NHTSA escalates probe into GM electric vehicle brake failures
The U.S. auto safety agency has upgraded its investigation of brake problems affecting many General Motors electric models after dozens of crashes and injuries.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation has elevated its review of brake system failures in General Motors electric vehicles to an engineering analysis, following more than 20 crashes, fires and six reported injuries. Initial complaints from owners of 2023 Cadillac Lyriq cars cited a “Brake System Failure” alert, which GM traced to fractures in the eBoost brake-by-wire spindle.
However, newer reports describe an abrupt loss of brake assist that does not match the spindle-failure pattern, prompting deeper analysis. The eBoost system, introduced in 2019, replaces a mechanical link with electronic control and is used across GM’s EV lineup, including the Blazer EV, Equinox EV, Cadillac Lyriq, and Honda-partnered models like the Prologue and ZDX. Similar brake issues have been reported in non-EV models such as the Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Buick Enclave and Envision, potentially affecting more than 1 million vehicles. Incidents include a 2025 Lyriq driver losing brakes while parking and a 2024 Blazer EV driver steering onto a curb to avoid a collision.
Why it matters
Potential brake failures in millions of vehicles could lead to more crashes and may trigger a large-scale recall.
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