GM Recalls 9 Models for Brake System Defect
General Motors is recalling 230,013 2018 and 2019 Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick vehicles because they may be equipped with brakes that have defective pistons.

General Motors is recalling nine models, including the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu (shown), for a brake system defect.
Photo courtesy of GM.
General Motors is recalling 230,013 2018 and 2019 Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick vehicles because they may be equipped with brakes that have defective pistons.
Specifically, the brake pistons were improperly chromed and tempered during production, which can cause hydrogen gas to be released into the brake system. This, in turn, creates a soft or spongy feeling when the driver depresses the brake, impacting brake performance. Dimished braking performance can potentially cause loss of vehicle control, increasing the chance of a crash.
To fix the problem, GM dealers will bleed the rear brakes as necessary to remove any gas. GM is not aware of any accidents due to the brake-piston issue.
Specific vehicles under the recall from the 2018 and 2019 model years include the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Mailbu, Chevrolet Volt, GMC Terrain, Buick LaCrosse, and Cadillac XTS.
The recall spans 210,628 vehicles in the U.S. and 19,385 vehicles in Canada, according to GM.
Owners can determine whether or not their vehicle is part of the recall by visiting recalls.gm.com. Owners can also contact each brand's customer service department, including Chevrolet at (800) 222-1020; GMC at (800) 462-8782; Cadillac at (800) 333-4223; and Buick at (800) 521-7300.
More Safety

NAFA Fleet Safety Symposium to Collocate With 2026 Fleet Forward Conference
The daylong certificate program will precede the Fleet Forward Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.
Read More →
The Distractions You Can’t Turn Off: What Drivers Face Outside the Vehicle
Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.
Read More →
FLASH Weather AI Launches First Deep-Learning Hail Prediction Model With High-Resolution Forecasting
FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.
Read More →
How Coca-Cola United Protects Its Fleet from Growing Legal Risk
As litigation risk rises, vehicles are increasingly targeted. This Coca-Cola bottler shares how it’s reducing exposure through driver training, technology, and a proactive risk management approach.
Read More →
How to Speak the Same Language on Fleet Safety
Drivers, supervisors, and data often speak different safety “languages.” Getting on the same page will drive better results.
Read More →
Fleet Cybersecurity 101: What You Need from Your Technology Vendors
From identity management to third-party certifications, the right technology partner should make security easier to manage. Here are the three building blocks that fleet managers need to stay in control as connected systems scale.
Read More →
Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 2
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
Data Rights, Risks, and Responsibilities After a Crash
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
From Distraction to Detection: Strengthening Awareness in Fleet Drivers
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →