GMC Fuel Pump Control Module Recall: Critical Safety Repair for Affected Trucks and SUVs

If you own a specific GMC truck or SUV from model years 2011 through 2020, your vehicle is likely involved in a major safety recall concerning the fuel pump control module. Ignoring this recall can lead to sudden engine stalling, loss of power steering and brakes, and a significantly increased risk of a crash. This repair is free of charge at authorized GMC dealerships, and addressing it immediately is essential for your safety and that of others on the road.

A widespread recall impacting hundreds of thousands of popular GMC vehicles revolves around a potentially dangerous defect in the fuel pump control module. General Motors has issued multiple recall notices over several years specifically targeting this critical component. The recall is serious, and owners of affected models must take prompt action.

What is the Fuel Pump Control Module and Why is it Recalled?

The fuel pump control module (FPCM) is an electronic component that manages the operation of your vehicle's electric fuel pump. It controls the power supplied to the fuel pump, ensuring the engine gets the correct amount of fuel under varying driving conditions. In the recalled vehicles, the FPCM can experience a failure condition due to electrical issues within the module itself.

When this module fails, the immediate and dangerous consequence is the complete shutdown of the fuel pump. This means fuel stops flowing to the engine entirely. Without fuel, the engine shuts off unexpectedly, regardless of your speed or driving situation. An engine stall while driving creates an extremely hazardous situation.

Vehicles Covered by the GMC Fuel Pump Control Module Recall

This recall impacts a significant number of popular GM trucks and SUVs sold under the GMC brand over many model years. The primary models and years involved include:

  • GMC Sierra 1500: Certain models from 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.
  • GMC Sierra HD (Heavy Duty - 2500/3500): Certain models from 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.
  • GMC Yukon: Certain models from 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.
  • GMC Yukon XL: Certain models from 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

It's crucial to understand that the recall is specific to vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Not every Sierra or Yukon within these model years is necessarily included, but a vast number are. There were multiple recall announcements by GM (identified by recall numbers starting with "N", such as N192268880, N202318730, N212345940) that expanded the scope over time to include more model years. Therefore, checking your specific VIN is the only way to be certain.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump Control Module

While the recall aims to fix the module before it fails, some owners might experience warning signs. Being aware of these symptoms could provide an early indication, but waiting for symptoms is risky. Signs of a failing FPCM include:

  • Sudden Engine Stalling: The most critical and dangerous symptom. The engine might stall completely while idling, driving at low speeds, or even while driving at highway speeds.
  • Engine Cranks but Won't Start: You turn the key, the starter motor engages (you hear it cranking), but the engine never actually fires up and runs. This is often because the fuel pump isn't receiving power.
  • Check Engine Light: A malfunction related to the FPCM or fuel delivery will often trigger the vehicle's Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Lamp).
  • Reduced Engine Power/Loss of Acceleration: If the module is struggling but hasn't completely failed, you might notice a significant lack of power or inability to accelerate normally.
  • Engine Misfires: Improper fuel delivery can sometimes cause the engine to misfire or run roughly.

The Dangers of Driving with a Faulty Fuel Pump Control Module

Driving a vehicle subject to this recall without getting the repair performed is exceptionally dangerous. The primary risk is sudden engine stall without warning. This can happen in any situation:

  • On Highways: Stalling at high speeds drastically increases the risk of a rear-end collision or a multi-vehicle accident as your vehicle rapidly loses momentum. Maintaining control becomes difficult.
  • In Heavy Traffic: Stalling in stop-and-go traffic can lead to being rear-ended or causing a chain-reaction accident.
  • At Intersections: Stalling when pulling out into an intersection or crossing lanes creates a severe collision risk.
  • On Bridges or Railroad Crossings: Stalling in these locations puts you in an extremely vulnerable position.

When the engine stalls, you immediately lose power steering and power brake assist. Steering becomes very heavy, and braking requires significantly more pedal force and distance to stop the vehicle. While manual steering and braking still function, they are much harder to control effectively in a panic situation, especially at higher speeds. The sudden nature of the stall gives the driver little to no time to react safely. This is why GM and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) classify this as a high-priority safety recall.

Confirming if Your Vehicle is Affected

Given the seriousness of the defect and the wide range of model years involved, it is absolutely vital that you check whether your specific GMC is part of the fuel pump control module recall. Do not assume because a neighbor's similar model was recalled that yours is, or vice versa. The only reliable method is to use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Here's how you can check:

  1. GMC Recall Center: Visit the official GMC recall lookup website. This is the most direct manufacturer source. You will find a field to enter your 17-digit VIN.
  2. NHTSA Recalls Database: Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall lookup page. Enter your VIN to see all open recalls on your vehicle, including the GMC fuel pump module recall if applicable. This is a government source.
  3. MyGM / Owner Center: If you are registered in GMC's owner portal (My Chevrolet, My GMC), you can log in and view recall information specifically associated with your vehicle.
  4. Contact Your Dealer: You can call your local authorized GMC dealership's service department, provide them with your VIN, and ask them to check for any open recalls. They can access your vehicle's history in GM's system.
  5. Recall Notice Letter: GM mails recall notices to registered owners. If you received a letter about Recall N192268880, N202318730, N212345940, or potentially others mentioning the fuel pump control module, your vehicle is definitely included. However, if you bought the vehicle used or recently moved, you might not have received the letter. Always verify with your VIN.

