GM Recalls Chevy and GMC Pickups to Fix Steering Issue
Software glitch affects nearly 700,000 2014 model year Silverado and Sierra trucks.
General Motors is recalling nearly 700,000 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. The recall addresses a power steering problem that can increase the likelihood of a crash. The recalls affect 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 models produced between January 29, 2013 and September 4, 2014.
The affected vehicles are equipped with a potentially faulty electric power steering assist (EPS). The system has a software issue that can cause a temporary loss of steering assistance, particularly at low speeds. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall report, the EPS assist outage tends to happen within a one-second time frame.
“If EPS assist is lost and suddenly returned, the driver could lose temporary control of the steering wheel, increasing the risk of a crash,” the NHTSA said in the document.
Low speed turns increase the risk of EPS assist failure because they require higher electrical currents. This can cause the system to suffer from a temporary low voltage situation. When system voltage drops below 8.8 volts, EPS is disabled for a minimum of 40 milliseconds.
GM opened an investigation into the problem back in February. After they determined that a software problem caused the issue, they decided to move forward with a recall.
Owners of affected models should check to see if their truck is included in the recalls by visiting the NHTSA’s website. GM is instructing owners of affected trucks to take their vehicles to a dealership. Once there, they will receive a free software update to correct the issue.
