GM's Hummer EV Recalled for Faulty Tail Light Assemblies, Only a Handful of Vehicles Though

author: FutureCar Staff    

The fully-electric GMC Hummer EV pickup.

General Motors has recalled the brand new GMC Hummer EV due to a fault in the tail light assemblies. The recall affected only 10 vehicles, but identifying the problem early on helped GM to avoid a more widespread recall, along with the backlash from the public that often is a result of safety recalls in the auto industry.

The problem was due to embedded software in the microcontroller in the tail lamp assembly. GM discovered that certain 2022 model year GMC Hummer EVs with the software problem may cause one or both rear tail lamps to become inoperative or remain fully or partially illuminated. The recall notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was dated March 10.

GM's recall number is N222359830.

If an individual tail lamp becomes inoperative, the brake light, turn signal, backup lamp, side marker, clearance lamp, and tail light will be disabled, creating a safety hazard. The tail lamp could also remain on even when the vehicle is off.

The problems with the tail lights were first discovered in February. On Feb 1, 2022, a GM employee submitted a report to GM's "Speak Up For Safety" (SUFS) program based on two field reports of malfunctioning tail lamps on the 2022 model year HUMMER EVs. 

GM's SUFS program was launched in April 2014. The program recognizes employees for their ideas that could make vehicles safer, but also for speaking up when they see something that could impact customer safety, which was the case with the Hummer EV.

"GM must embrace a culture where safety and quality come first," GM CEO Mary Barra said when the program launched. "GM employees should raise safety concerns quickly and forcefully, and be recognized for doing so."

GM opened a product investigation on February 11 and was aware of three confirmed field complaints of this condition. These complaints were received from Jan 8 through Feb 7. On March 3, GM's Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) intervenined and decided to conduct what's called a noncompliance recall. 

There were no accidents or injuries caused by the malfunctioning tail lights and the problem only affected ten vehicles, since production of the Hummer just recently started and the problem was identified in February.

The light assemblies were supplied by SL America in Clinton, Tennessee. SL produces all types of lighting assebmlies for automotive applications, including standard and LED headlamps, rear lamps, fog lamps and more.

GM dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace left and/or right reartaillamp assemblies on the Hummer vehicles with replacement assemblies that have corrected embedded software in

the microcontroller. The repairs are free being that the vehicles are covered under warranty.

Notification letters will be sent to owners on April 25, 2022, but Hummer owners are also encouraged to contact GM's customer service hotline for any concerns about the lights in their vehicles.

The Hummer EV was one of the most anticipated electric vehicle launches in the auto industry in 2021. The first deliveries of the resurrected Hummer EV electric truck began in Dec 2021.

The top-of-the-line "Edition 1" of the Hummer launched first with a range of 329 miles and was quickly sold out. The Edition 1 is the most expensive version of the Hummer EV, with an MSRP of $105,595. 

However, more affordable Hummer models that will offer longer ranges will launch in 2023, GM is also launching an SUV version of the Hummer, which should be available in early 2023.

Following the Edition 1, GM will launch the Hummer EV3X and EV2X in spring 2023, with an estimated MSRP of $99,995 and $89,995 respectively. Each will offer ranges over 300 miles, according to GM.

The most affordable model will be the Hummer EV2, with an MSRP of $79,995. However the EV2 won't be available until spring 2024.

FutureCar Staff