NEWS:   Impala owners sue GM over alleged defect causing tires to wear out

DETROIT NEWS -- July 5, 2011 – A class-action suit has been filed against General Motors Co., complaining that GM fixed rear-end problems on police versions of 2007-08 Impalas, but not those owned by some 400,000 other drivers.

The problem, according to the lawsuit filed in federal court in Detroit, causes owners to burn through rear tires.

The suit was brought on behalf of a Pennsylvania woman and wants GM to replace potentially faulty rear suspension rods. The Detroit-based automaker sold 423,000 Impalas over the two-year period.

The suit — if successful — could cost GM millions of dollars in replaced tires and parts. It's the latest challenge by owners to automakers who limit the scope of auto recalls or service campaigns. It's also sparked dozens of angry complaints from owners.

Americans spend about $20 billion annually on about 200 million replacement tires, according to a 2006 government report. Alignments and other related issues add billions in annual repair costs to the nation's more than 250 million vehicles on the roads.

The only owner currently named in the suit, ..., of Blakely, Pa., bought a new Chevrolet Impala in February 2008 and said the tires wore out within 6,000 miles. The GM dealer replaced the tires and provided an alignment, but didn't disclose the spindle rod issue, the owner said. According to the suit, GM issued a service bulletin in 2008 for police versions of the Impala.

Last November, the owner couldn't pass an annual inspection without getting another set of rear tires — even though the vehicle had fewer than 25,000 miles.

"Despite having knowledge of this premature wear problem, (GM) has not recalled the subject cars, which has required class members to pay the cost of fixing the defective spindle rods as well as for replacement tires and realignment," alleges the lawsuit, filed last week.

In its July 2008 bulletin, GM told its dealers to replace the rods, align the rear wheels and, if necessary, replace the rear tires. Police agencies that had replaced rear tires themselves could seek reimbursement for a year.

GM spokesman ..declined to comment on the suit because the automaker hadn't reviewed it. GM spokeswoman .. declined to comment on the suit, but said the police version of the Impala was different from those sold to others. It has a special electrical system and special suspension system, she said, to accommodate law enforcement needs.

A lawyer representing the owners, said police Impalas were not significantly different from those sold to the general public when it came to the rear tires and performance of rods. "We don't think there's a meaningful difference in terms of the defect," the laywer said Friday.

Lawyers for the owner cite numerous complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and message boards such as Edmunds.com, carcomplaints.com and aboutautomobile.com. The government has never opened a formal investigation into the 2007 or 2008 Impala.

A complaint filed with the NHTSA in March said the owner of a 2007 Impala replaced tires twice in less than two years. The owner also filed a complaint with GM.

"Was told by my dealership that GM knows about this problem and has come out with a … kit to fix problem, but I had to purchase it," the owner wrote. "Excessive wear is a safety problem and I guess people have to die for action to be taken."

Another complaint, also filed with the NHTSA in March, said the tires wore out in just 6,000 miles.

"The vehicle has 45,000 miles on it and this is the second set of tires in 6,000 miles," the complaint said.

One complaint said the owner had replaced tires three times on a 2008 Impala LTZ with 41,000 miles. "This is the first Chevy Impala I have owned," the complainant wrote in August 2010. "Was completely satisfied with my Pontiacs."

The Georgia owner of a 2008 Impala LTZ who bought the car in October 2009 said he had a blowout in Bainbridge, Pa., in February 2010 — "nearly causing a crash" — after driving fewer than 11,000 miles on a new set of tires. "There is no way possible that I should have to be replacing two worn-out tires within 10,829 miles," he wrote. "This is unheard of."

Sean Kane, who heads the auto safety group Safety Research & Strategies, which often works with plaintiff's attorneys, said automakers frequently look to reduce repair and recall costs.

"It's not uncommon to see automakers try to limit the fix. They may look to take care of the biggest part of the problem if it will save money," Kane said

MORE RECALL INFO:  Chevrolet Impala

NEWS:   GM announces two recalls affecting 10,000 trucks

YAHOO NEWS -- July 1, 2011 – General Motors Co announced two separate recalls on Friday affecting a little more than 10,000 pickup trucks, predominantly in North America.

GM recalled more than 9,000 Chevrolet Colorado and GM Canyon trucks for the model year 2011 because these vehicles may have been built with an automotive transmission clip that could slip and inaccurately show the position of the transmission gear.

A driver could move the shifter to "park," but the transmission gear might not be in "park" and the vehicle could roll away and cause a crash, according to a notice posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.

GM also is recalling some other pickup trucks for the model year 2011 because the bolts on the intermediate steering shaft may not have been tightened to the proper specification. A total of 891 trucks are affected in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The affected models include the 2011 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado and GM Sierra trucks.

MORE RECALL INFO:

• Chevrolet Colorado
• GMC Canyon
• Cadillac Escalade
• Chevrolet Silverado
• Chevrolet Suburban
• Chevrolet Tahoe
• GMC Yukon
• GMC Sierra

MAY 2011 -- General Motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured fromOctober 2, 2009, through April 21, 2011. The bolt attaching the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear input shaft may not have been properly installed. This could allow the shafts to separate, resulting in the loss of steering. Loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash dealers will inspect, and if required, repair the intermediate shaft/steering gear assembly to assure the bolt is fully seated and the shaft properly assembled. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on May 23, 2011.  11V-270

MAY 2011 -- General Motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured from October 6, 2009, through April 27, 2011 and equipped with an automatic transmission for failing to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 102, 'Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect,' and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 114, 'Theft Protection.' These vehicles may have been built with a transmission shift linkage that is not properly installed. If the linkage is not properly installed, the PRNDL shift lever may not accurately reflect the position of the transmission gear. With this condition, the driver could move the shifter topark and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in park. The driver may not be able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning. Dealers will inspect the transmission shift linkage for correct installation and adjust the shift linkage system free of charge. The safety recall began on May 23, 2011.   11V-273

MAY 2011 -- General Motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, Passenger Car Brake Systems." Some of these vehicles may have been built with a clearance condition in which the right rear brake hose may contact the tire or wheel rim. If the brake hose repeatedly contacts the tire or wheel rim, a hole could be worn in the brake hose. A damaged brake hose may reduce the effectiveness of the rear brakes and increase the distance required to stop the vehicle. An increased braking distance may increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will secure the right rear brake hose to ensure sufficient clearance. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on May 13, 2011. . 11V-275

MAY 2011 -- General Motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured from September 22, 2010, through November 5, 2010. Some of these vehicles have the condition in which the windshield wiper motor crank arm nut may not be tightened to specification. When the wipers are operated with a build-up of snow or ice, or if the wipers are operated on a dry windshield, the nut could loosen. If there is sufficient loosening of the nut, the wipers could become inoperative. Driver visibility could be reduced increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will secure the wiper motor crank arm nut free of charge. The safety recall began on May 11, 2011.   11V-276

NEWS:   GM to recall 47,000 Cadillac SRXs to fix air bags

YAHOO NEWS -- June 10, 2011 – Motors Co. is recalling more than 47,000 Cadillac SRX crossover vehicles in the U.S. because of a problem with the passenger side air bags.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in documents posted on its website Friday, said that the right side head protection air bag won't inflate in a crash if no one is in the front seat.

As a result, a right-side passenger in the back seat may not be protected and could get hurt in a front or side crash, the agency said in the documents. GM said no injuries have been reported.

Air bag sensors in the 2011 SRX, an SUV-like vehicle that's more nimble and efficient because it's built on car underpinnings, are programmed to turn off the passenger side air bags if no one is in the right-front seat, the agency said. But that conflicts with the owner's manual, which says the air bags will inflate regardless whether the front seat is occupied.

