Today GM announced four separate recalls that affect eight different pickup trucks and SUVs. In all, 55,000 vehicles are in this recall from GMC, Chevrolet, and Cadillac. The most serious is for axles that can separate from transmissions, and for two separate fuel pump failure issues. This is the second recall for GM trucks in 2023.

What models do these GM recalls affect?

The 2023 GM C1 platform models Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia, Chevy Blazer, and Chevy Traverse SUVs have the axle separation issue. During the transmission assembly, some axles were assembled without retention rings. These essentially hold the axle in the transmission. 

Without them, the axle can slip off or abruptly eject from the transmission. This can happen while driving, with the possibility of a roll-away incident if it detaches while parked. 

The good news is that GM has detected the problem in only 20 vehicles that left the factory with this issue. Missing retention rings only affect the passenger side of XT5s and Acadias. But both sides need to be inspected on suspect Chevy Blazer and Traverse SUVs. 

What GM models are involved in the fuel pump recalls?

The fuel pump recall is actually two separate recalls covering completely different platforms. The first involves 2021 to 2022 Chevy Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain SUVs. According to GM Authority, a fuel pump supplier shipped the pumps without enough clearances limiting the flow of fuel. 

This can result in starving engines of fuel. The issue can also cause the vehicle not to start. Chevy will replace affected pumps with new ones correctly spec’d. 

The second fuel pump recall affects the 2017 to 2019 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra HD trucks. It applies specifically to trucks with the diesel engine option and dual tanks. The issue is the rear fuel pump can easily clog. This limits or cuts off fuel transferring to the front fuel tank. The L5P HP4 fuel pumps are from Denso. 

What happens if the fuel pump is bad?

Some reports indicate rear tanks are collapsing from this issue. A litany of issues can result from this including inaccurate or erratic fuel gauge readings, engines that hesitate, check engine light warning, or not being able to start the trucks. The respective companies will replace affected fuel pumps free of charge. 

It should be noted that since mid-2021 there have been four recalls for 2022 Chevy Equinox SUVs. Two are over defects with seat mechanisms and supports, and the other is for defective tires. This recall is the fourth. The 2019 Silverado and Sierra have a combined 10 safety recalls. These include several tire recalls and issues with brakes, seat belts, and electrical system defects.

Notices go out to owners in mid-March. If owners of these affected vehicles have questions, they can contact GM’s recall website. They can also contact the respective brands directly, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall number is N222390180 or N222393410 for the C1 models and N222372310 for the GMC Terrain.