General Motors is recalling approximately 800,000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickup trucks due to steering failure. The vehicles reportedly temporarily lose electric power steering assist, especially during low-speed turns.
Description of the Defect: General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado LD and GMC Sierra LD vehicles. These vehicles may experience a temporary loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist followed by a sudden return of EPS assist, particularly during low-speed turning maneuvers. The loss and sudden return of EPS assist typically happens within a 1 second period and is caused by an electrical/software issue.”
Description of the Safety Risk: If EPS assist is lost and suddenly returned, the driver could lose temporary control of the steering wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Description of the Cause: Events that demand high current, such as low speed turns, can cause temporary low voltage conditions. When the system voltage drops below 8.8 volts for more than 1 second—e.g., during low-speed turns—EPS assist is disabled until voltage returns to 9 volts for a minimum of 40 milliseconds, at which point EPS assist returns.
Most of the vehicles were sold in the U.S., but roughly 100,000 were sold in other markets.