GM Recalls 1.2 Million SUVs, Pickups to Fix Power Steering

General Motors Co. is recalling 1.2 million full-size pickup trucks and SUVs in the U.S. and Canada to repair defective electric power steering systems.

The recall targets 2015 model Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks and Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon SUVs.

The recall expands a campaign last year to fix the same problem in about 800,000 of the carmaker’s 2014 model Chevy and GMC large pickups. GM says it didn’t include large SUVs at the time because no problems with those models had been detected.

The power steering system in the affected vehicles may briefly switch off and back on unexpectedly. The condition, which is most likely to occur during low-speed maneuvers, increases the risk of a crash. GM reports 30 crashes and two injuries due to the defect.

GM blames the behavior on momentary low voltage, coupled with flaws in software and the steering system’s electronic control module. The company notes that an episode, which typically lasts only one second, also could briefly interfere with the vehicle’s radio, air conditioning, warning chimes, cruise control and door locks.

Dealers will update the relevant software to better manage energy demands by the steering system.