NHTSA Engineering Analysis: Electronic Brake Module Component Failure in Buick Enclave (EA26-006)

EA26-006 at a glance

What is NHTSA investigating in the Buick Enclave?

From NHTSA’s investigation summary:

On April 11, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE24011 after receiving complaints concerning a loss of brake assist in 2023 MY Cadillac Lyriq vehicles.

These complaints allege a hard brake pedal, followed by a "Brake System Failure" message at start up or while driving.

GM shared records regarding several internal investigations for loss of brake assist due to alleged spindle fractures in the eBoost system.

GM has stated that in the event of a spindle fracture, anti-lock brakes (ABS), stability control, and traction control remain functional until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.

At this point, ABS, brake assist, stability control, and traction control functions are lost.

The loss of these functions causes the vehicle to set one of three Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) based on failed performance criteria for the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM).

These DTCs, in turn, activate several driver alerts: an audible chime, a visual "Service Brake System" message in the display, and multiple illuminated Malfunction Indicator Lights (MILs) for the ABS, Traction Control, and Brakes informing the driver of loss of functionality.

The vehicle speed will also be limited to 70 KPH (43 MPH).

Since opening PE24011, ODI has continued to receive reports of loss of brake assist.

Some of these reports describe symptoms inconsistent with GM's description of a spindle failure.

These reports allege an immediate loss of brake assist functionality as opposed to the loss occurring after the vehicle comes to a complete stop.

The sudden loss of brake assist during a braking event could result in extended braking distance, which increases the risk of a crash or injury.

ODI believes further analysis is necessary to assess the potential for failures in GM's eBoost system to resulting in safety-related outcomes.

At this time, ODI is aware of the following vehicles that are equipped with this eBoost system: 2023-2026 MY Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon; 2024-2026 MY Buick Enclave, Envision; Chevrolet Blazer EV, Equinox EV, Traverse; Cruise Origin; and GMC Acadia; 2025-2026 MY Cadillac Celestiq and Optiq.

ODI is also aware of 2024-2026 MY Acura ZDX and 2024-2026 MY Honda Prologue vehicles that were built with this system.

The Acura and Honda vehicles were manufactured by GM in a joint venture with Honda, and will be included in the Engineering Analysis as peer vehicles.

ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis to further assess the safety-related consequences of a failed eBoost system.

In addition, ODI is expanding the scope of the investigation to encompass all GM vehicles that share this eBoost system.

To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

What is an engineering analysis?

Engineering Analysis is the second, deeper stage of a federal defect investigation, opened when a preliminary evaluation finds enough evidence. NHTSA can test vehicles and demand detailed engineering data, and this stage often ends with a recall or a recall request.

Did this investigation lead to a recall?

Not yet. The investigation is still open, and NHTSA has not listed a recall from it. Investigations can take months. If your vehicle already has the problem, document every dealer visit now.

Which vehicles are part of this investigation?

What are Buick Enclave owners reporting to NHTSA?

NHTSA’s public database lists 1,728 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this investigation (all components). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

What should owners do?

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for any open recall on your vehicle.
2. If you have the problem NHTSA is investigating, take the vehicle to a dealer now and get a repair order, even if the dealer cannot find anything.
3. Keep a log of every time the problem happens: date, mileage and what happened. Photos and videos help.
4. File your own complaint at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Owner complaints are what start and expand investigations.
5. If the problem keeps coming back, talk to a lemon law attorney.

Recalls on the same vehicles

• 2025-2027 Cadillac Optiq Visibility Power Window Recall (26V612)
• 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner's Manual Recall (26V114)
• 2024 Cadillac Lyriq Backup Camera Software Recall (26V082)
• 2024-2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV Parking Brake Recall (26V031)
• 2025-2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV Pedestrian Alert Sound Recall (25V878)
• 2024-2026 GMC Canyon Inflator Module Recall (25V856)
• 2025-2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV Tread and Belt Recall (25V704)
• 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV Pedestrian Alert Sound Recall (25V639)
• 2026 Cadillac Vistiq High-Voltage Battery Recall (25V483)
• 2024-2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV Parking Brake Recall (25V433)

Can a recall or defect investigation make my car a lemon in California?

Not by itself. What matters is whether a covered defect keeps coming back or keeps your vehicle at the dealer, and a federal investigation or recall is strong evidence that the problem is real.

Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer that cannot fix a warranty defect that substantially impairs a vehicle’s use, value or safety within a reasonable number of attempts may have to repurchase or replace it (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)). Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the law presumes a reasonable number of attempts after two repairs of a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four repairs of the same defect, or more than 30 days out of service (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)).

An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

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