"Because the actions of the air bag and the owner's manual do not match, the vehicle is not compliant" with federal safety standards, NHTSA said.

The recall affects SRXs made between Feb. 2, 2010 and April 29 of this year and sold in North America. Dealers will reprogram the air bag sensors to fix the problem free of charge. GM will notify owners by mail starting Friday.

MORE RECALL INFO:   Cadillac SRX

NEWS:   U.S. probes reports of Nissan, Chrysler, GM defects

YAHOO NEWS -- May 4, 2011 – U.S. safety regulators have opened preliminary investigations into consumer complaints about vehicles made by Nissan Motor Co Ltd, Chrysler LLC and General Motors Co that could affect more than 700,000 cars.

A preliminary investigation is the first step in a process that could lead to a recall if regulators determine that a safety issue needs to be addressed by a manufacturer.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said its probe into an estimated 440,000 Nissan Altima cars from the 2007 and 2008 model years concerned a possible leak in the brake master cylinder that could reduce the effectiveness of the brakes.

NHTSA said it had received 20 complaints from Altima drivers. Of these, two alleged a reduction in brake effectiveness while 18 reported only illumination of the brake warning light.

The agency said it was also investigating Chrysler's Jeep Wrangler from the 2007 and 2008 model years, potentially affecting 222,500 vehicles, over airbag light illumination indicating an airbag clockspring failure.

A clockspring is a coil under the steering wheel that maintains an electrical connection to the airbag on the driver's side. A broken circuit can mean the airbag will not inflate.

NHTSA said it had received 29 consumer complaints from Jeep drivers. Of these, 23 identified the clockspring wiring assembly as the source of the issue, while the other six only said the airbag light had been illuminated.

Of 14 owners contacted, six said they owned right-hand-drive versions typically used by postal carriers.

A third probe involves GM's 2007 Saturn Aura, potentially affecting 65,105 cars, over a transmission shift cable that could fail, causing the park gear not to fully engage.

The agency said it had received eight complaints alleging that the transmission shift cable had failed, causing the vehicle to roll away, move or accelerate with the shifter in park, or to accelerate in the opposite direction than the driver intended.

NHTSA did not disclose any crashes or injuries in connection with any of the reported problems.

Spokesmen for the three companies said the carmakers were cooperating fully with the investigations

MORE RECALL INFO: 

MARCH 2011 -- General Motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Buick Lacrosse and Cadillac SRX vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems". On these vehicles, the software in the electronic climate control (ECC) module may disable the ability to adjust the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system settings. If this happens, the driver will not be able to control the heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle. If this condition affects the defrost system when it is required, it may decrease the driver's visibility, and could possibly result in a crash. Dealers will reprogram the ECC module free of charge. The safety recall began on March 11, 2011.    11V-149

NEWS:   GM recalls 2011 Cruze cars to inspect steering shaft

YAHOO NEWS -- May 4, 2011 – General Motors Co is recalling 154,112 of its top-selling Chevrolet Cruze compact cars to check that the steering shaft was properly installed, the automaker said on Wednesday.

These cars represent all of the Cruze cars built at its plant in Lordstown, Ohio, from the start of production last summer through April 21 when changes at the plant were completed to keep the issue from reoccurring, GM said.

The cars were sold in the United States and Canada since last September.

Of those vehicles, more than 120,000 cars with an automatic transmission will also be inspected to ensure the transmission shift linkage was properly installed, GM said.

"Very few" of the vehicles should have either problem, and GM has made quality process changes to ensure neither error happens again, GM Vice President of Global Quality ...said in a statement.

A GM spokesman said the wider steering shaft issue was discovered when a customer lost steering control in a parking lot, but did not have an accident.

The issue regarding Cruze models with automatic transmissions was discovered when customers brought in their cars under warranty, GM said.

GM said no accidents or injuries had been reported in the Cruze recall.

The Cruze was GM's top-selling car in April and is instrumental to diversifying GM's lineup at a time of rising fuel prices. Only the Chevrolet Silverado sold more units for GM last month than the Cruze.

An analyst with IHS Automotive, said he does not expect the recall to impact sales of the Cruze, which last year replaced the sales laggard Cobalt.

"Nothing's exploding. No one's in danger," he said.

A manual transmission version, the Cruze Eco, gets 42 miles per gallon on the highway and the more-popular automatic transmission version gets 37 mpg on the highway.

Last month, GM recalled 2,100 Cruze cars to inspect for an improperly fastened steering wheel.

GM said it would file documents on the Cruze recall with U.S. federal safety regulators on Thursday, and that it would mail notices to customers beginning next week.

The inspection at Chevy dealerships will take about an hour, GM said.

The fix requires no parts and is a matter of realigning the steering shaft or shifting links, GM said.

Changes at the plant in Lordstown involve different tools used by workers and a change in procedure, GM said.

• MORE RECALL INFO:   Chevrolet Cruze

TRUCK, VAN RECALLS ALSO

GM, the largest U.S. automaker, also announced two other recalls. No crashes or injuries stemmed from any of the recalls.

The company said the nut on the windshield wiper motor crank arm could come loose on some 2011 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks, affecting 6,303 vehicles, including 4,674 trucks in the United States.

And it said possible brake fluid leaks prompted it to recall 8,723 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans for the model year 2011.

MORE RECALL INFO:   

• Chevrolet Colorado
• GMC Canyon
• Chevrolet Express
• GMC Savana

NEWS:   U.S. probes gas gauges in 865,000 GM vehicles

DETROIT FREE PRESS -- April 29,  2011 – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into whether nearly 1 million General Motors vehicles may have faulty gas gauges.

“Consumers have reported incidents of inaccurate and random fuel level reading while driving, resulting in the vehicle running out of fuel and causing vehicle stall with no restart,” NHTSA investigators said in their formal document opening the probe.

GM spokesman ...said the Detroit automaker planned to “work with NHTSA and was cooperating in the investigation.”

The agency estimates 865,000 vehicles could be affected, and NHTSA said it has received “668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.”

Of those complaints, 58 involved stalls, and 43 were stalls where a driver specifically reported that it was “because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank.”

NHTSA said at least one crash allegedly took place when a vehicle ran out of gas, when it “stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.”

The safety agency said the complaints they were receiving showed “an apparent increasing trend” of the problem, with “most complaints received within the past year.”

What NHTSA terms a preliminary evaluation has been opened this week “to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.”

NHTSA spokeswoman...told the Free Press there is “no set timetable” for how long the initial phase of the investigation could take. She said government officials would seek information from GM and ultimately decide whether to elevate the investigation into what’s known as an engineering analysis.

NHTSA spokeswoman declined to provide more specific details on the cases involved.

GM spokesman ...said the Detroit automaker had received NHTSA’s formal notification document about the preliminary probe, but had not yet received detailed questions from the agency about the potential gas gauge problem. He said those would likely be sent to GM by the government within the next couple of weeks.

MORE RECALL INFO:   

• 2005-07 - Chevrolet Trailblazer
• 2005-07 - GMC Envoy
• 2005-07 - Buick Rainier
• 2005-07 - Saab 9-7x

NEWS:   GM recalls Cruze cars for steering wheel issue

YAHOO NEWS -- April 11,  2011 – General Motors Co is recalling about 2,100 Chevrolet Cruze small cars to inspect for an improperly fastened steering wheel after discovering one vehicle with the defect.

There have been no crashes or injuries related to the vehicle with the problem, GM said. The possibly affected vehicles are for the model year 2011, GM said.

"We are confident this is the only vehicle with this condition," said .. GM executive director of safety, said in a statement.

