GM Addresses Electric Motor Wire Issue, Recalls Certain EVs: Cadillac, Chevy with Crash Risk

May 14, 2024 11:46 PM EDT

RED CLASSIC GMC JIMMY CAR COVERED WITH RAIN DROPS — (Photo : PEXELS/James Bond)

GM has announced a safety recall for specific 2024 models of Cadillac Lyriq, Chevy Silverado EV, Chevy Blazer EV, GMC Hummer EV SUV, and GMC Sierra EV due to a potential defect that could result in unexpected loss of propulsion, even while in motion.

Electric Motor Wire Problem

As per Autoevolution's report, in April, a General Motors quality engineer discovered a fault in a drive unit stator assembly. Specifically, a production line error caused inadequate application of insulating varnish on several assemblies. These suspect drive unit stators might have been utilized in manufacturing 10 battery-electric vehicles destined for the U.S.

General Motors states that subsequent investigations unveiled that poor insulation could trigger wire-to-wire contact within the stator, leading to sudden loss of power and elevating crash risks. Despite this finding, the major Detroit automaker is unaware of any incidents associated with this specific issue.

Autoevolution reports that containment measures were put in place on April 10 to address the issue with drive units in some General Motors EVs. The replacement drive units now contain properly manufactured stator assemblies supplied by LG-Magna from Ramos Arizcpe, Mexico. The affected stator assemblies are identified as X77, X79, X80, and X81 with part number 24054340.

Notifications will be sent out to owners around June 24. The impacted vehicles include one GMC Sierra EV, one Hummer EV SUV, two Chevrolet Silverado EVs, three Blazer EVs, and three Cadillac Lyriq units produced between February 28 and April 12.

Moreover, as per GM Authority, General Motors states that the issue of loss of propulsion in the impacted EVs, resulting from wire-to-wire contact within the drive unit, can manifest during any motor operation, even at high speeds on roads or highways. The sudden loss of propulsion stemming from this defect, occurring unexpectedly, has the potential to lead to accidents.

Solution

Dealers have been directed to swap out the rear drive unit of the recalled General Motors EVs. This process necessitates a new drive unit, suitable bolts, coolant, and transmission fluid.

Additionally, dealerships are advised against releasing, selling, exchanging, or showcasing the recalled vehicles until the solution has been accurately implemented and recorded in The General's online platforms. Only a certified technician can perform this repair.

A representative from The General has stated that a small number of vehicles across all five models are affected, noting that General Motors is issuing a voluntary recall of a total of 10 vehicles from the 2024 model year. Specifically, this comprises three Lyriq units, three Blazer EV units, two Silverado EV units, one Hummer EV unit, and one Sierra EV unit.

The representative has added that, despite no known field incidents linked to the condition, the company is taking this action as a precautionary measure.

2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1

As per a report from Electrek, GMC is set to introduce the high-end, exclusive 2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 with an estimated range of 440 miles this summer. Initially revealed in October 2022, reservations for this premium all-electric pickup began last year, boasting a projected range of 400 miles.

Through enhancements on the GM Ultium Platform, the upcoming 2024 EV pickup will now come equipped with a standard 440-mile range, marking a 10% increase from the original estimate. While specific details about the motor and battery remain undisclosed by GMC, it was previously mentioned that the top-tier trim level would incorporate a large pack comprising 24 modules.