US investigates 3,322 Cadillac Lyriq EVs over loss of brake assist

A few customers of the Cadillac Lyriq EVs have reported the loss of brake assist and hard brake pedal. Certain units also display a “Brake System Failure” warning on the instrument cluster either on startup or while driving. The loss of braking assist also intervenes with the functionality of the anti-lock braking system, which as a result, could deteriorate the braking performance.

Following an investigation, General Motors (GM) said that the electronic brake control module has an internal spindle that can fracture during an anti-lock braking event. The internal spindle fracture is also said to be the reason behind the loss of brake assist. According to NHTSA, GM has rolled out an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Lyriq electric SUVs, which will promptly alert the driver in case the spindle fractures.

The Cadillac Lyriq electric SUV has faced recalls in the past as well. Certain units of the Lyriq electric SUVs were found not producing the intended pedestrian-warning sounds owing to a software glitch. GM fixed the faulty units of the Lyriq SUV by rolling out a software update to the Body Control Module. 

Previously, GM also recalled four Lyriq SUVs over the possibility of lose connections on the battery pack that may have been out of position or incorrectly welded. A certain number of Lyriq SUVs were also recalled over a glitch with the infotainment system that resulted in the screen going completely blank. The infotainment screen would also not display the backup camera required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Amit Saraswat: