General Motors EV Brake Problems Face Tougher Federal Investigation

General Motors is facing increased federal scrutiny over potential brake problems affecting several of its electric vehicles and other models, following hundreds of complaints, more than 20 reported crashes or fires, and at least six injuries.

The investigation, led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has now moved to a more serious stage. The agency’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) said Monday that it has upgraded its probe into GM’s braking system to an “engineering analysis.” This is the highest level of investigation conducted by the office and can precede a decision to require a vehicle recall.

The issue first came under investigation in April 2024, after owners of 2023 Cadillac Lyriq vehicles reported problems. Many of the early complaints described a “Brake System Failure” warning appearing when the vehicle was started or after it had stopped completely.

GM conducted several internal investigations and concluded that the issue was connected to fractures in the spindle of its eBoost brake-by-wire system, according to ODI.

However, federal investigators continued to receive complaints that did not appear to match GM’s explanation of spindle failures.

Some newer reports describe drivers experiencing an immediate loss of brake assistance while actively braking. According to ODI, such a failure could increase stopping distances and potentially raise the risk of crashes or injuries.

The regulator said it now needs to examine the eBoost system more closely to determine how and why these failures may occur.

The technology is used across a growing number of GM vehicles. Introduced in 2019, eBoost replaces the traditional mechanical connection between the brake pedal and braking system with an electronic system. One advantage of the setup is that GM can adjust the braking feel depending on the vehicle’s driving mode.

The system has been installed in several of GM’s major EVs, including the Chevrolet Blazer EV, Chevrolet Equinox EV, and Cadillac Lyriq. It is also used in the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX, which were developed through GM and Honda’s partnership.

The affected vehicles aren’t limited to EVs. The investigation also includes certain Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Buick Enclave, and Buick Envision models. Overall, more than 1 million vehicles could potentially be involved.

Some of the reported incidents have been particularly serious.

In one case submitted to NHTSA, the driver of a 2025 Cadillac Lyriq said the vehicle lost braking ability while entering a parking space in front of a store. The vehicle went over a curb and crashed through the storefront before stopping inside.

Another report involved a 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. The driver said the brakes failed and that they intentionally steered the vehicle into a concrete curb to slow down and avoid what they described as a potentially catastrophic collision at an intersection.

The investigation also has implications beyond GM’s consumer EV lineup. The Cruise Origin, GM’s purpose-built autonomous electric vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals, also used the eBoost system. GM abandoned the Origin project in 2024.

For now, the federal investigation does not mean that a recall has been ordered. NHTSA’s engineering analysis will determine the scope and cause of the potential defect and whether further action, including a recall, is necessary.

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