Sum Of All Parts
There are many parts that make up a car; each needs its own maintenance to ensure it operates well under any conditions. A vital part is the braking system, which relies on accredited and tested brake fluids to ensure that the car’s braking performance is as consistent and dependable when needed.
When the brakes are compromised in any way, braking or slowing the car down will not be as easy or safe as it should be. GM is issuing a recall on brake fluid that seems to affect the system as a whole.
GM ACDelco Brake Fluid Recall
According to a report by GM Authority, General Motors has issued a recall for a specific type of brake fluid. The recall is for ACDelco’s GMW DOT 3 brake and clutch fluid. This was after federal regulators from the NHTSA found visible sediment, which they determined could reduce braking performance.
The total recall amounts to 40,440 containers of the brake and clutch fluid. The part number is also listed as 19353126 and was produced between October 19th, 2022, and December 28th, 2022.
An issue first came to light on August 7, 2025, coming after GM was notified by the NHTSA that samples of the affected brake fluid had failed the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 116. It was a routine safety test conducted by a third-party laboratory in June 2024. GM immediately opened an investigation into the matter.
During the investigation, GM tested the unopened brake fluid samples. It was determined that these samples did, in fact, confirm the presence of a sediment. Furthermore, GM found the cause of the sediment: the product of two additives added to the fluid itself,a not external contamination.
Cause Unknown
While it was determined which brake fluid additive caused the sediment, the specific reason why these additives performed that way remains unknown to GM, even after the investigation and testing. Both the NHTSA and GM note that sediment can compromise brake performance, increasing the risk of an accident.
On May 6, dealers were notified of the recall, while direct buyers will receive their notice by June 8. Instead of replacing the fluid, GM will reimburse the dealerships and the direct buyers of the affected fluid.
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