Wheel-speed Sensor Forces Recall of 638,000 Chevy and GMC SUVs, Trucks

General Motors (GM) announced that the automaker is recalling 638,000 SUVs and trucks in the U.S. due to a wheel-speed sensor that could fail, causing unintended braking.

The recall affects model-year 2015 – 2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs, and model-year 2014-18 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive.

According to GM, the wheel-speed sensor failure could result in the activation of the driveline protection system, causing unintended braking of the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor. This may cause the vehicle to unexpectedly pull to one side, increasing the risk of a crash.

Although GM reported that they are not aware of any crashes relating to the potential sensor failure, the automaker found 150 claims alleging that the condition caused unintended braking or lateral-vehicle motion.

Last May, a GM dealer submitted a warranty report relating to the issue on a 2018 GMC Yukon, prompting and GM investigation and subsequent sensor testing.

GM did not immediately announce an owner-notification schedule; however, Chevy or GM dealers will reprogram the electronic brake control module at no charge.

Owners can call Chevrolet at 800-630-2438, GMC at 800-462-8782, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236, or check NHTSA’s website. When directed on the NHTSA website, plug in your vehicle’s 17-digit vehicle identification number. If your number does not appear, your vehicle does not have any open recalls.