Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
What Happened
The wiring in your vehicle connects all the electrical systems, including the brakes. In some 2004-2012 Chevy Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura models, the connection between the Body Control Module and the Brake Apply Sensor can get loose, causing problems with your brake lights and safety features.
Risk if Unfixed
If the wiring issue causes problems with your brake lights or safety features, it could lead to a situation where you think you're stopped when you're not, or where your vehicle doesn't respond properly in an emergency. This could increase your risk of being involved in a crash.
Free Fix
Your GM dealer will fix the issue by tightening the wiring harness and applying a special lubricant to keep it secure, then relearning the brake pedal's home position. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →