A brake pressure switch in Chevrolet Silverado medium-duty trucks may catch fire.
General Motors notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) earlier this month of a fire-risk issue affecting current-generation Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD and 6500HD models. According to the notification, “the brake pressure sensor assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch and cause an electrical short-circuit.”
The issue impacts 40,428 trucks built between the 2019 and 2023 model years. GM advises owners to park their trucks otuside and away from structures until the recall repairs are complete. However, at the moment the automaker says it is not aware of injuries related to the problem.
To date, GM recorded 21 incidents of this brake pressure sensor failure. 11 of those incidents resulted in an actual fire, either generating smoke or visible flames. Through its investigation, it narrowed down the issue to the zinc-nickel plating and sealant it uses to inhibit corrosion inside the assembly. Over time, the sealant may delaminate, allowing brake fluid to leak through and cause a short-circuit. The issue could start a fire, even when the truck is switched off and unattended.
GM says it will send an interim notice to Silverado medium-duty owners around May 29, 2023. Once parts are available to actually fix the problem, a second letter will go out and dealers will inspect and relace the master cylinder pressure sensor and wiring harness, free of charge.
Owners can contact Chevrolet’s customer service line at (800)-424-9153 for more information (using the recall number N222375270).
