The U.S. Department of Transportation is investigating a suspected brake-related flaw in some 2.7 million trucks and SUVs made by General Motors, which includes Chevrolet. File Photo UPI/Brian Kersey |

 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a probe into a suspected defect in possibly 2.7 million General Motors trucks and SUVs.

The investigation, opened Tuesday, centers on the degradation of power brake vacuum pumps. The NHTSA said the flaw can harden the vehicles’ brake pedals and extend stopping distances.

The administration said its Office of Defects Investigation has received 111 complaints about hardened pedals and long stopping distances. It has also heard of nine crashes or fires as well as two injuries related to the suspected flaw.

The affected models are 2014 to 2016 General Motors pickup trucks and SUVs on the K2XX platform and 1500 series, including Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Yukon, Tahoe and Escalade.

“A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency, circumstances, and safety consequences of the alleged defect,” the administration said.

UPI

24/11/2018