The Cruze small car was launched overseas in late 2009 and in the United States in September 2010. It replaced the Chevrolet Cobalt in the U.S. market and other models overseas.

GM has said its Cruze small car was on track to exceed 50,000 U.S. sales in the first quarter.

More than 100,000 Cruzes have been built since the start of production in the United States, GM said

MORE RECALL INFO:   Chevrolet Cruze

FEBRUARY 2011 -- General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Cadillac CTS vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which a wax coating on the rear suspension toe link jam nuts may allow the nut(s) to loosen. If a nut sufficiently loosens, the toe link could separate and the rear wheel would be able to turn inboard or outboard. Owners may hear a metallic clanking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle that may warn of a loosening nut. The driver may experience sudden changes with vehicle handling and may not be able to control the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will clean all wax residue from the rear suspension toe link and install two new jam nuts. If necessary the rear suspension toe link may be replaced. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before March 24, 2011.   11V-089

NEWS:   GM recalling Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX to fix problems with windshield defrosters

YAHOO NEWS -- March 9,  2011 – General Motors Co is recalling recent Buick Lacrosse and Cadillac SRX vehicles due to a software defect that could disable the driver's ability to adjust the heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

GM said 10,179 vehicles for the model year 2011 were affected by the recall, which may prevent the defrost system from clearing the windshield.

The vehicles fail to comply with federal standards for windshield defrosting and defogging, the automaker said in a notice to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Wednesday.

MORE RECALL INFO:   

• Buick Lacrosse
• Cadillac SRX

NEWS:   GM recalling Cadillac CTS over vehicle handling

YAHOO NEWS -- February 16,  2011 –   General Motors says it is recalling more than 50,000 Cadillac CTS vehicles worldwide to fix a loose joint that could cause a rear wheel to become unstable, making it hard for drivers to steer.

GM says the recall affects more than 44,000 CTS vehicles in the United States from the 2009 and 2010 model years. The remaining vehicles were sold in China and around the globe.

GM says there have been no injuries or fatalities related to the recall.

The auto company said nuts in the rear suspension could become loose, causing a sudden change in the vehicle's handling or making the driver lose control of the vehicle.

MORE RECALL INFO:   Cadillac CTS

NEWS:   GM expands recall of some 2011 trucks and SUVs

YAHOO NEWS -- January 15,  2011 –   General Motors is expanding an earlier recall of some 2011 model-year trucks and SUVs to fix a problem that could cause the vehicles' rear axles to lock.

The recall, originally announced in December, now covers 26,751 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC trucks and SUVs. The models affected are: Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Cadillac EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Colorado, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe; and GMC Canyon, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL.

GM said rear-axle cross pins, used to hold the axle in place, weren't properly heat-treated and may not be durable. They can fracture, interfere with the axle and cause it to lock. The driver could then lose control of the vehicle.

One customer has reported a loss of power to the axle, GM says. But no crashes have been reported.

GM says owners of the vehicles are being contacted and urged against driving the trucks until the axle pin is replaced.

The December recall for this same issue covered 1,262 trucks and SUVs. But the company has since discovered that more vehicles were built with the faulty axle pin. In addition, the earlier recall didn't include the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize trucks.

A GM spokesman said Saturday that the company is confident all the faulty parts have now been discovered

MORE RECALL INFO: 

• Cadillac Escalade
• Chevrolet Avalanche
• Chevrolet Silverado
• GMC Sierra

NEWS:   GM recalls almost 100,000 vehicles due to 2 issues

YAHOO NEWS -- December 23,  2010 –   General Motors Co. is recalling almost 100,000 vehicles to fix two problems that could cause the rear axle to lock and the passenger-side airbag not to work.

GM says in postings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the airbag recall affects almost 96,000 2005 to 2007 model year versions of the Cadillac CTS.

The axle recall affects almost 1,300 2011 model year versions of the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 and Silverado 1500, as well as the GMC Sierra 1500.

The axle recall is expected to begin in January. GM did not say when the airbag recall would begin.

MORE RECALL INFO: 

• Cadillac Escalade
• Chevrolet Avalanche
• Chevrolet Silverado
• GMC Sierra

NEWS:   Sensor mat issue prompts GM Cadillac recall

YAHOO NEWS -- December 23,  2010 –   General Motors Co is recalling 109,000 Cadillac CTS cars worldwide for the model years 2005 to 2007 because a mat under the seat that senses the front passenger could break and disable the front air bag.

Repeated "flexing" of the passenger sensing system mat in the front seat could cause the mat to "kink, bend or fold," according to a notice posted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and GM on Thursday.

This could break the connections in the mat and as a result the sensor may not detect the front passenger and will disable the air bag. The mats must be replaced.

Of the 95,927 cars recalled in the United States, GM is recalling 46,070 cars from the 2006 model year and 33,138 from the 2007 model year. The remainder are from the 2005 model year.

GM said there were no injuries or fatalities linked to this defect.

The recalls are the latest in a string involving GM, which re-entered the public markets last month in a record initial public offering.

Last week, GM recalled about 111,000 Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain and Cadillac SRX 2011 small SUV models because the anchor to the seatbelt buckle may fail.

In November, GM recalled nearly 200,000 compact pickup trucks due to missing child seat anchors-- an issue not linked to last week's recall.

Additionally, U.S. safety regulators are investigating reports of power steering loss and crashes in 2004-2007 Saturn Ion sedans. GM closed the Saturn brand.

In a separate notice Thursday, GM said it was recalling more than 1,200 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche and Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles for 2011 model year.

In these vehicles, the rear axle cross pin might fracture or shift out of position. This might cause the rear axle to lock and the driver might lose control of the car.

MORE RECALL INFO: 

• Cadillac CTS

NEWS:   GM recalling 100,000 crossovers to fix seat belts

YAHOO NEWS -- December 17,  2010 –  General Motors Co. is recalling about 100,000 crossover vehicles to fix seat belts that could fail in a crash.

GM said Friday in a posting with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the recall involves 2011 model year versions of the Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. The automaker said the seat belt buckle anchor for the driver and front passenger seats could break apart in a crash.

GM spokesman ...said there have been no crashes or injuries reported.

GM said it discovered the problem during testing in September. Dealers will modify the seat belt buckles free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin in mid-January.

MORE RECALL INFO: 

• Cadillac SRX
• Chevrolet Equinox
• GMC Terrain

DECEMBER 2010 - General Motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The driver and /or front passenger safety belt buckle anchor may fracture and separate near the seat attachment in a vehicle crash. The safety belt system may not restrain the occupant(s) as designed and could increase the risk of injury. Dealers will modify the passenger and/or the driver safety belt buckles as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before January 18, 2011. 10V-623

DECEMBER 2010 - General Motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado LD and GMC Sierra LD vehicles. The rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle. Should the pin shift out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock. The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning. Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during January 2011. 10V-643

DECEMBER 2010 - General Motors is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Cadillac CTS vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which repeated flexing of the passenger sensing system mat in the front passenger seat may cause the mat to kink, bend, or fold. This flexing can break the connections in the mat. If this occurs, the sensor may not detect the presence of a front seat passenger and will disable the air bag. Nondeployment of the front passenger air bag in the event of a crash necessitating that air bag's deployment may reduce protection of the passenger and increase the risk or severity of injury to them. Dealers will replace the passenger sensing system free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. 10V-644

NOVEMBER 2010 -- GM is recalling certain model year 2004-2011, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, model year 2006, Isuzu I-280/I-350, and model year 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, regular cab vehicles and extended cab vehicles without a rear seat and equipped with a front 60/40 split bench seat. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems." The top tether anchor for the front center seat is not accessible and the owner manual does not include instructions regarding how to use the top tether. Lack of access to the top tether anchor and a lack of instructions as to how to use it, may result in improper installation of a child restraint. Improper installation of a child restraint can result in a reduction in the restraint's performance in the event of a crash and an increased risk of injury or death to the child seated in the restraint. Dealers will cut a hole into the back panel trim cover to allow access to the top tether anchor for the front center seat position and will provide supplemental information as to use in the owner's manual. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign.   10V-575

NOVEMBER 2010 -- General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne vehicles equipped with V8 engines. The starter or alternator cable is in contact with the power steering return line. If either the starter or alternator cable is contacting the power steering return line, the cable could wear through the line, causing a power steering fluid leak. A power steering leak could result in a loss of power steering, increasing the risk of a crash, and/or the leak onto hot engine parts could cause an engine compartment fire. Dealers will secure and if necessary reroute the lines to prevent contact. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on November 19, 2010.   10V-553

NEWS:   GM, Isuzu recall pickups for child seat problem

YAHOO NEWS -- November 24,  2010 –  More than 192,000 General Motors and Isuzu midsize pickup trucks are being recalled because of a problem with the system that anchors child safety seats, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Wednesday.

