GMC/Chevrolet Braking & ESC Warning Lights

By Sepehr Daghighian

Owners of GM vehicles, including Chevrolet Silverado 1500s, GMC Sierra 1500 Pickups, and Cadillac CT6 sedans are extensively complaining of trouble with their vehicle illuminating warning lights from the vehicle’s computer systems. GM vehicle owners, for example, have complained of warning messages from the Electronic Stability Control (“ESC”) system, Anti-Lock Braking System (“ABS”), “Check Engine” lights, and other warning messages. The warning messages are often accompanied by the vehicle being placed into a different driving mode, which affects braking, steering, and other systems.  These illuminated warning signals are more than just a mere annoyance – GM has recently announced a recall of over 814,000 vehicles due to defects in the vehicle’s electronics systems.  

According to documents filed by GM with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (“NHTSA”), in “certain 2019 model year Cadillac CT6, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500… a software error can, in rare cases, disable the vehicle’s

electronic stability control (ESC) and antilock brake system (ABS) systems for a single ignition cycle.”  Also, in many vehicles, the battery cable rings were contaminated with glue residue during production. As a result, the electrical connections could become loose, “which could lead to an intermittent electrical connection or arcing… An intermittent electrical connection between the B+ battery cable and the alternator could cause the vehicle to stall. The intermittent connection could also lead to arcing, which could generate sufficient heat to damage surrounding material and increase the risk of a fire.”  

The vehicles affected by these recalls include:

  • 2019 – 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trucks;
  • 2019 – 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Trucks; and
  • 2019 Cadillac CT6 sedans;

GM vehicle owners have complained extensively about electrical issues arising from these defects.  For instance, frustrated truck owners have complained of multiple warning sounds/lights, while driving their relatively new vehicles.  Frighteningly, GM owners have received warning of their “brake failure” indicator while driving accompanying by irregularities in the braking system.  Oftentimes, the “brake failure” light is accompanied by several other warning lights, as well. Owners have furthermore complained that, in spite of multiple visits to the dealership, GM has been unable to remedy these problems.  

Recently, in December 2019, GM issued multiple recalls to address the electronics issues arising from these vehicles.  

The lemon law attorneys at CCA are experts at handling lemon law complaints against General Motors.  If your GM vehicle has not lived up to your expectations, has spent too much time in the shop, or has scared you with an array of flashing warning lights and sounds, we invite you to contact us for a free consultation today: (833) LEMON-FIRM.  

About the Author
Sepehr Daghighian is a partner with CCA that is well-versed in all aspects of lemon-law litigation. A 2005 graduate of Loyola Law School, Mr. Daghighian has been practicing litigation throughout the state of California for over 13-years. In this time, Mr. Daghighian has advocated on behalf of California consumers in hundreds of lemon law cases throughout our great state. Mr. Daghighian has also successfully tried numerous such cases to verdict in both Federal and State Court.