GM recalls vehicles with defective safety equipment

GM recalls vehicles with defective safety equipment

May 15, 2018 Sean Reyes , , ,
Warren, Mich. – General Motors has recalled almost 13,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective safety equipment, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models across three GM brands, including:
  • 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express passenger vans produced between Sept. 9, 2008, and March 23, 2018.
  • 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty pickup trucks produced between Oct. 13, 2008, and Nov. 6, 2013.
  • 2009 GMC 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series pickup trucks produced between Aug. 20, 2008, and July 31, 2009.
  • 2009-2018 GMC Savana passenger vans produced between Sept. 12, 2008, and March 10, 2018.
  • 2009 Isuzu F Series diesel commercial trucks produced between Aug. 20, 2008, and Dec. 19, 2008.
GM suspects all of the vehicles involved in the action contain the defective components.
The Defect
Affected vehicles come with portal fire extinguishers that clog easily may become inoperable in the event of an engine fire. Additionally, individuals who attempt to unclog them by force may sustain injury due to nozzle detachment. As a result, these components pose a serious hazard to occupants. However, GM has yet to receive field reports linking these fixtures to any accidents or injuries.
Timeline of Events
Personnel from the Isuzu Technical Center of America on Nov. 4, 2017, learned that fire extinguisher supplier Kidde had recalled a large number of defective products, according to an internal chronology document given to the NHTSA. Isuzu quickly reviewed its production records and found that many vehicles, including some Chevrolet trucks, included these components. On Nov. 14, the brand issued a voluntary recall. Three days later, GM began reviewing historic production records dating back decades to see if other past models had been equipped with the defective extinguishers, some of which could have been used in vehicles assembled in the 1990s and early 2000s. The automaker conducted this review over the course of nearly three months, evaluating production documents dating from 1992 to the present.
By January 2018, GM had identified approximately 100 different fire extinguisher models used across several brands. Engineers managed to trim this number to 13 – all of which Kidde manufactured – by March. Members of the GM Open Investigation Review assessed this data and transferred the case to the Safety and Field Action Decision Authority, which chose to conduct a voluntary safety recall April 19. GM notified dealers of the forthcoming action April 26.
The Solution
GM intends to notify owners via first-class mail when replacement parts are available, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. By this point, owners will need to contact Kidde directly to receive replacement extinguishers free of charge. Owners in need of additional assistance prior to or after the start of the recall can contact GM customer personnel at (800) 462-8782. Callers should use the internal recall identification number 18146. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.
Sean ReyesGM recalls vehicles with defective safety equipment
GM recalls vehicles with defective seat belts

GM recalls vehicles with defective seat belts

April 30, 2018 Sean Reyes ,
Warren, Mich. – April 30, 2018 – General Motors has recalled more than 8,700 vehicles potentially equipped with defective seat belt assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Buick Regal sedans produced between June 9, 2017, and Feb. 22, 2018. GM suspects that 1 percent of the recalled models actually contain the defective parts.
The Defect
Affected vehicles contain rear outboard seats with improperly routed seat belts. Consequently, these safety features may not adequately restrain occupants in the event of an accident, leaving them open to injury. However, the automaker has yet to receive reports connecting the defective components to any accidents or injuries.
Timeline of Events
On Jan. 16, 2018, engineers at the Opel Russelsheim assembly plant in Russelsheim, Germany discovered a 2018 Buick Regal sedan with improperly routed seat belts while conducting post-production testing. The personnel who identified the defect notified their superiors Jan. 22, 2018, through the Speak Up for Safety program. The GM Safety and Compliance Categorization Team reviewed the matter Feb. 15, 2018, and launched a field monitoring initiative. Seven days later, GM implemented new production methods at the Opel Russelsheim facility to ensure assembly teams properly routed rear seat belts.
GM engineers at the Milford Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan uncovered another vehicle with the rear seat belt routing issue March 1, 2018. They too filed a SUFS report. One week later, GM connected with technical stakeholders for Opel, one of its European subsidiaries, and discussed the misrouted seat belts it engineers had found in multiple 2018 Buick Regal sedans. Opel dealt with the same problem earlier in the year and had issued a voluntary recall to address it. This meeting prompted GM to initiate an internal investigation, which led the GM Safety Field Action Decision Authority to call for an official recall on April 5, 2018.
GM notified dealers of the forthcoming action April 12, 2018.
The Solution
The automaker has directed dealers to correct the routing of the outboard rear seat belt assemblies installed in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. GM intends to notify owners June 5, 2018. Those in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can contact GM customer service by calling (800) 521-7300. Callers should use the internal recall identification number 18117. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.
Sean ReyesGM recalls vehicles with defective seat belts
GM recalls SUVs with defective drive shafts

