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2015 GMC Yukon Xl

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Yukon Xl years

Owner complaints for the 2015 GMC Yukon Xl are substantially higher than the model-year median of 68.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

200 reports with mileage · 106 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 140 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 62 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports3 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

306 reports
Mileage unknown · Jun 30, 2020
Electrical SystemExterior LightingService Brakes

MY PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY NEED TO BE REPLACED AS THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. THIS HAS BECOME A COMMON PROBLEM AS EVIDENCED BY THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS FILED ON YOUR SITE FOR THE SAME ISSUE. LACK OF PROPERLY FUNCTIONING TAIL LIGHTS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11331792

80,000 miles · Jun 30, 2020
Exterior Lighting

THE REAR PASSENGER & DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS JUST RANDOMLY STOPPED WORKING. NOT A BULB ISSUE AS IT IS THE LED PANEL OF LIGHTS. THE BACK-UP BULB STILL WORKS, BUT THE LED BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T. LED LIGHTS SHOULD LAST YEARS. DEALERSHIP SAYS IT HAPPENS A LOT TO THESE VEHICLES, AND I HAVE TO BUY A WHOLE NEW UNIT FOR EACH SIDE. THIS IS…

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THE REAR PASSENGER & DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS JUST RANDOMLY STOPPED WORKING. NOT A BULB ISSUE AS IT IS THE LED PANEL OF LIGHTS. THE BACK-UP BULB STILL WORKS, BUT THE LED BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T. LED LIGHTS SHOULD LAST YEARS. DEALERSHIP SAYS IT HAPPENS A LOT TO THESE VEHICLES, AND I HAVE TO BUY A WHOLE NEW UNIT FOR EACH SIDE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE - BREAK LIGHTS FAILING DUE TO POOR WIRING. AGAIN NOT A REPLACEABLE BULB ISSUE, IT IS DUE TO A WIRING ISSUE WITHIN THE LED LIGHTING UNIT ITSELF.

NHTSA ODI #11331752

25,000 miles · Jun 18, 2020
Suspension

MAGNETIC RIDE CONTROL ISSUE POSSIBLY. WHILE TRAVELING DOWN ROAD, HIGHWAY OR SIDE STREET, VEHICLE RIDES EXTREMELY ROUGH AND BOUNCES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11329524

60,010 miles · Jun 7, 2020
Electrical System

RIGHT REAR BRAKE LIGHT LED KEEPS WORKING OFF AND ON. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, LOOK AT THE OTHER COMPLAINTS, AND COSTS THE CUSTOMER AROUND $700 TO FIX. THE LED STRIP BREAKS INTERNALLY AND THIS IS THE CAUSE OF THE ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11327652

102,000 miles · Jun 5, 2020
Exterior LightingService Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC YUKON XL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE REAR BRAKE TAILLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KEWEENAW BUICK GMC LOCATED AT 608 QUINCY ST, HANCOCK, MI 49930, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC YUKON XL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE REAR BRAKE TAILLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KEWEENAW BUICK GMC LOCATED AT 608 QUINCY ST, HANCOCK, MI 49930, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

NHTSA ODI #11327424

63,000 miles · May 28, 2020
Service Brakes

BOTH LED BRAKE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. THEY WERE BOTH REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP. NOW APPROXIMATELY 7 MONTHS LATER THE PASSENGER BRAKE LIGHT HAS STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE PART, WHICH COST $700.00 EACH SIDE, AND HAS FAILED TWICE IN YEAR. FROM A SIMPLE SEARCH ON THE INTERNET THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PRO…

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BOTH LED BRAKE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. THEY WERE BOTH REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP. NOW APPROXIMATELY 7 MONTHS LATER THE PASSENGER BRAKE LIGHT HAS STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE PART, WHICH COST $700.00 EACH SIDE, AND HAS FAILED TWICE IN YEAR. FROM A SIMPLE SEARCH ON THE INTERNET THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR GMC YUKON'S AND DENALI'S BUT THERE IS NOT A RECALL FOR THIS FAILURE. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE A FAULTY DESIGN. THE SOLDER CONNECTION PREMATURELY BREAKS AND CAUSES THE LED BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT WORK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11326422

66,000 miles · May 27, 2020
Exterior LightingService Brakes

THE BRAKE LIGHT IS NOT WORKING. ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS IN THE ASSEMBLY ARE FINE. REVERSE AND TURN SIGNAL, NO BRAKE INDICATION. IT DOES NOT ACTIVATE A WARNING ON THE DASH FOR THE BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE. THIS HAPPENS 24/7... THIS SHOULD NOT OCCUR WITH AN ITEM PRICED AT OVER $700.00 TO REPLACE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11326255