Your VIN is typically located on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the driver's side door jamb sticker, on your vehicle registration, or on your insurance card. Checking takes only minutes and provides certainty.

Getting the Recall Repair Performed

The remedy for the GMC fuel pump control module recall is straightforward and absolutely free to the vehicle owner. Authorized GMC dealerships will replace the faulty fuel pump control module with a new, redesigned module that addresses the failure condition identified in the recall.

What to Expect:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact your preferred authorized GMC dealership's service department. Clearly state that you are calling to schedule an appointment for an open safety recall concerning the fuel pump control module. Provide your VIN over the phone so they can confirm the recall is open on your vehicle and order the necessary part if not in stock.
  2. Recall-Specific Part: The dealer will replace the existing FPCM with a newly manufactured module designed specifically to resolve the electrical issue. This is not a repair; it's a complete replacement.
  3. Labor Covered: The labor involved in diagnosing the recall condition and replacing the module is 100% covered by General Motors under the recall program.
  4. Parts Covered: The new fuel pump control module is provided at no cost.
  5. Time Estimate: While the actual replacement process doesn't usually take extremely long (often a couple of hours), you should allow for additional time for service department workflow. Call ahead to get an estimated completion time. Some dealers may provide a loaner vehicle depending on policy and availability, especially if they need the vehicle for several hours or overnight due to scheduling.
  6. Documentation: After the repair is complete, the dealer will provide documentation confirming the recall work was performed. Make sure you get this for your records. The recall status associated with your VIN will also be updated in GM's and NHTSA's systems.

Important Considerations

  • No Cost: You should never be charged for a safety recall repair. If any dealership asks for payment related to this specific fuel pump control module recall, politely decline and contact GMC Customer Service directly.
  • Urgency: Do not delay this repair. The risk associated with the defect—sudden stalling—is too great. Schedule the replacement as soon as possible after confirming your vehicle is affected and the dealer confirms the part is available.
  • Safety First: If you suspect your vehicle is experiencing symptoms before you get the recall repair done (such as stalling or a crank/no-start condition), do not drive it. Have it towed to a dealership. Driving a vehicle experiencing fuel pump control module failure symptoms is exceptionally dangerous.
  • Recall Expiration: Safety recalls do not expire. Even if your vehicle is years out of warranty or very old, if it was subject to the recall and hasn't been repaired, the dealer must perform the repair free of charge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Q: Can I drive my car if it hasn't been repaired yet?

    • A: Driving a vehicle subject to this recall carries an inherent risk due to the potential for sudden engine shutdown. While you may need to use it cautiously for essential trips until the repair is scheduled, be hyper-aware of any symptoms like stalling or loss of power. If symptoms occur, stop driving immediately and have the vehicle towed. Minimize driving whenever possible until fixed.

  • Q: What should I do if my engine stalls while driving?

    • A: Stay calm. Signal and steer firmly to a safe location off the roadway as quickly as possible (e.g., shoulder, parking lot, side street). Apply the brakes firmly – you will have reduced power assist, so press harder than usual. Once stopped safely, turn on your hazard lights. Do not attempt to restart the engine repeatedly on a busy road; call for roadside assistance and inform them the vehicle stalled unexpectedly and is subject to the FPCM recall. Have it towed to a dealership.

  • Q: Is there a temporary fix?

    • A: No, there is no safe temporary solution provided by GM or the NHTSA. The only remedy is the replacement of the fuel pump control module performed by an authorized dealer.

  • Q: Can I fix this myself?

    • A: Strongly discouraged. The recall involves a safety-critical component directly tied to your vehicle's power and control. Proper diagnosis to confirm the recall condition is necessary. The replacement requires specific procedures, tools, and proper installation to ensure safety and reliability. Performing this incorrectly could worsen the problem or leave the dangerous defect unresolved. Only have recall work performed by an authorized GMC dealership.

  • Q: Does this recall affect my vehicle's fuel efficiency?

    • A: Not typically. The recall addresses a safety defect (sudden stalling). The function of the FPCM when working correctly is to manage the fuel pump normally. A failing module before complete shutdown might cause drivability issues impacting efficiency, but that's a symptom, not a design aspect of the defect. The new module installed under recall should restore normal operation, including fuel economy.

  • Q: My vehicle was repaired under a previous fuel system recall. Is this the same thing?

    • A: Possibly not. GM has issued recalls for various fuel system components over the years, including specific fuel pumps themselves (like the low-pressure fuel pump recall) and fuel lines. This specific recall targets the electronic control module for the fuel pump. Previous repairs do not address this particular module defect. Always check your VIN for all open recalls.

Don't Risk a Sudden Stall - Get Your Recall Repair Today

The GMC fuel pump control module recall is not a minor inconvenience; it addresses a defect that directly compromises vehicle control and passenger safety. The potential for a completely unexpected engine stall at any moment makes this one of the most critical recalls affecting GMC Sierra and Yukon owners. The remedy is available immediately, at no cost, through authorized dealerships. Confirming your vehicle's status using your VIN is simple and quick. Taking the time to schedule and complete this essential repair is a non-negotiable step in ensuring you, your passengers, and other road users are protected from a potentially catastrophic failure. Do not put off this vital safety recall.

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