The recall affects Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon models from the 2004 to 2011 model years. Also affected are Isuzu I-280 and I-350 pickups from 2006 and I-290 and I-370 models from 2007 and 2008. The Isuzus were built by GM at its factory in Shreveport, Louisiana.

NHTSA said on its website that the trucks all have bench front seats and no rear seats. Owners can't get to the top child seat anchor for the center of the front seat, and the owner's manual has no instructions on how to use the top anchor, NHTSA said. No accidents or injuries have been reported, GM spokesman said.

Both NHTSA and GM discourage people from using child seats in the front seats of vehicles.

"We don't want anybody to put it there anyway because it's not safe,"  GM spokesman said.

The repairs are being made because there could be circumstances that require putting a child in a safety seat in the front-center seating position, since the trucks have no rear seats, NHTSA said. The affected models could be regular cab or extended cab vehicles.

The lack of access to the top tether anchor and lack of instructions could result in the seat being improperly installed, increasing the risk of injury or death in a crash, NHTSA said.

The automakers do not yet have a schedule for notifying owners of the problem, NHTSA said. Dealers will cut a hole in the back panel to open access to the anchor, and the automakers will give owners information on how to properly secure the seats.

MORE RECALL INFO: 

• Chevrolet Colorado:  2004-2011
• GMC Canyon:  2004-2011
• Isuzu I-280:  2006
• Isuzu I-350:  2006
• Isuzu I-290:  2007, 2008
• Isuzu I-370:  2007, 2008

NEWS:  GM recalls cars due to power steering fluid leak

YAHOO NEWS -- November 11,  2010 –  General Motors Co will recall 13,780 Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne luxury sedans because of possible power steering fluid leaks that could cause a loss of steering or an engine fire.

GM said in a notice to U.S. safety regulators that it investigated reports in late August of two fires in vehicles. GM determined that a power steering fluid line could leak because of wear.

The problem, which affects cars for model years 2010 and 2011, is that the starter or alternator cable could rub against the power steering return line and wear it thin, according to a notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website dated November 10.

A weakened power steering return line could lead to a loss of power steering. Additionally, the leak onto hot engine parts could prompt a fire in the engine compartment.

On August 24, the Hamtramck plant in Michigan, where the cars are made, halted shipments on completed vehicles and examined the remaining cars to ensure that the cables did not rub together.

MORE RECALL INFO: 

• Cadillac DTS
• Buick Lucerne

NEWS:   GM recalls 300,000 Impalas over seat belt problem

YAHOO NEWS -- October 15, 2010 – General Motors is recalling more than 300,000 Chevrolet Impala sedans because the seat belts may fail to restrain people in the front seats during a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says on its website that the front-seat belt webbing may not be secured properly to a lap belt anchor on the side of the seat near the doors.

The recall affects Impalas from the 2009 and 2010 model years.

Dealers will inspect how the belts are anchored. The will reinstall the anchors if needed at no cost to the owners.

MORE RECALL INFO:   Chevrolet Impala

NEWS:   GM recalls 4,000 Cadillac SRXs over power steering

YAHOO NEWS -- October 7,  2010 –  General Motors is recalling nearly 4,000 Cadillac SRX crossovers from the 2010 model year to fix power steering problems that could lead to engine fires.

GM says in a statement that power steering fluid could leak and lead to a fire in the engine compartment. The Detroit automaker says it is aware of one fire in an unattended SRX.

There have been no crashes or injuries linked to the problem.

The vehicles under recall were built in December 2009. Most of the vehicles are in the United States and more than 300 were exported to China.

GM says it believes only a small number of the recalled vehicles have the problem. Owners will be notified about the recall and their vehicles will be repaired at no charge.

MORE RECALL INFO:    Cadillac SRX

NEWS:  GM recalling 20K Cadillacs to replace glove box

YAHOO NEWS -- September 20, 2010 –  – General Motors said Monday it was recalling more than 20,000 Cadillac CTS and CTS-V vehicles to replace a glove compartment box that could lead to leg injuries in a crash.

GM says the recall involves nearly 5,000 all-wheel drive 2009 Cadillac CTS and CTS-V models, and more than 15,000 vehicles from the 2010 model year.

Tests conducted by the government found that a front seat passenger not wearing a seat belt could strike the glove box door and sustain leg injuries in a crash.

GM said all motorists should wear seat belts. The automaker plans to begin notifying owners of the recall next month. Dealers will replace the glove compartment assembly at no charge

MORE RECALL INFO:    Cadillac CTS

AUGUST 2010 -- General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn OUTLOOK vehicles. The second row seat side trim shield restricts the upward rotation of the safety belt buckle when the seat back is returned to a seating position after being folded flat. If the buckle contacts the seat frame, additional effort is required to return the seat to a seatingposition. If sufficient force is applied, the buckle cover could be pushed down the strap, exposing and partially depressing the red release button. The safety belt may not restrain the occupant as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant. Dealers will modify the second row seat side trim shields. If a safety belt buckle is damaged, dealers will replace it free of charge. The safety recall began on August 18, 2010.   GM's recall No. N100243. 10V-375

NEWS:   GM recalls 250K vehicles; seat belts may not latch

YAHOO NEWS -- August 17, 2010 – General Motors is recalling nearly 250,000 crossover vehicles worldwide to inspect second-row seat belts that could be damaged and not latch.

GM says the recall affects 2009-2010 models of the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook.

Most of the recalled vehicles are in the United States but some are also in Canada, Mexico and elsewhere.

GM says the seat belt buckle could be damaged when the seat back is returned to an upright position. That could make the buckle appear to latch when it isn't.

The automaker says it does not know of any cases where the second-row seat belts failed to perform properly in a crash.

MORE RECALL INFO

• Chevrolet Traverse
• Buick Enclave
• GMC Acadia
• Saturn Outlook

• 2006-2009 Buick Lucerne
• 2006-2009 Cadillac DTS
• 2006-2009 Hummer H2
• 2008-2009 Buick Enclave
• 2008-2009 Cadillac CTS
• 2007-2009 Cadillac Escalade
• 2007-2009 Chevrolet Avalanche
• 2007-2009 Chevrolet Silverado
• 2007-2009 Chevrolet Suburban
• 2007-2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
• 2007-2009 GMC Acadia
• 2007-2009 GMC Sierra
• 2007-2009 GMC Yukon
• 2007-2009 Saturn Outlook
• 2009 Chevrolet Traverse

MAY  2010 -- General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010 Cadillac SRX equipped with a 2.8l V6 engine. If low octane (regular) fuel is used in the vehicle instead of the required high octane (premium) fuel as stated in the owner manual and on the fuel filler door, the combination of regular fuel usage and aggressive driving maneuvers may induce pre-ignition. If pre-ignition occurs, you may hear a pinging or knocking sound from the engine. If the vehicle continues to be driven after the onset of this noise, a connecting rod or piston may break, resulting in engine damage, and perhaps engine failure, which would disable the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will reprogram the engine control module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before June 11, 2010.   GM's recall campaign number is N100093. 10V-223

NEWS:   GM recalling 1.5M vehicles over fire concerns

YAHOO NEWS – June 8, 2010 – General Motors Co. said Tuesday it was recalling about 1.5 million vehicles worldwide to address a problem with a heated windshield wiper fluid system that could lead to a fire, its second recall over the issue in two years.