GM recalls SUVs with defective drive shafts

September 1, 2017 Sean Reyes , ,

Recall Masters -August 31, 2017

GM recalls SUVs with defective drive shafts

General Motors has recalled a number of sport utility vehicles believed to be equipped with defective drive shafts, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017-2018 GMC Arcadia, 2018 GMC Terrain and 2018 Chevrolet Equinox models. The automaker estimates that 3 percent of the vehicles have problematic drive shafts.
The Defect
Models referenced in the recall could contain front right intermediate drive shaft assemblies prone to fracture and separation. Engineers have traced the issue to the parts manufacturer Nexteer, which failed to use properly calibrated ultrasonic scanning equipment when performing quality checks.
The defect poses a serious safety hazard to occupants, as vehicles with damaged drive shafts may lose power during operation or roll away when stopped without the parking brake engaged. However, GM has yet to receive reports of accidents or injuries connected to the defect…

Read the entire article on the Recall Masters website

Sean ReyesGM recalls SUVs with defective drive shafts

GM Recalls Buick Verano Vehicles for Fuel Line Problems

September 27, 2016 admin

Warren, Mich. — September 27, 2016 — In recent GM recall news, some 2016 Buick Verano autos may be subject to a fire hazard due to fuel line defects. The Part 573 Safety Recall Report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website stated that affected autos have a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine and were manufactured between Feb. 16 and May 12, 2016.

This source said that fuel lines in these Buicks could fail if they make contact with heated sections of the engine. This could lead to a fire if the lines in question are worn away enough, causing fuel to leak out. A total of 189 vehicles are potentially involved in this action, and all 100 percent of them are estimated to have the defect.

The first engine fire associated with this problem occurred June 20 in the car of a GM employee, according to the Report. As of Aug. 10, this was the only fire caused by this defect that had been seen in the field.

Dealer Notification was planned for Aug. 10, and the remedy requires the dealer to replace the fuel line assembly entirely. Since the defect comes from improperly assembled fuel lines, the new replacement assemblies will have the proper engine compartment routing. GM found out that the vehicle issue stemmed from “poor operator training” on July 18.

A recall bulletin from the manufacturer listed all of the parts needed to complete the recall’s system replacement. This list includes eight parts total, such as a fuel-feed pipe and charge air cooler inlet air tube adapter seal for each vehicle.

adminGM Recalls Buick Verano Vehicles for Fuel Line Problems

Chance of Fire Prompts General Motors Recalls

September 13, 2016 admin

Warren, Mich. — September 13, 2016 — Wiring issues may make a fire more likely to break out in one Buick model. Although there is no remedy scheduled as of this writing, one of the more recent General Motors recalls addresses this problem. The component manufacturer in this recall is Lear Corporation, based in Germany.

The official Part 573 Safety Recall Report on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website said that the recall potentially involves 42,984 2011 Buick Regals. A full 100 percent of these are thought to have a wiring harness problem that could wear down the wires themselves.

This chafing could potentially lead to a short circuit, which in turn could start a fire within the vehicle. In addition, the report cited other possible side effects, such as smoke, sparks and flickering instrument-panel lights. Despite this, it did not list any signs to be taken as “identification” of the defect.

The fix requires dealers to repair faulty wiring, if needed, after inspecting and securing the harness. There is also no apparent danger of wire chafing in similar vehicles manufactured after 2011 in Russelheim.

