Fire Potential from Defective Brake Part Causes GM Recall

DETROIT – General Motors is recalling certain 2020-2021model year GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado heavy duty pickup trucks due to a defect in the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) assembly which could lead to a vehicle fire.

The recall population covers 3,241 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 (2,189) and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 (1,052) trucks which have an electronic brake control module (EBCM).

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Part 573 Safety Recall Report 21V-758, “Bolts that attach the brake pressure modulator valve assembly in these vehicles may not have been properly tightened (during a replacement of the EBCM), failing to create the seal between two sub-assemblies that is intended to prevent water intrusion. If water becomes trapped in the BPMV, it could result in a short circuit, which could lead to an under-hood fire.”

The condition was discovered at the Flint, Mich., plant which assembles the pickups when two trucks experienced an under-hood fire after being exposed to a heavy rain while parked outside (awaiting shipment to a dealer).

The remedy will be replacement of the BPMV assembly by a franchised GMC or Chevrolet dealer. Dealers were scheduled to be notified as to the recall beginning Sept. 29 and owners are scheduled to begin being notified Nov. 15.