The recall affects several pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, crossovers and passenger car models from the 2006 to 2009 model years. GM conducted a similar recall in 2008 but came across new reports of fires in vehicles that had been fixed.

GM said it would disable the heated washer fluid system module that could lead to fires. The Detroit automaker will pay owners and those leasing vehicles $100 each since the feature is being disabled.

GM said it was aware of five fires but there had been no injuries or crashes reported. Nearly 1.4 million vehicles are in the U.S. and more than 100,000 vehicles are in Canada, Mexico and other international markets.

"While our analysis shows the number of incidents is very small compared with the number of vehicles on the road, we want our customers to have complete peace of mind," said Jeff Boyer, GM's executive director of safety.

The recall covers the 2006-2009 model year Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS, and Hummer H2; 2008-2009 Buick Enclave and Cadillac CTS; 2007-2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT; 2007-2009 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe; 2007-2009 GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL; 2007-2009 Saturn Outlook; and 2009 Chevrolet Traverse.

The auto company said customers will begin to receive recall letters later this month but can contact their dealer to make an appointment to have the heated washer system removed. Dealers will remove the heated washer fluid module and reroute washer fluid hoses.

GM said the technology was available from only one supplier, Microheat Inc., of Farmington Hills, Mich., which went out of business, preventing GM from working with another supplier on an improved design.

GM recalled more than 900,000 vehicles because of the heated washer fluid system in August 2008 because a short circuit on the circuit board could overheat the ground wire. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had opened an investigation in February 2008 into 2007 Yukon and Tahoe vehicles over potential engine compartment fires.

The government closed its investigation after the 2008 recall but GM later came across fires in vehicles that had been fixed under the previous recall, prompting the latest safety action.

MORE RECALL INFO

• Buick Enclave
• Buick Lucerne
• Cadillac CTS
• Cadillac DTS
• Cadillac Escalade, ESV and EXT
• Chevrolet Avalanche
• Chevrolet Silverado
• Chevrolet Suburban
• Chevrolet Tahoe
• Chevrolet Traverse
• GMC Acadia
• GMC Sierra
• GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
• Hummer H2
• Saturn Outlook

APRIL 2010 -- GM is recalling certain model year 2005 and 2006 Chevrolet Corvette passenger cars manufactured between March 2004 and January 2006 equipped with a tilt and telescoping steering column (RPO N37). In rare cases, repeated movement of the steering column may cause a signal interruption within the column. If this occurs, the message, "service active handling system" will appear in the driver information center, and one or more of the brakes may apply, possibly causing the vehicle to pull to the right or left. If the driver does not respond to the change in vehicle movement, a crash could occur. GM will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2010.  GM's recall campaign number is N100118.   10V-172

APRIL 2010 -- GM is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2010 Hummer H3 vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the integral clip-tabs on the louver on the hood may fracture, causing the hood louver rattle against the hood and become loose. If this indicator is unnoticed, additional clips could fracture and the hood louver could detach from the vehicle. If the vehicle is being driving when this occurs, it could strike a following vehicle and cause injury and/or property damage. Dealers will apply an adhesive to the hood louver to secure it to the hood. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall campaign began on April 12, 2010.  10V-179

YAHOO NEWS -- May 5, 2010 – General Motors Co is recalling about 126,130 Hummer H3 models to address the risk that part of the hood could detach from the vehicle while driving.

GM said in a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that clips holding the hood louver on some of the vehicles could break, causing the part to break loose and strike a vehicle behind the Hummer in traffic.

The recall covers 2006 through 2010 model year Hummer H3 vehicles.

GM is shutting down Hummer after failing to find a buyer for the SUV brand.

• MORE RECALL INFO:   Hummer H3

MARCH 2010 - General Motors is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and model year 2007-2010 Pontiac G5 vehicles equipped with electric power steering. The driver may experience a sudden loss ofpower steering assist that could occur at any time while driving. If power steering assist is lost, it would require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the electric power steering motor free of charge. The safety recall began on March 29, 2010.   10V-073

MARCH 2010 - General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles for failing to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 103, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems." These vehicles were built with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control knobs that may fracture and spin on the control shaft. The driver may no longer be able to control the heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle. If this condition affects the defrost system when it is required, it may decrease the driver's visibility, and could possibly result in a crash. Dealers will replace all HVAC control knobs free of charge. The safety recall began on March 11, 2010.   10V-096

MARCH 2010 - General Motors has notified NHTSA of a defect in certain model year 2003-2007 Cadillac CTS vehicles currently registered in or originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine,Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington D.C., West Virginia and Wisconsin. Some ofthese vehicles have a condition in which the front brake hose fitting at the caliper may corrode due tosnow or water, containing road salt or other contaminants, entering and being retained in the routingsleeve. If the fitting corrodes significantly, the brake hose-tube interface may develop a leak. The brake hose-tube interface may rupture suddenly without prior warning and increase vehicle stopping distance may occur increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers are to replace both front brake hose assemblies free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2010.  10V-105

GOOGLE NEWS -- March 1, 2010 – General Motors Co. said Monday it will recall 1.3 million Chevrolet and Pontiac compact cars sold in the U.S., Canada and Mexico to fix power steering motors that can fail.

The recall affects 2005 to 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts, 2007 to 2010 Pontiac G5s, 2005 and 2006 Pontiac Pursuits sold in Canada and 2005 and 2006 Pontiac G4s sold in Mexico.

The automaker said the vehicles are still safe to drive and never lose their steering, but it may be harder to steer them when traveling under 15 mph.

GM spokesman Alan Adler said it will take time for the automaker to get 1.3 million new power steering motors from the supplier, JTEKT Corp., and GM will notify car owners when the parts are available.

Adler said the failures are rare and the cars can still be driven until motors can be replaced by dealers. Drivers will see a warning light and hear a chime if the power steering fails, but they could be surprised when the steering becomes more difficult.

GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the recall on Monday. NHTSA began an investigation into 905,000 of the models on Jan. 27 after getting 1,100 complaints that the cars lost their power steering assist. The complaints included 14 crashes and one injury.

The automaker will fix older models first because it usually takes 20,000 to 30,000 miles of driving for the condition to develop, Adler said. GM also will have to repair thousands of vehicles on dealer lots before they can be sold, he said.

"Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers' peace of mind," J........GM's vice president of quality, said in a statement.

Adler said if the power steering assist fails, it usually comes back for a time after the car is shut off and restarted.

MORE RECALL INFO:   Chevy Cobalt     Pontiac G5

YAHOO NEWS -- February 2, 2010 -- Federal regulators have opened an investigation into complaints that power steering systems in the Chevrolet Cobalt can fail, making it more difficult to control the car.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says there are 1,132 complaints about the Cobalt's electric power steering, including reports of eleven accidents and one injury.

The preliminary review covers about 905,000 Cobalts in the model years from 2005 to 2009.

