The federal government has expanded its safety investigation into General Motors’ eBoost brake-by-wire system after receiving hundreds of reports involving potential brake failures. The investigation affects more than 1.1 million vehicles, including several GM electric vehicles, as well as select Honda and Acura models built with the same technology. According to GM, the eBoost system can experience a failure that may cause spindle fractures while the vehicle is in motion.
GM says that if an eBoost failure occurs, the vehicle should continue to retain critical safety systems—including antilock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control—until it comes to a complete stop and becomes inoperable. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received numerous reports that challenge GM’s description of the failure. Some drivers allege that braking capability was lost immediately after the eBoost system failed, creating a serious safety hazard.
NHTSA has received 227 incident reports directly, while the total rises to 745 when reports submitted to GM are included. The alleged defect has been linked to 22 crashes, including five collisions that resulted in six injuries. No fatalities have been reported.
According to NHTSA, the vehicles equipped with GM’s eBoost brake-by-wire system include the 2023–2026 Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon; the 2024–2026 Buick Enclave, Buick Envision, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Chevrolet Equinox EV, Chevrolet Traverse, Cruise Origin, and GMC Acadia; and the 2025–2026 Cadillac Celestiq and Cadillac Optiq. The agency also identified the 2024–2026 Acura ZDX and Honda Prologue as vehicles built with the system.
Source: arstechnica.com