Thousands of Cadillacs Added to Sunroof Related Recall

Detroit, MI — August 4, 2015 — General Motors is adding to a recall for thousands of Cadillacs around the world as it addresses a possible sunroof switch issue.

The defect

We’ve covered similar types of defect before, and in this case the affected vehicles feature overly sensitive switches that close the sunroof too quickly.

This is an extension of an already existing recall launched earlier this year that now totals more than 82,600 Cadillac ATS sedans around the world: of these, 63,665 are in the Unites States.

Even though the recall now includes added numbers, the company has yet to identify any injuries related to this problem.

It might seem like a less severe threat than a problem affecting the engine or steering systems, but the sunroofs in these Cadillacs could close faster than expected and catch fingers in the cracks, as General Motors noted in a statement quoted by Edmunds.com.

The solution

To fix the problem, dealers will have to simply replace the switch trim plate.

According to this source, the switch problem also violates standards, putting the owners in possible danger. “The power-operated roof panel systems on these vehicles will auto-close when the non-recessed portion of the ‘slide’ or ’tilt’ switches are pressed and the roof panel is open,” the company said.

“Because these switches are not fully recessed, they can be actuated with less force than required to comply with applicable federal standards,” the company added.

Verifying what difficulties in vehicles constitute violations is part of the process of promoting better car care and awareness. Only when recall statements are released to the widest possible owner audience can dealers be sure that the right message is getting out.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Recall MastersThousands of Cadillacs Added to Sunroof Related Recall

General Motors Recalls Cadillacs for Brake Pedal Bracket Problems

Detroit, MI — June 27, 2015 — Earlier this month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) posted a recall acknowledgment statement to their website regarding a General Motors recall for 2015 Cadillac ATS and CTS models.

The defect

According to this document, the affected vehicles brake pedal brackets subject to possible fractures, which could potentially fracture during a drive, putting the occupants of the car at risk.

More than 2,160 vehicles may be at risk of this fault, and the official recall period will begin this August, and affects cars that were produced as recently as this March.

As with some of the other recalls MotorSafe has covered, the fix prescribed for this one appears to be relatively simple, since dealers can replace the faulty brake pedal brackets for free.

However, the stakes for replacement are serious, since the issue could make it difficult for drivers to apply the brakes at all should the brackets end up breaking.

An additional recall safety bulletin from the NHTSA goes into further detail on the actions car dealers need to take to make affected Cadillacs safer for use.

“Dealers are to inspect the bracket for fracture or a condition that makes the bracket susceptible to fracture when the brake pedal is depressed,” it reads.

The solution

“If a fracture or such a condition is found, dealers are to replace the brake pedal (including the affected bracket).” The statement also notes that a borescope is needed to help dealers successfully inspect for this problem.

While some auto recalls concern dangerous situations that may not likely happen during normal vehicle operation, this one centers around a feature that could be broken during regular use. In all cases, though, recall accuracy and wide distribution may help to promote proper use reactions.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Recall MastersGeneral Motors Recalls Cadillacs for Brake Pedal Bracket Problems

More than 330,000 trucks part of new GM recall [Video]

General Motors is recalling hundreds of thousands of trucks as the fallout from the Takata air bag investigations continues.

[marker] According to the NHTSA, the manufacturer is recalling more than 374,000 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks around the world, the majority of which are in the United States. This is yet another response to concerns over airbag inflator mechanisms produced by Takata Corporation.

[marker] The manufacturer announced that it is banning the use of ammonium nitrate in inflators in the future. The risk centers around the potential for improper inflators to explode during a crash and possibly harm occupants.

Thank you for watching this video, and be sure to check back often for the latest auto recall news.

MotorSafety.orgMore than 330,000 trucks part of new GM recall [Video]

New GM Recall Concerns Faulty Seatbelts

Detroit, Michigan – May 12, 2015 – A condition that could lead to weak safety belts has General Motors recalling hundreds of thousands of Chevrolet Malibu cars, according to the Detroit News.

The source says one injury has so far been traced to the defect. It will recall more than 469,000 vehicles total from around the world, the majority of which will be in North America.

The defect

Vehicles that suffer this defect could see the metal cable connecting the seatbelt weaken and even separate completely over time.

The solution

To fix the problem, car dealers will be able to replace the lap pretensioner and outboard lap mounting bracket.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

adminNew GM Recall Concerns Faulty Seatbelts

More than 4,900 Cadillacs Recalled for Brake Hose Corrosion Risk

Detroit, MI — April 30, 2015 — A recall notice from General Motors posted on GM Authority announced an action that will affect 4,907 Cadillac CTS-V vehicles.

The defect

According to this statement, models produced between September 2003 and June 2007 may have a defect that could hurt the brake system. The recall notes that only cars registered or originally sold in a selection of 21 states across New England and the Midwest are subject to this action.

Timeline of events

Although there is currently no recall notification schedule in place, the statement encourages owners to contact GM, Cadillac customer service and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for more information, as well as the dealer to have the fault fixed.

As it elaborates, the problem is exacerbated by the presence of road salt, still a possible concern as snow melts.

“In the affected vehicles, snow or water containing road salt or other contaminants may corrode the front brake hose fitting at the caliper,” the statement reads.

“Corrosion may cause the brake system to leak, which could lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.” Both brake hose assemblies will be replaced by dealers to prevent leakage.

According to the latest information, this recall is an expansion of a similar recall originally announced in 2010. In that case, the NHTSA identified more than 139,000 “potential units affected” on its website and addressed the same 21 states as possible sources of affected vehicles.

When recalls are issued, the amount of information they contain should be easy to read through, even when a long list of states are involved. Arranging the data in a readable way will give owners a greater chance of identifying whether or not they should be concerned.

The solution

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Recall MastersMore than 4,900 Cadillacs Recalled for Brake Hose Corrosion Risk