario inconsistent with GM’s explanation. This discrepancy suggests a potential for extended braking distances, increasing crash and injury risks. Consequently, ODI plans further analysis of the eBoost system’s failure potential. GM maintains that the alleged condition does not pose an unreasonable safety risk and asserts its commitment to cooperating with NHTSA’s ongoing investigation. Source