A majority of the complaints have come in the past six months. Some drivers said they couldn't stay in their traffic lane when steering became difficult.  The Cobalt is made by General Motors.

The company said in a statement that the NHTSA review is the first step in an investigation, and that it will answer questions from the safety agency. After that step, the case will either move to an engineering analysis or it will be closed, GM said.

MORE RECALL INFO:   Chevrolet Cobalt

JANUARY 2010 - General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. Due to the manner in which the friction lever interacts with the sliding surface of the accelerator pedal inside the pedal sensor assembly, the sliding surface of the lever may become smooth during vehicle operation. In this condition, if condensation occurs on the surface, as may occur from heater operation (without A/C) when the pedal assembly is cold, the friction when the accelerator pedal is operated may increase, which may result in the accelerator pedal becoming harder to depress, slower to return, or, in the worst case, mechanically stuck in a partially depressed position. The accelerator pedal may become hard to depress, slow to return to idle, or, in the worst case, mechanically stuck in a partially depressed position, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will install a reinforcement bar in the accelerator pedal which will allow the pedal to operate smoothly. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin early February and be completed in late April 2010.   10V-018

JANUARY 2010 - General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 Pontiac Vibe passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat. A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death. General Motors will modify or replace the accelerator pedal and the floor mat with a newly designed mat free of charge. General Motors has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. 10V-024

The Vibe had been assembled at a plant in California that Toyota had operated jointly with GM.

YAHOO NEWS -- Jan 27, 2010 -- Toyota Motor Corp late on Wednesday said it is expanding a recall of its cars and trucks by another 1.1 million vehicles to address the risk of accelerator pedals becoming dangerously stuck.

The recall involves 2009-2010 model year Corolla, Venza, Matrix vehicles and the 2008-2010 Highlander, as well as the 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe.

Toyota told federal officials of the expanded recall on Wednesday.  It is the second high-profile safety action in less than a week for the automaker. 

The new recall applies to 2005-07 model year Corvettes and Corvette Z06 models.

GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety administration that the adhesive between the roof panel and frame may separate. GM will install a redesigned roof panel as a result.

"If there is a partial separation, the driver may notice one or more symptoms, such as a snapping noise when driving over bumps, wind noise, poor roof panel fit, roof panel movement/bounce when a door or hatch is closed, or a water leak," GM said.

This is the second attempt by GM to fix the problem.

In May 2006, GM told NHTSA that it was recalling 30,793 2005-06 Corvettes over concerns that the vehicles, "primarily in hot and humid climates, have a condition in which the adhesive between the roof panel and the frame may separate."

GM said the problem was due to inadequate bonding strength, following reports of at least 11 roof separations. GM's 2006 fix was to insert adhesive foam -- and, if necessary, replacement of the roof.

In March, an inquiry from Japan's Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport about a Corvette roof that was repaired after the 2006 recall prompted GM to look at its U.S. warranty claims data for Corvettes.

As a result, GM found 108 claims of roof separation after the foam was added in the attempt to fix the problem. GM spokesman said there are no reports of injuries as a result.

Now, GM will replace the roofs.

The automaker will begin notifying owners in January and will reimburse motorists who have already gotten their roofs repaired or replaced.

MORE RECALL INFO:   Chevrolet Corvette

Separately, GM issued another recall Monday for 59,000 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles over concerns that the software in the center instrument panel could cause the heating, air conditioning, defrost and radio controls as well as the panel illumination to stop working. GM said the computer module will be replaced and the software "reflashed."

NHTSA said drivers could risk accidents if they drove without working defrost systems, but GM said there are no reports of injuries.

MORE RECALL INFO:   Chevrolet Equinox    GMC Terrain

MAY 2009 --  GM is recalling 15,393 MY 2009 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, "Passenger Car Brake Systems." These vehicles may have a park brake cable link (connector) that is not to specification. This connector may fracture when the park brake pedal is depressed. If the transmission shift lever is in the park position, there will be no unintended vehicle movement. However, if the keys are left in the ignition, the transmission shift lever is in any position other than park, and the vehicle is parked on a sufficient slope, it could result in unintended vehicle movement. This could result in a crash without prior warning. Dealers are to replace the park brake cable link (connector) free of charge. GM anticipates that the dealer bulletin will be sent May 5, 2009 and owner letters will be mailed in June 2009.   09V-153

MARCH 2009 -- General Motors is recalling 276,729 MY 2009 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Cobalt, HHR, Malibu, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Pontiac G5, G6 and Saturn Aura and Outlook passenger vehicles. These vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence, Starter Interlock, And Transmission Braking Effect", and FMVSS 114, "Theft Protection and RollawayPrevention". On some of these vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may not be fullyengaged. If the clip is not fully engaged, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. With this condition, the drive could move the shifter to "park" and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in "park". The driver may not be able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning. Dealers will inspect and ensure that the shift cable adjustment clip is fully engaged. In theevent that the clip does not engage, the shift cable will be replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before March 24, 2009. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet at 1- 800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 and Saturn at 1-800-972-8876 or at WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.   09V-073

FEBRUARY 2009 --  GM is recalling 8,012 MY 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 vehicles. The brake lamps may not operate properly because of corrosion in a wiring connector. Corrosion in the connector could cause the brake lamps to illuminate when the brake pedal has not been depressed, or the lamps may not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed. In addition, the cruise control may not engage, and greater brake pedal force may berequired to shift the vehicle out of PARK. Brake lamps that are not operating properly may not warn a driver in a following vehicle of the braking status and could lead to a crash without prior warning. Dealers will apply a dielectric lubricant to the connector to prevent corrosion. This service will be performed for you free of charge. The recall began on February 17, 2009. Owners may contact Pontiac at 1- 800-620-7668 or owner center at www.gmownercenter.com. This recall was the subject of a Preliminary Evaluation, PE08-054, conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation.   09V-036

JANUARY 2009 -- GM is recalling 8,012 MY 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 vehicles. The brake lamps may not operate properly because of corrosion in a wiring connector. Corrosion in the connector could cause the brake lamps to illuminate when the brake pedal has not been depressed, or the lamps may not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed. In addition, the cruise control may not engage, and greater brake pedal force may be required to shift the vehicle out of PARK. Brake lamps that are not operating properly may not warn a driver in a following vehicle of the braking status and could lead to a crash without prior warning. Dealers will apply a dielectric lubricant to the connector to prevent corrosion. This service will be performed for you free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before February 17, 2009. Owners may contact Pontiac at 1- 800-620-7668 or owner center at www.gmownercenter.com. This recall was the subject of a Preliminary Evaluation, PE08-054, conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation.   09V-036

NEWS:    GM recalling vehicles to fix shift lever problem

WASHINGTON (AP) — General Motors Corp. is recalling about 277,000 vehicles because of a potential defect in the shift lever that could cause a vehicle to roll away.

GM says the recall involves 2009 model year versions of the Buick Enclave; Chevrolet Cobalt, HHR, Malibu and Traverse; GMC Acadia; Pontiac G5 and G6; and the Saturn Aura and Outlook.

A GM spokeswoman says about 75,000 vehicles have been purchased. The rest are at dealerships. No crashes or injuries have been reported.

In some cases, the shift lever and the transmission gear's position may not match, meaning a driver could move the shifter to the park position but the transmission gear may not be in park.

