GMC Sierra And Yukon Recalled For Failing Brake Fluid Loss Detection

General Motors has issued a noncompliance recall that, among other models, includes the 2023 GMC Sierra pickup truck as well as the 2023 GMC Yukon, the 2024 GMC Yukon, the 2023 GMC Yukon XL and the 2024 GMC Yukon XL.

The GMC Sierra and Yukon units included in the recall are affected by a brake fluid leak detection failure causing the system to fail to notify drivers of a leak, per info in Recall number N242447990.

The problem: the issue, which involves the software programming related to brake fluid leaks, causes affected GMC Sierra and Yukon units to fail to show a BRAKE warning when a leak occurs and brake levels drop below the safety threshold.

The hazards: if a leak occurs in the GMC Sierra or Yukon’s brake fluid, the driver will receive no visual warning of low brake fluid. Lack of brake fluid can cause the brake pedal to become less responsive. Reduced brake performance, in turn, could lead to problems including greater likelihood of an accident or collision.

Per regulations set down in FMVSS 135, the BRAKE warning light is supposed to illuminate when brake fluid levels drop below a certain threshold. This warning does not occur or occurs late because of the condition described in the recall.

The fix: software reprogramming offers a fix for affected GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon units, with no physical components needed to provide a remedy.

Owners of affected vehicles can pick between two options to fix the brake fluid leak warning failure. On suitably equipped vehicles, the owner can accept an over-the-air (OTA) update at home, which will reprogram the brake system control module to warn properly about low brake fluid. The reprogramming can also be carried out at a dealership by service personnel.

Affected components: brake system control module.

Affected vehicles: 

• 2023 Chevy Silverado
• 2023 Chevy Suburban
• 2024 Chevy Suburban
• 2023 Chevy Tahoe
• 2024 Chevy Tahoe
• 2023 GMC Sierra 1500
• 2023 GMC Yukon
• 2024 GMC Yukon
• 2023 GMC Yukon XL
• 2024 GMC Yukon XL
• 2023 Cadillac Escalade
• 2024 Cadillac Escalade
• 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV
• 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV

Number of affected vehicles: there are 35,989 GMC Sierra 1500, 57,083 GMC Yukon and 44,945 GMC Yukon XL units involved in the recall. Across all GM brands, a total of 449,671 vehicles are affected by the failed brake fluid loss detection issue.

Owners should: GM will mail notification letters to owners of affected GMC Sierra and Yukon vehicles. The fix is offered free of charge for both the OTA method and if the vehicle is brought to the dealership for reprogramming. Notably, affected units still unsold in dealer inventory must have the fix applied before they are traded, demonstrated, sold or delivered.

Concerned owners can contact GMC customer service directly using the following telephone line, using the recall number as a reference if necessary, to ask further questions:

Contacts:

• GM recall number: N242447990
• GMC Customer Service: 1-800-462-8782