Due to a known brake issue, General Motors has issued a recall on several 2018-2019 Chevy Volts and Bolts. The GM recall is estimated to affect approximately 230,000 vehicles in both the U.S. and Canada.
Earlier this month, we reported on a similar recall issued by Toyota due to a known fire risk in their Prius Hybrid models. Now, it seems as though General Motors has joined the unfortunate club of automakers forced into recalling thousands of units across the country.
According to GM Authority, ZF Group, the supplier of the specific brake parts in question, failed to “properly chrome and temper the brake pistons.” This manufacturing error has the potential to release hydrogen gas into the brake piston, where it can then become trapped. As a result of this, drivers may experience softer, somewhat “spongy” braking, as well as the reduction of rear-braking power. This change in sensation can lead to collisions between drivers if they are not able to adequately predict how quickly the vehicle will come to a stop.
GM Authority had the following to say in regards to the recently discovered brake defect:
“The defect: affected models are equipped with brakes with defective pistons. Gas from a defective piston can be released into the vehicle’s brake system and create a soft or spongy feel when the driver depresses the brake, thereby impacting rear-brake performance.
According to GM, the manufacturer of the brake pistons failed to properly chrome and temper the brake pistons during the manufacturing process. The condition can cause hydrogen gas to remain trapped in the piston body.
The hazards: diminished braking performance can lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. GM said it is not aware of any crashes caused by the issue.”
While there have not been any reported accidents as a result of the break defect, the GM recall aims to avoid any potential causalities at all costs.
The full list of vehicles affected by the GM recall can be found here.
In order to see if your vehicle has been personally affected by the recall, simply visit my.gm.com/recalls and enter your VIN. From there, you will be able to see if your vehicle requires service. If your vehicle does end up requiring service, the fix is rather simple, as it only involves bleeding the rear brakes in order to expel the trapped gas.
Source: GM Authority