Mileage unknown · May 27, 2020
Exterior Lighting

BRAKE LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY NOT ILLUMINATING AND GOING OUT. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER BRAKE LIGHTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11326153

80,000 miles · May 27, 2020
Exterior Lighting

WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN FEBRUARY 2019. LESS THAN A YEAR LATER OUR RIGHT TAIL LIGHT STARTED GOING OUT RANDOMLY. THEN IT COMPLETELY WOULD NOT WORK. WE PAY FOR AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, BUT IT DIDN'T COVER IT. THEN SHORTLY AFTER THE LEFT TAIL LIGHT DID THE SAME THING. WE CURRENTLY HAVE 84K MILES ON OUR VEHICLE. DUE TO NEGLIGEN…

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WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN FEBRUARY 2019. LESS THAN A YEAR LATER OUR RIGHT TAIL LIGHT STARTED GOING OUT RANDOMLY. THEN IT COMPLETELY WOULD NOT WORK. WE PAY FOR AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, BUT IT DIDN'T COVER IT. THEN SHORTLY AFTER THE LEFT TAIL LIGHT DID THE SAME THING. WE CURRENTLY HAVE 84K MILES ON OUR VEHICLE. DUE TO NEGLIGENCE, AND A DISHONEST COMPANY (GMC), THIS MILITARY FAMILY IS DOWN TO 1 VEHICLE AS WE CANNOT AFFORD THE ALMOST $2K IT WILL COST TO FIX THE TAIL LIGHTS. THIS IS NOT DUE TO ANYTHING WE DID, IT HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH FAULT BRAKE LIGHTS THAT GMC WILL NOT FIX PAST 72K MILES WHICH IS DISGUSTING AND A SLAP IN THE FACE TO PEOPLE WHO GIVE THEM THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY. I HAVE DONE EXTENSIVE RESEARCH AND THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN THESE VEHICLES. THERE ARE DOZENS OF BLOGS, POSTS, WEBSITES, ETC OF CUSTOMERS COMPLAINING OF THIS ISSUE AND GMC NOT HELPING PAST 72K MILES WHICH IS A HORRIBLE EXPLANATION AND IS NOT HELPFUL TO MOST OF US. WE HAVE ALREADY HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THINGS THAT HAVE BROKEN (NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR WHICH IS UNDERSTANDABLE) THAT WASN'T COVERED UNDER OUR PLATINUM EXTENDED WARRANTY. HOWEVER, GMC NEEDS TO DO THE RIGHT THING ESPECIALLY FOR OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM, AND FIX WHAT THEIR COMPANY HAS DEEMED AS FAULTY PAST 72K MILES!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #11326134

Mileage unknown · May 26, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes

I PURCHASED BY VEHICLE IN THE SUMMER OF 2015. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES FOR VARIOUS ISSUES, MOSTLY ELECTRICAL INVOLVING THE COMPUTER AND SOFTWARE, OR ISSUES INVOLVING MY TIRES OR STEERING WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL.. MY "DRIVER ASSIST" HAS MALFUNCTIONED MANY TIMES AND I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE SHOP TO HAVE IT RE…

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I PURCHASED BY VEHICLE IN THE SUMMER OF 2015. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES FOR VARIOUS ISSUES, MOSTLY ELECTRICAL INVOLVING THE COMPUTER AND SOFTWARE, OR ISSUES INVOLVING MY TIRES OR STEERING WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL.. MY "DRIVER ASSIST" HAS MALFUNCTIONED MANY TIMES AND I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE SHOP TO HAVE IT REPAIRED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. LAST SUMMER MY FRONT AND REAR LIGHTS STARTED FLICKERING AND STOPPED WORKING. I SPENT $800 FOR THE BACK PASSENGER BRAKE LIGHT AND ALMOST $1000 FOR THE FRONT DRIVER HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY. I ALSO HAD TO GET A NEW BATTERY FOR THIS VEHICLE. MY 2015 GMC YUKON XL IS NOW MALFUNCTIONING AGAIN AND THIS TIME, I AM TOLD THAT THE SEAT MOTOR (THAT ALERTS YOU WHEN YOU ARE NEAR AN OBSTACLE HAS BURNED OUT.) ABOUT 4 DAYS AGO, I BECAME AWARE OF TICKING NOISE WHILE MY CAR HAS BEEN IDLE. I IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULED A MAINTENANCE APPOINTMENT. TODAY, I AM ALSO INFORMED THAT MY "LIFTERS" ARE BAD ON THE VEHICLE AND MY ENGINE IS GOING BAD. I AM TOLD THE AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER HAS BURNED OUT, I AM TOLD THE MOTOR UNDER MY SEAT IS BURNED OUT. I HAVE PERFORMED ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, I GET OIL CHANGES REGULARLY AND USE HIGH QUALITY SYNTHETIC OILS. I TAKE MY CAR TO THE SHOP AT LEAST 2X PER YEAR FOR PROBLEMS AND SOME MAJOR REPAIR IS ALWAYS REQUIRED. THIS IS A CAR THAT I AM GOING INTO THE 5TH YEAR OF OWNERSHIP THIS SUMMER. ORIGINALLY. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR BRAKES, NOW I AM TOLD THERE IS NOT, BUT I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN FOR VARIOUS RECALLS AT LEAST 3X. THIS IS AN UNSAFE, DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. EVERY SYSTEM FAILS. I AM NOW IN SEARCH OF A NEW VEHICLE. I HAVE DRIVEN OTHER GM VEHICLES (GRAND AM, HUMMER) AND NONE HAVE REQUIRED SO MUCH REPAIR COSTS. TODAY I AM TOLD THAT IT WILL COST $6800 TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE TO MAKE IT SAFE. MY REPAIR RECORDS WILL SHOW THE REPAIRS AND SERVICE CHARGES I HAVE PAID SINCE PURCHASE. THIS IS A LEMON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11326023