A vehicle could roll away and crash or have problems restarting

MORE RECALL INFORMATION

• Buick Enclave
• Chevrolet Cobalt

• Chevrolet HHR

• Chevrolet Malibu

• Chevrolet Traverse
• GMC Acadia

• Pontiac G5

• Pontiac G6

• Saturn Aura

• Saturn Outlook

NOVEMBER 2008 -- GM is recalling 2,149 MY 2009 Saturn Vue vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with an incorrect right and/or left front steering knuckle. As a result of the incorrect knuckle and resulting inadequate clearance, the tie rod ball stud could pull out of, or fracture, the tie rod housing. This could cause the tie rod to separate from the knuckle. Although steering control of the vehicle could be maintained after a tie rod separation by the unaffected wheel on smooth roads or during light braking, with more significant suspension or braking inputs, the affected wheel could turn out and skid. If a vehicle built with two incorrect steering knuckles had both tie rods separate at the same time, steering control of the vehicle would be lost, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the steering knuckles and, if necessary, replace the steering knuckle(s) and tie rod(s). The recall began on December 8, 2008.  08V616

NOVEMBER  2008 -- GM is recalling 16,667 MY 2009 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook vehicles for failing to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, 'Seat Belt Assemblies.' These vehicles may have been built with a safety belt buckle in the second or third row that is missing a rivet. In a vehicle crash, if the rivet is missing, the buckle may separate from the mounting strap, increasing the risk of injury to the passenger. Dealers will inspect the safety belt buckles in the second and third rows, and replace them if necessary. The recall began on November 26, 2008.  08V615

NOVEMBER 2008 -- GM is recalling 12,662 MY 2009 Cadillac CTS vehicles for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, “Occupant Crash Protection.” Under certain conditions, a software condition within the passenger sensing system may disable the front passenger air bag when it should be enabled or enable it when it should be disabled. In a vehicle crash, if the front passenger air bag does not operate as designed, increased personal injury could occur. Dealers will reprogram the passenger sensing system module free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2008. . 08V582

OCTOBER 2008 -- GM is recalling 79 MY 2009 Chevrolet Impala vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a passenger-side front air bag inflator that could fracture at an inflator tube during a deployment. During a passenger-side air bag deployment, pieces of the inflator tube could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the air bag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capability of the bag to protect the passenger. Dealers will install a new passenger-side front air bag. The recall began on October 10, 2008.  08V517

SEPTEMBER 2008 -- General Motors is recalling 17,301 MY 2004 Cadillac SRX vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the transmission shift lever can be moved from the "park" position with the ignition "on" and without the operator depressing the brake pedal or, in some cases, the shifter can be moved from the "park" position with the ignition turned “off.” If the vehicle is parked or parked on a slope, this condition could allow the vehicle to roll increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the pawl stopper and a bushing within the shifter assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during December 2008.   08V527

SEPTEMBER 2008 -- GM is recalling 296,422 MY 2006-2008 Chevrolet HHR vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 201, 'Occupant Protection in Interior Impact." The door on the storage bin in the top center of the instrument panel failed to remain closed as required. This standard specifies performance requirements to provide head impact protection for occupants. A redesigned latch will be made available. The recall is expected to begin during November 2008. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or MyGMLink at http://www.GM.com/recall. This recall was the subject of an investigation conducted by the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance. 08V444

AUGUST 2008 -- AM General is recalling 684 MY 2006 Hummer H1 Alpha series vehicles. The vehicle's fuel tank may contact the rear prop shaft rear universal joint causing a rub through condition. A leak condition may result. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a crash. Dealers will remove the main fuel tank assembly and replace it with a new modified fuel tank assembly, new rear side shield and all new attaching hardware. The recall is expected to begin during November 2008. Owners may contact AM General at 1-734-523-8110. 08V440

AUGUST 2008 -- GM is recalling 857,735 MY 2006-2008 Buick Lucerne; Cadillac DTS; Hummer H2; MY 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe; GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL, Saturn Outlook; and MY 2008 Buick Enclave vehicles equipped with a heated wiper washer fluid system. A short circuit on the printed circuit board for the washer fluid heater may overheat the control-circuit ground wire. This may cause other electrical features to malfunction, create an odor, or cause smoke increasing the risk of a fire. Dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule.  08V441

AUGUST 2008 -- GM is recalling 88,809 MY 2008 Buick Enclave, and MY 2007-2008 GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook vehicles currently or previously registered in the following states: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia. If a buildup of snow or ice on the windshield or on the wipers restricts the movement of the wiper arm, the windshield wiper linkage may become detached from the motor shaft and the wipers may become inoperative. If this were to occur, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a vehicle crash. Dealers will install a new wiper crank arm, driver's side link, and a crank arm nut. The recall is expected to begin during October 2008.  08V-410

JULY 2008 --  GM is recalling 151 MY 2008 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles equipped with all wheel drive (AWD). Some of these vehicles have transfer cases that were manufactured with an incorrect part that can cause early failure of a drive chain. If the chain breaks, shifting the transmission to park may not keep the vehicle stationary. If the vehicle is parked on an incline or bumped, it may roll and strike a person, object, or another vehicle without warning, and cause personal injury. Dealers will inspect the transfer case date code and, if necessary, replace the transfer case. The recall is expected to begin during August 2008.  08V340

JULY 2008 --  GM is recalling 2,481 MY 2008 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana cutaway fleet vans equipped with a 6.0l (RPO LY6) V8 engine, 4l80E (RPO MT) transmission, 4.10 (RPO GT5) axle and 75 mph governor (RPO 9D7). These vehicles have a condition in which the transmission may be damaged due to first gear engagement at highway speeds and then does not transmit power with ‘D4’ or ‘R’ selected. This may be preceded by engine shutdown if the vehicle exceeds 81 miles per hour in certain conditions. The vehicle may be stranded on or near a highway, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will reprogram the transmission and engine control modules. The recall is expected to begin during August 2008.  08V313

JULY 2008 --  GM is recalling 567 MY 2008 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana cutaway vehicles with a 139" wheel base. The frame rail on the driver's side may be wider than specifications. If the frame rail is wider, over time it may contact the fuel tank housing, resulting in a possible fuel leak. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Dealers will inspect the clearance between the frame rail and fuel tank housing and will rework the frame rail if necessary. The recall is expected to begin during August 2008.   08V315

MARCH 2008 -- GM is recalling 207,542 MY 1997-2003 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8L supercharged V-6 engine. Engine oil can leak from the valve cover and can migrate during maneuvers such as hard braking. If the oil reaches the hot exhaust manifold, it may ignite causing an underhood fire. Until sufficient parts become available to repair all of the affected vehicles, GM strongly recommends that owners observe the following important precautions: (1) they strongly recommend that owners do not park their vehicle in a garage, car port, or other structure; (2) if owners notice a burning odor, they should have their dealer inspect the vehicle. The dealer will inspect the vehicle without charge; (3) use premium fuel (91 octane or higher) in the vehicle as recommended in the vehicle's owner manual. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080 or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. This recall was the subject of an Engineering Analysis, EA07-008, conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation. 08V-118

MARCH 2008 -- GM is recalling 4,586 MY 2008 Cadillac STS and STS-V passenger vehicles for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems" (TPMS). The standard requires an indication to the driver for certain TPMS malfunctions. When the system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light should flash for about one minute and then stay on the remainder of the ignition cycle. A driver information center message will also be displayed on the instrument panel. These indications of a system malfunction do not work. Premature tire failure could result in a loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will reprogram the remote control door lock receiver module. The recall began on March 18, 2008. . 08V108

FEBRUARY 2008 -- GM is recalling 181,516 MY 2006-2008 Chevrolet HHR vehicles not equipped with optional roof rail air bags for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 201, 'Occupant Protection in Interior Impact.' In tests, one of the upper interior occupant protection test points exceeded the standard's requirement. This standard specifies performance requirements to provide head impact protection for occupants. Dealers will install an energy-absorbing plastic piece to the headliner trim. The recall is expected to begin during March 2008. This recall was the subject of an investigation, OA-201-060918B, conducted by the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance. 08V046

