A potential safety issue has been identified in certain 2023-2024 Cadillac Lyriq all-wheel-drive vehicles. This defect could affect the vehicle’s braking performance, posing a risk to drivers and passengers.
The investigation into this issue began in May 2024, when General Motors (GM) received reports of two minor accidents allegedly caused by a sudden loss of braking. Both incidents were suspected to be linked to a software problem within the vehicles’ Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). In addition to these accidents, GM was also alerted to a separate field complaint that, while not resulting in an accident, seemed potentially related to the same problem.
To get to the bottom of the issue, GM’s investigation team gathered and analyzed field data from various sources. Despite the initial reports, they found no additional cases that could be connected to this defect. However, through careful analysis, they determined that the problem could indeed occur, but only in extremely rare situations. Specifically, the issue arises when a false ABS event occurs on a dry road at speeds under 25 mph. During this event, if a particular series of wheel movements takes place, the ABS system might continue to release brake pressure in the vehicle’s service brake system, even when it shouldn’t.
Fortunately, GM has confirmed that no injuries or fatalities have been associated with this condition. However, given the potential risk, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) decided in August 2024 to issue a safety recall for the affected vehicles.
The defect report explains that under certain rare braking conditions on dry surfaces at speeds below 25 mph, the ABS may become overly sensitive. If the ABS falsely activates and a specific sequence of wheel movements occurs, the system might continue to release brake pressure, which can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the service brakes. This could lead to a reduction in stopping performance or even cause the brakes to become inoperative, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
To address this issue, GM has made an update to the electronic brake control module software. This update can be installed either through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by visiting a GM dealership. If you own one of the affected vehicles, GM urges you to take action as soon as possible. The recall number for this issue is N242453471, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number is 24V-598.
