GM Calls Back Full-Size SUVs for Fuel Pump Issue

Nearly 15,000 GM sport utility vehicle drivers may be at increased risk of a crash because of a fuel pump defect, the company recently told federal regulators.

GM is recalling certain 2021 full-size SUVs, including Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL models. Those cars were built between April 2020 and August 2021, Car and Driver reports.

A problem with power control modules in the vehicles’ fuel pumps puts the SUVs at risk of stalling unexpectedly, GM said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That, in turn, ramps up the risk of an accident.

“If the engine does not receive adequate fuel, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall,” GM told NHTSA in the defect notice. “A vehicle stall without warning could increase the risk of a crash, especially at high speeds.”

Although the company received more than 600 owner complaints about the issue, GM said it was not aware of any crashes actually resulting from the defect, according to Car and Driver.

GM told NHTSA that it would begin notifying recalled car owners in early November. Dealers will replace fuel pump power control modules at no cost to owners, the company added.

Stuck with a Lemon? Fight Back

This, unfortunately, is not GM’s first rodeo when it comes to recalling cars over defects that pose serious safety risks.

The company recently called back approximately 95,000 sport utility vehicles, citing a defect that could cause their seatbelts to become inoperable. GM said at the time that the problem increased the risk of injury in the event that recalled cars are involved in a crash.

GM in July also recalled roughly 380,000 Saab SUVs because of a suspension defect that the company said could cause drivers to lose control of the cars and lead to an accident.

In California, it is important to understand that you do not need to wait for a recall to get a defective or malfunctioning vehicle fixed. 

The state’s lemon law requires carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act also forces manufacturers to buy back or replace cars that they cannot or will not fix.

How a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney Can Help You

If you are stuck in a dispute with a carmaker over a malfunctioning or defective vehicle, a Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help. 

Our firm works tirelessly for people across the state to fight back against defective vehicle manufacturers. We have significant experience in these cases and a strong track record of successful results for the people and families that we represent.

Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.  Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Los Angeles lemon law attorney today.