GM Addresses Phantom Braking in Mid-Size Pickups Recall

GM recalls nearly 62,000 pickups in North America to fix a phantom braking problem caused by a faulty camera module, aiming to enhance road safety.

A malfunction in the automatic emergency braking system of certain GM mid-size pickups has prompted a recall of nearly 62,000 vehicles in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.

Initially identified in China through a report to GM’s Speak Up For Safety program in September 2023, the issue was traced back to a faulty front camera module.

Further investigation revealed that 46,708 Chevrolet Colorados and 9,047 GMC Canyons from the 2023 model year in the U.S. contained the defective camera module. This defect could lead to «phantom braking,» where the system falsely detects obstacles, causing the vehicle to slow down unexpectedly.

This sudden and unanticipated braking, without warning to trailing drivers, raises the risk of rear-end collisions. With 234 field complaints and four related accidents in the U.S., three resulting in minor injuries, GM has taken action to address this safety concern.

The recall encompasses 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon models in North America, with 55,755 vehicles in the U.S., 4,500 in Canada, and 1,500 in Mexico requiring a software update. This update, provided free of charge by dealers, aims to recalibrate the front camera and eliminate the risk of phantom braking, according to Autonews.