Though the decision to conduct the recall only came June 29, it dates back to Dec. 21, 2015. On that date, the source said, customer reports of fire led to a a Speak Up for Safety report.

A July 7 notice for dealers said that the parts necessary to conduct this recall fix were not currently available: dealers can only proceed once they are. This statement also announced that the Global Warranty Management system would update to reflect the new recall, as a way for dealers to prepare to address owner concerns.

adminChance of Fire Prompts General Motors Recalls

Claims Dismissed as Aftermath of GM Ignition Switch Recalls Continues [Video]

September 5, 2016 admin , ,

New York City, N.Y. — September 05, 2016 — The repercussions of the GM ignition switch recall continue. Fortune recently reported on new rulings that leave the door open to further legal action.

The source said that the recall is associated with two hundred and seventy-five injuries, as well as one hundred and twenty-four deaths. It has also led to two billion dollars in payments and more than two and a half million recalled vehicles. The original problem involved switches that could suddenly shut off vehicle engines.

Even though a new owner bought GM about five years ago, an appeals court ruled that related lawsuits may still apply.

For the latest news on the GM ignition switch recalls, be sure to follow our blog. Thanks for watching.

adminClaims Dismissed as Aftermath of GM Ignition Switch Recalls Continues [Video]

Some Buick Regals Subject to Power Steering Recall

March 23, 2016 admin ,

Warren, MI — March 23, 2016 — One of the most recent GM recalls in February concerns steering assembly faults in the 2016 Buick Regal. Although the first hints of this failure were discovered in another car during vehicle tests last November, the recall only began on February 12, with dealers notified a week later. According to a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the affected vehicles may have been manufactured as recently as the date the recall started.

This report noted that bad circuit boards in these vehicles could lead to power steering failure, which could put additional steering pressure on the driver. The defect was only thought to be in 74 units, signaled by a noticeable malfunction alert when present. The replacement circuit boards include stronger circuit boards.

The NHTSA also featured a recall bulletin released this month, which explained that the recall parts needed would start shipping on the week of March 14. The bulletin lists 12 parts, including steering knuckle nuts, knuckle bolts and gear nuts.

“Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the power-steering assist system can fail while driving,” the bulletin stated. “If this occurs, the vehicle will lose power-steering assist.” It also added that “Steering control can still be maintained, but will require increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, which could increase the risk of a crash.”

Automotive News grouped this recall in with several other GM recalls issued around the same time. These include actions for other vehicles with the 2016 model year, including Chevrolet Malibu, Colorado and Camaro autos. The source said that these recalls included nearly 2,000 vehicles total, with the highest coming from a 1,750 unit group of Colorado, Malibu and GMC Canyon vehicles in Canada and the United States.

adminSome Buick Regals Subject to Power Steering Recall

Welding Issue Triggers GM Recall

January 13, 2016 admin

Warren, MI — January 13, 2016 — Three different models of 2016 vehicles are included in one of the more recent GM recalls, with a manufacturer’s report date of December 9. This action concerns 2,633 potentially affected vehicle models, all of which could include an improperly welded seat that leaves occupants in danger during a crash. The vehicles have faulty third row lower seat frame welding as a result of problems with the robot welder at the supplier, Michigan-based Bridgewater Interiors.

Just 1 percent of the vehicle population was estimated to have this defect.

The issue was initially discovered November 2015, the same month in which the recalled vehicles were produced. According to a safety recall report also available from the organization, the welder working on the vehicles had a “defective servo motor.” Since November 2012, newly produced versions of these models have been welded by robots with the correct motors.

Dealers were notified on December 9, and just 1 percent of the vehicle population was estimated to have this defect. The report explained the actions dealers were instructed to take to correct this problem.

“Dealers will inspect the third row left side lower seat frame and, if necessary, replace the lower seat frame,” the document stated. “Vehicles built during the affected build date were inspected to identify and replace seat frames built by the defective robot welder,” it added.

In an instructional recall bulletin, General Motors noted that “only approximately 11 involved vehicles” would require a seat frame replacement. As such, it emphasized that dealers order parts only as they need them, to make the most out of the limited replacements in stock.

adminWelding Issue Triggers GM Recall

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