— General Motors is recalling about 15,000 vehicles in three separate recalls, the vast majority are trucks called back to fix brake fluid leaks.
Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon
Over 14,800 model year 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks can lose braking ability due to brake fluid leaking from the front brake calipers.
GM says the front calipers can contain tiny air pockets caused by problems during casting of the metal caliper body. Engineers found everything depends on where the air pockets are located. The brake fluid leaks from the caliper only when a string of air pockets affect the entire body of the caliper.
An owner might notice brake fluid on the ground near a front tire, and if enough brake fluid leaks while driving, a brake system warning light will activate on the instrument panel. The next sign will be the increased time and distances involved in getting the truck to stop.
GM says the recalled 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks were built January 6, 2014, to December 24, 2014.
The recall should begin July 10, 2015. Chevy and GMC dealers will replace the front brake calipers, if needed.
Owners of the 2015 Chevy Colorado may call 800-222-1020, and owners of the 2015 GMC Canyon can call 800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 14888.
Chevrolet Impala
GM is recalling 126 model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala cars to repair parking brake problems.
The Chevy Impala saga started in April 2014, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into sudden braking in the 2014 Impala. The driver of a 2014 Chevrolet Impala reported being rear-ended by another vehicle after the Impala suddenly stopped in the road.
That led to a recall of the cars in September 2014, then another recall in February 2015.
Now it's third time's a charm (or three strikes you're out) as the 2014 Impala is recalled for the third time for the same defect.
The automaker says the brake pads can stick to the rotors after a driver releases the parking brake. Even if a driver doesn't notice any decreased brake performance, the brake pads can overheat and possibly cause a fire while driving. GM says the defect is caused by the electronic parking brake piston actuation arm that can fail to fully retract.
General Motors says the recalled 2014 Chevrolet Impalas were built March 22, 2013, to May 22, 2014.
The recall is currently underway and will involve dealers reprogramming the electronic parking brake control module with new software.
Affected owners of the 2014 Chevy Impala can call GM at 800-222-1020 and give the automaker recall number 15259.
Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon
The 2015 Chevy Colorado and 2015 GMC Canyon are recalled again, but this time only 40 trucks are involved. GM says the front driver-side airbag inflator might not be installed evenly with the backplate of the airbag module. The airbag inflator can separate from the backplate in a crash and cause the inflator to explode.
However, even if the metal inflator doesn't explode, no occupant needs to be hit with one of those things darting around inside a truck. Not to mention the airbag will fail to deploy when needed and do nothing to protect you in a crash.
Owners should have been notified by now, but with questions, truck owners can call Chevy at 800-222-1020 or GMC at 800-462-8782.
Read owner-reported complaints about the vehicles named in the GM recalls:
- Chevy Colorado: 2015 / All Model Years
- GMC Canyon: 2015 / All Model Years
- Chevy Impala: 2014 / All Model Years
