General Motors is facing a proposed class action lawsuit alleging brake defects across several Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC SUVs, with plaintiffs alleging the automaker left these models out of a prior recall that addressed a nearly identical issue.
Who Filed and What Vehicles Are Named
The lawsuit, filed last week in Michigan, names three vehicle owners, Kaylee Thieme, Rebecca Gill, and Meghan Morley, who are seeking to represent a nationwide class. The complaint focuses specifically on 2016-2020 Buick Envision, 2018-2022 Chevrolet Equinox, and 2018-2022 GMC Terrain models. According to the filing, these vehicles allegedly use brake systems similar to those covered under a 2019 recall that affected approximately 3.4 million vehicles.
The Vacuum Pump Problem at the Center of the Case
That earlier 2019 recall addressed a vacuum pump defect that could degrade over time, leading to increased brake pedal effort and longer stopping distances, a serious concern in any emergency braking scenario. The plaintiffs allege the SUVs named in this new complaint use a comparable vacuum pump setup and are experiencing similar failures. According to the lawsuit, the issue can surface unexpectedly during normal driving and become more dangerous specifically during sudden braking situations, exactly the moments when brake reliability matters most.
The complaint states some owners have reported warning lights, hard brake pedals, and inconsistent brake feel. It also cites technical service bulletins issued by GM dating back to 2017 covering vacuum lines, brake boosters, and fault codes, records the plaintiffs argue prove GM knew about brake-related concerns well before this lawsuit but chose not to expand the 2019 recall to cover these SUVs.
Beyond the Brakes: Engine Concerns Too
The lawsuit doesn’t stop at brake performance. It also alleges that debris from the faulty vacuum pump can migrate into the engine and cause additional mechanical problems beyond the braking system itself. The plaintiffs contend GM failed to adequately warn owners of these risks or issue a broader recall covering the affected models.
Where the Case Stands
The case, Thieme et al. v. General Motors LLC, has been assigned to Judge Robert J. White and remains in its early stages. GM has not yet filed a public response to the allegations. The plaintiffs are seeking class certification, monetary damages, and potential remedies that could include repairs or vehicle repurchases, though nothing has been decided by the court at this point in the litigation.