GM eBoost Brake Probe Escalates, Over 1 Million Vehicles at Risk
NHTSA escalates its GM eBoost brake probe after hundreds of incidents, more than 20 crashes or fires, six injuries and over 1 million vehicles at risk.
Summary
On August 24, 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation elevated its GM brake inquiry to an engineering analysis, its highest investigative level and often a precursor to a recall. The probe began in April 2024 with complaints involving 2023 Cadillac Lyriq vehicles. Hundreds of incidents, more than 20 crashes or fires and at least six injuries have now been associated with a problem potentially affecting more than 1 million vehicles.
Owners initially reported “Brake System Failure” warnings at startup or after stopping. Several GM investigations attributed the problem to fractured spindles in eBoost, its brake-by-wire system introduced in 2019, but ODI later received reports of immediate brake-assist loss during braking that did not match GM’s explanation and could extend stopping distances. Potentially affected models include the Blazer EV, Equinox EV, Cadillac Lyriq, Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX developed with Honda, plus the non-EV Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Buick Enclave and Envision. The abandoned Cruise Origin also used eBoost. One 2025 Lyriq crossed a curb and entered a store after losing brakes, while a 2024 Blazer EV driver deliberately struck a concrete curb to avoid an intersection collision. ODI will now assess broader eBoost failure risks and whether GM must recall vehicles.
Positives
- ODI elevated the case to an engineering analysis, its highest investigative level and a possible precursor to a recall.
- Several GM internal investigations identified fractured eBoost spindles, giving regulators a specific failure theory to test.
- eBoost, introduced in 2019, lets GM electronically adjust brake feel across different driving modes.
Risks & concerns
- More than 1 million GM and Honda-partner vehicles may be affected across electric and gasoline-powered model lines.
- Hundreds of incidents include more than 20 crashes or fires and at least six injuries.
- ODI received immediate brake-assist loss reports that conflict with GM’s fractured-spindle explanation and indicate potentially broader eBoost failures.
- A 2025 Cadillac Lyriq crossed a curb and crashed into a store after its driver reported losing the brakes.
- A 2024 Blazer EV driver deliberately struck a concrete curb to avoid a potentially catastrophic intersection collision.