DECEMBER 2007 -- GM is recalling 275,936 MY 2005-2007 Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS, MY 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice, and MY 2007 Saturn Sky passenger vehicles. The rear axle pinion seal does not meet all of the specifications and may experience a fluid leak. A rear differential failure may cause loss of motive power and possibly loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the pinion seal. The recall is expected to begin during February 2008. 07V-589

NOVEMBER 2007 -- GM is recalling 11,975 MY 2001 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks equipped with an 8.1L V8 engine. The crankshaft position can operate intermittently or fail completely. If the sensor operates intermittently, the SES light may illuminate and the vehicle may run rough. The engine may stall, and if so, may re-start immediately or after a cool down period. If the sensor becomes completely inoperative, the engine will quit running and will not re-start. Either of these failures can increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor. The recall is expected to begin during December 2007. This recall was the subject of an Engineering Analysis, EA06-016, conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation. 07V521

NOVEMBER 2007 -- GM is recalling 20,514 MY 2001 Saturn L-Series passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.2L 4-cylinder engine. Links in the engine’s timing chain can separate. An elevated rate of engine timing chain link separation has occurred. If a timing chain link separates while the engine is running, the engine will stall and will not restart increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the timing chain. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. This recall was the subject of an Engineering Analysis, EA06-009, conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation. 07V519

OCTOBER 2007 -- GM GM is recalling 9,648 MY 2007 Cadillac CTS model vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 118, 'Power Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems.' Under the standard, the sunroof may only be closed when the ignition is on, or after the ignition is turned off, but before either of the front doors are opened. The affected vehicles may exhibit a condition where the sunroof can be closed after the ignition is turned off and the doors are opened. This standard specifies requirements for power operated window, partition, and roof panel systems to minimize the likelihood of death or injury from their accidental operation. Dealers will install a wire harness. The manufacturer has not yet provided a recall notification schedule for this campaign. 07V-468

SEPTEMBER 2007 -- GM is recalling 531 MY 2008 Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 207, "Seating Systems." and Standard No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages." These vehicles may have one to four inboard seat stud fasteners that do not meet strength specification. In the event of a crash, the seat and seat belt assembly may not restrain the occupant as intended and could result in injury to the occupant. Dealers will inspect the inboard seat studs and, if necessary, remove the stud and install a bolt. The recall is expected to begin on or about October 10, 2007. 07V-454

August 2007 -- GM is recalling 437 MY 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent sport utility vehicles for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." In these vehicles, the right front passenger seat is built with a passenger sensing system. When tested with a representative unrestrained small adult, the system is required to turn the right front passenger's frontal airbag on. An error in the seat sensor calibration can cause it to fail this test. In addition, this condition can prevent the airbag from turning off when the seat is occupied by a small child. Whenever the front passenger seat is occupied, the driver should always check the airbag indicator to see if the airbag is on or off. If it is not correct for the situation, the passenger should be moved to a different seat. This can increase the risk of injury to a seat occupant during certain crash conditions. Dealers will reprogram the seat's electronic control unit. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. 07V-344

August 2007 -- GM is recalling 10,113 MY 2007 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savanna vans for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." When the brakes are applied, the stop lamps will illuminate. When the brake pedal is released, the stop lamps are no longer illuminated but the rear brakes may still be applied. The brake may release after a few seconds or after the next firm brake pedal application. If the rear brakes are still applied after release of the brake pedal, the driver may notice a substantial drag when driving and may need to depress the gas pedal further than usual to continue vehicle movement. A vehicle driven with the brakes applied can cause overheating of the brakes, resulting in increased stopping distance which could result in a crash. Dealers will reprogram the anti-lock brake system module. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. 07V-342

August 2007 -- GM is recalling 363 MY 2008 Hummer H2 utility, and H2 SUT vehicles. The wires in the ABS wheel speed sensor front or rear harness may be reversed. This condition could result in increased stopping distance increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will correct the ABS wheel speed sensor wiring and, if necessary, reprogram the brake control module. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. 07V-373

NEWS:   GM recalls 42,408 Saturn Vues; fluid leak possible

DETROIT, Sept 19 (Reuters) - General Motors Corp (GM.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) is recalling about 42,408 Saturn Vue compact SUVs built from February to July due to a potential leak of power steering fluid that could cause a fire, it said on Friday.

GM said there were four reports of minor fires in the engine compartment due to fluid coming in contact with the exhaust system, but no reports of accidents or injuries.

The report covers a tube nut that could have loosened on a group of Saturn Vues from the 2008 and 2009 model years that are equipped with six-cylinder engines.

GM said dealers would inspect and tighten the nut and check the fluid level as needed. The recall is expected to begin Sept. 26, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

MORE RECALL INFORMATION:    Saturn Vue

NEWS:  GM recalls nearly 300,000 HHR wagons for latch glitch

DETROIT (Reuters) - Sept 9 -- General Motors Corp will recall almost 300,000 Chevrolet HHR wagons because of a problem with a storage bin latch, according to a notice filed by federal safety regulators on Monday.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its Web site the recall would cover 296,422 HHR's built for the 2006 through 2008 model years.

During testing, a storage bin in the top center of the instrument panel failed to remain closed as required by federal safety standards.

GM said owners of the HHR wagons covered by the recall would be sent a latch reinforcement and instructions on how to install it. Owners also have the option of having their local Chevrolet dealer install the part, GM said.

GM said it would begin the recall in November. The automaker said owners with questions could contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or via the Internet at www.gm.com/recall.

MORE RECALL INFORMATION:   Chevrolet HHR

NEWS:    GM recalls 944,000 vehicles for fire hazard

• Buick Lucerne
• Buick Enclave
• Cadillac DTS
• Cadillac Escalade
• Chevrolet Avalanche
• Chevrolet Silverado
• Chevrolet Suburban
• Chevrolet Tahoe
• GMC Acadia
• GMC Sierra
• GMC Yukon
• Saturn Outlook

NEWS:    GM Recalls Buicks, GMCs, Saturns to Fix Wipers

• Buick Enclave

• GMC Acadia

• Saturn Outlook

NEWS:    NHTSA Investigates 2.7 Million GM Trucks, SUVs

Fire hazard probed in 21 models

• Cadillac Escalade
• Chevrolet Avalanche
• Chevrolet Silverado
• Chevrolet Suburban
• Chevrolet Tahoe
• GMC Sierra
• GMC Yukon
• Hummer H2

NEWS:   Toyota and GM recall 662,000 cars in U.S.

• Pontiac Vibe

• Toyota Matrix

• Toyota Corolla

NEWS:    GM announces recall on car fire risk

• Buick Regal 

• Pontiac Grand Prix

NEWS:    Feds Probe Fire Complaints in Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon

More Recall Information:   GMC Yukon  -   Chevy Tahoe

NEWS:    GM recalls 313,000 vehicles for leak

NEWS:   GM recalls pickups, SUVs

The recall by the world's largest automaker covers 57,100 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent SUVs from the 2007 model year, and 11,974 2001-model Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks and 20,514 Saturn L-Series cars, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its Web site.

GM will install extra foam in the windshield pillars of the Equinox and Torrent SUVs that aren't equipped with roof air bags or a sunroof, to lessen the risk of head injury during a crash, according to the NHTSA.

In 2.2-liter, four-cylinder versions of the Saturn cars, GM will replace the engine's timing chain, which could separate while the motor is running and boost the chance of a crash. For 8.1-liter, eight-cylinder versions of the Silverado and Sierra, GM will replace the crankshaft position sensor, which can fail and stall the engine.

NEWS:    GM Recalls 30,000-Plus SUVs, Vans