A safety issue has surfaced for General Motors electric vehicle owners. GM has issued a safety warning affecting over 67,000 electric vehicles due to a software flaw that can lead to a temporary loss of braking ability at low speeds. If you own a recently purchased Cadillac or Chevrolet EV, here is what you need to know about the defect, the vehicles impacted, and your legal rights under state Lemon Laws.
The Defect: What Causes the Loss of Braking?
The issue stems from a defect in the vehicle’s Brake System Control Module (BSCM) software. According to safety documentation:
- The Trigger: The issue occurs when the driver lightly applies the brakes at low speeds while executing a sharp turn and hitting a bump or dip in the road (such as pulling out of a driveway).
- The Glitch: The software’s slip calculation misinterprets wheel movement under these specific conditions, causing a momentary release of the brakes and a temporary loss of stopping power.
- Vehicles Affected: The phenomenon specifically impacts models equipped with Performance All-Wheel Drive (pAWD, RPO X0E).
Although stopping power can be restored by re-applying the brake pedal, a sudden failure at a critical moment creates an extreme risk of a collision. GM has already identified 24 field complaints, including 20 minor accidents and two reported injuries linked to this exact issue.
Interestingly, this flaw persists even after GM attempted to fix a similar issue in a previous safety campaign (NHTSA 24V-589). A company safety report was triggered after a 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ struck a garage wall despite having received the earlier remedy.
GM estimates 67,380 units are potentially affected by this safety action. The impacted models include:
- Cadillac LYRIQ (2023–2027)
- Cadillac CELESTIQ (2025–2026)
- Cadillac VISTIQ (2026–2027)
- Chevrolet Blazer EV (2024–2027)
Safety Campaign Details & The Remedy
- GM Action Number: N262570900
- NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-717
- Official Remedy: GM will update the BSCM software via an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or through a dealership service visit.
- Owner Notifications: GM expects to mail official notification letters to affected owners beginning December 14, 2026.
Does Your EV Qualify Under the Lemon Law?
A defective braking system is a primary safety concern. Under state Lemon Laws, vehicle owners are protected when a manufacturer cannot fix a substantial safety defect after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
You may have a valid Lemon Law claim if:
- Multiple Repair Attempts: Your vehicle has been back to the dealer multiple times for braking glitches, software failures, or service fixes without a permanent resolution.
- Excessive Days Out of Service: Your EV has spent a cumulative total of 30 or more days at the dealership for repairs.
- Substantial Safety Hazard: The defect impairs the use, value, or safety of your vehicle (a brake failure directly fits this definition).
If your vehicle qualifies as a “lemon,” you could be entitled to a full repurchase/refund, a replacement vehicle, or cash compensation—and in most states, the manufacturer is required to cover your attorney’s fees.
What Should You Do Next?
- Document Everything: Keep copies of all dealership repair orders, safety notices, and service logs. Note every instance where your brakes lag or feel unresponsive.
- Get the Fix Applied: Contact your local GM dealer to ensure your software is updated as soon as the patch is available.
- Consult a Lemon Law Attorney: If your vehicle has experienced repeated brake issues or spent extended time in the shop, speak with a consumer protection attorney to explore your legal options.