Official recalls

2

17V437000 · Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE ; Seat Belts:pretensioner

Jul 10, 2017

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Seat Belts:pretensioner

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.

Air Bags:frontal

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.

16V651000 · Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE ; Seat Belts:pretensioner

Sep 8, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Seat Belts:pretensioner

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.

Air Bags:frontal

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE18012 · Brake Vacuum Pump Failure

Opened Nov 20, 2018 · Closed Apr 10, 2022

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes; Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

On November 20, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE18-012 to investigate instances of sudden onset of a hard brake pedal that could result in extended stopping distance due to an issue with the brake assist vacuum pump in model year (MY) 2014 through 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series pickup trucks and MY 2015 through 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon SUVs.If the brake assist vacuum pump fails to operate as intended, the amount of brake power assist supplied to the driver can be significantly reduced, extending the subject vehicle stopping distance. GM stated that the root cause of pump failures was due to foreign debris such as oil sludge in the engine oil. GM stated that this debris can become trapped by the oil inlet filter screen. Under normal operation, this screen allows a small amount of oil into the brake vacuum pump. The foreign debris can, over time, clog the pump which can cause a loss of lubrication and a reduction in the amount of vacuum produced leading to a hard pedal and extended stopping distance.On December 13, 2018, GM issued a Special Coverage (N182202780) for the brake vacuum pump issue in MY 2014-2017 trucks and 2015-2017 SUVs on the K2XX platform for 6 years or 72,000 miles. Special Coverage repair includes the replacement of the vacuum pump and vacuum pump belt. Consumers received notification of the coverage via mail. On September 6, 2019, GM notified NHTSA that it was conducting safety recall 19V-645 which reprograms the electronic brake control module (EBCM) and included approximately 3.5 million trucks and SUVs. In October 2019, GM extended the terms of special coverage N182202780 to 10 years or 150,000 miles as well as now including the entire scope of recall 19V-645. In October 2020, GM expanded the scope of coverage N182202780 to include the MY 2018 Escalade and 2019 Tahoe.The remedy implemented in GM recall 19V-645 appears to be sufficient in addressing the safety-related concerns of this issue. Loss of vacuum assist now occurs at a progressive rate as well as there being a more timely warning of a brake problem to the driver through the driver information center (DIC). In view of the recall action and revision to the special coverage, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Service Brakes

On November 20, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE18-012 to investigate instances of sudden onset of a hard brake pedal that could result in extended stopping distance due to an issue with the brake assist vacuum pump in model year (MY) 2014 through 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series pickup trucks and MY 2015 through 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon SUVs.If the brake assist vacuum pump fails to operate as intended, the amount of brake power assist supplied to the driver can be significantly reduced, extending the subject vehicle stopping distance. GM stated that the root cause of pump failures was due to foreign debris such as oil sludge in the engine oil. GM stated that this debris can become trapped by the oil inlet filter screen. Under normal operation, this screen allows a small amount of oil into the brake vacuum pump. The foreign debris can, over time, clog the pump which can cause a loss of lubrication and a reduction in the amount of vacuum produced leading to a hard pedal and extended stopping distance.On December 13, 2018, GM issued a Special Coverage (N182202780) for the brake vacuum pump issue in MY 2014-2017 trucks and 2015-2017 SUVs on the K2XX platform for 6 years or 72,000 miles. Special Coverage repair includes the replacement of the vacuum pump and vacuum pump belt. Consumers received notification of the coverage via mail. On September 6, 2019, GM notified NHTSA that it was conducting safety recall 19V-645 which reprograms the electronic brake control module (EBCM) and included approximately 3.5 million trucks and SUVs. In October 2019, GM extended the terms of special coverage N182202780 to 10 years or 150,000 miles as well as now including the entire scope of recall 19V-645. In October 2020, GM expanded the scope of coverage N182202780 to include the MY 2018 Escalade and 2019 Tahoe.The remedy implemented in GM recall 19V-645 appears to be sufficient in addressing the safety-related concerns of this issue. Loss of vacuum assist now occurs at a progressive rate as well as there being a more timely warning of a brake problem to the driver through the driver information center (DIC). In view of the recall action and revision to the special coverage, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

On November 20, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE18-012 to investigate instances of sudden onset of a hard brake pedal that could result in extended stopping distance due to an issue with the brake assist vacuum pump in model year (MY) 2014 through 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series pickup trucks and MY 2015 through 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon SUVs.If the brake assist vacuum pump fails to operate as intended, the amount of brake power assist supplied to the driver can be significantly reduced, extending the subject vehicle stopping distance. GM stated that the root cause of pump failures was due to foreign debris such as oil sludge in the engine oil. GM stated that this debris can become trapped by the oil inlet filter screen. Under normal operation, this screen allows a small amount of oil into the brake vacuum pump. The foreign debris can, over time, clog the pump which can cause a loss of lubrication and a reduction in the amount of vacuum produced leading to a hard pedal and extended stopping distance.On December 13, 2018, GM issued a Special Coverage (N182202780) for the brake vacuum pump issue in MY 2014-2017 trucks and 2015-2017 SUVs on the K2XX platform for 6 years or 72,000 miles. Special Coverage repair includes the replacement of the vacuum pump and vacuum pump belt. Consumers received notification of the coverage via mail. On September 6, 2019, GM notified NHTSA that it was conducting safety recall 19V-645 which reprograms the electronic brake control module (EBCM) and included approximately 3.5 million trucks and SUVs. In October 2019, GM extended the terms of special coverage N182202780 to 10 years or 150,000 miles as well as now including the entire scope of recall 19V-645. In October 2020, GM expanded the scope of coverage N182202780 to include the MY 2018 Escalade and 2019 Tahoe.The remedy implemented in GM recall 19V-645 appears to be sufficient in addressing the safety-related concerns of this issue. Loss of vacuum assist now occurs at a progressive rate as well as there being a more timely warning of a brake problem to the driver through the driver information center (DIC). In view of the recall action and revision to the special coverage, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

On November 20, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE18-012 to investigate instances of sudden onset of a hard brake pedal that could result in extended stopping distance due to an issue with the brake assist vacuum pump in model year (MY) 2014 through 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series pickup trucks and MY 2015 through 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon SUVs.If the brake assist vacuum pump fails to operate as intended, the amount of brake power assist supplied to the driver can be significantly reduced, extending the subject vehicle stopping distance. GM stated that the root cause of pump failures was due to foreign debris such as oil sludge in the engine oil. GM stated that this debris can become trapped by the oil inlet filter screen. Under normal operation, this screen allows a small amount of oil into the brake vacuum pump. The foreign debris can, over time, clog the pump which can cause a loss of lubrication and a reduction in the amount of vacuum produced leading to a hard pedal and extended stopping distance.On December 13, 2018, GM issued a Special Coverage (N182202780) for the brake vacuum pump issue in MY 2014-2017 trucks and 2015-2017 SUVs on the K2XX platform for 6 years or 72,000 miles. Special Coverage repair includes the replacement of the vacuum pump and vacuum pump belt. Consumers received notification of the coverage via mail. On September 6, 2019, GM notified NHTSA that it was conducting safety recall 19V-645 which reprograms the electronic brake control module (EBCM) and included approximately 3.5 million trucks and SUVs. In October 2019, GM extended the terms of special coverage N182202780 to 10 years or 150,000 miles as well as now including the entire scope of recall 19V-645. In October 2020, GM expanded the scope of coverage N182202780 to include the MY 2018 Escalade and 2019 Tahoe.The remedy implemented in GM recall 19V-645 appears to be sufficient in addressing the safety-related concerns of this issue. Loss of vacuum assist now occurs at a progressive rate as well as there being a more timely warning of a brake problem to the driver through the driver information center (DIC). In view of the recall action and revision to the special coverage, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.