Cadillac recalls ELR coupe over stability control problems

Fri, 28 Mar 2014

Cadillac is recalling about 656 2014 ELR models made between September 26, 2013 and February 14, 2014, because of a fault with the electronic stability control system. On cars without adaptive cruise control, it's possible that diagnostics could prevent the system from telling the driver if ESC is on or off.

Cadillac has a software fix ready and repairs begin on April 17. Alan Adler, General Motors' recall and legal spokesperson, tells Autoblog that only about 55 of the affected cars are in the hands of owners. The rest are either on dealer lots or still at the factory. There have been no reported injuries or crashes caused by the fault.

The correction for the stability control system involves a software recalibration of the electronic brake control module that takes around 20 minutes to perform. While they use the same platform, the Chevrolet Volt isn't involved in this recall because it "uses a different a brake control module," said Adler.

The problem was found when Cadillac was testing the software calibration on the dyno. The automaker briefly issued a stop-sale on the ELR on March 19, but with a fix in place, Adler says that has now been lifted. Scroll down to read the letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the original letter from GM to the regulator can be read as a PDF.

Subject: Electronic Stability Control Systems/FMVSS 126

Dear Ms. Benavides:
This letter serves to acknowledge General Motors LLC's notification to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a safety recall which will be conducted pursuant to Federal law for the product(s) listed below. Please review the following information to ensure that it conforms to your records as this information is being made available to the public. If the information does not agree with your records, please contact us immediately to discuss your concerns.

Makes/Models/Model Years:
CADILLAC/ELR/2014

Mfr's Report Date: March 26, 2014

NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V-144

Components:
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

Potential Number of Units Affected: 656

Problem Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Cadillac ELR vehicles manufactured September 26, 2013, through February 14, 2014, and equipped without adaptive cruise control. In these vehicles, the electronic stability control (ESC) system software may block certain ESC diagnostics, preventing the system from alerting the driver that the ESC system is partially or fully disabled. As such, these vehicles fail to conform with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence:
If the driver is not alerted to an ESC malfunction they may continue driving with a disabled ESC system which may result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM), free of charge. The recall is
expected to begin on April 17, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14087.

Notes:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY
1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

By Chris Bruce