By Shawn Henry 
General Motors is facing a proposed class action lawsuit alleging brake defects in several Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC SUVs, with plaintiffs claiming the automaker failed to include the vehicles in a prior recall addressing similar issues.
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 on 2016-2020 Buick Envision, 2018-2022 Chevrolet Equinox, and 2018-2022 GMC Terrain models. According to the filing, these vehicles allegedly contain brake systems similar to those covered under a 2019 recall involving approximately 3.4 million vehicles.
That earlier recall centered on a vacuum pump defect that could degrade over time, leading to increased brake pedal effort and longer stopping distances. The plaintiffs allege the SUVs listed in the new complaint use a comparable vacuum pump setup and are experiencing similar failures. The lawsuit claims the issue can arise unexpectedly during normal driving and may become more dangerous during sudden braking situations.
The complaint states that some owners reported warning lights, hard brake pedals, and inconsistent brake feel. It also references technical service bulletins issued by GM dating back to 2017 related to vacuum lines, brake boosters, and fault codes. The plaintiffs argue those records show the company was aware of brake-related concerns but did not expand the 2019 recall to include the SUVs now named in the lawsuit.
In addition to brake performance concerns, the lawsuit alleges debris from the vacuum pump can enter the engine and lead to further mechanical problems. The plaintiffs contend GM did not adequately warn owners or issue a broader recall.
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. Plaintiffs are seeking class certification, monetary damages, and potential remedies that could include repairs or vehicle repurchases.
John Lloyd