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.

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.

Detroit, MI — August 20, 2015 — In 2014, General Motors issued a recall for more than 316,000 vehicles manufactured in a three-year period between 2006 and 2009. As the Associated Press notes, that recall concerned several different models, such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Buick Rainier, and was intended to fix an electrical failure that could prevent low-beam headlights from working.

Recently, the manufacturer announced that it is expanding this recall to include 181,000 North American autos for the same reason, extending the action to the Buick LaCrosse, Buick Allure and Pontiac Grand Prix. There is allegedly no permanent remedy for this issue developed yet, although dealers can make do with a temporary replacement in the meantime.

The Detroit News also reported on this recent expansion, noting that the company informed consumers of this stopgap as recently as this January. The module fault is exacerbated by hot temperatures in the engine area.

The News also quotes company spokesman Alan Adler on the problems associated with this danger and what dealers have to do to respond to the situation without the final remedy plan in place.

“These vehicles could intermittently or permanently lose low beam headlamps,” he said. “Until a permanent repair is available, dealers will replace the headlamp module with a new one of the existing part.” Insight into this case has led the government to investigate supplier Delphi Corporation, who is responsible for the distribution of the module. As of this writing, the total amount of recalls connected to this action is 493,265, none of which have contributed to reports of incidents.

Detroit, MI — July 17, 2015 — Although this blog recently commented on a series of recalls from General Motors, more vehicles have been addressed in a new action from the same manufacturer. GM Authority reported on the issue which has spurred on this recall, which concerns the cables connecting the seatbelts inside them. Passengers and drivers alike may find themselves in danger due to wear and tear.

More than 47,000 vehicles may potentially be affected, and includes two different groups of make and models: Chevrolet Caprices from between 2011 and 2013 and Pontiac G8’s from between 2008 and 2009.

GM Authority notes that both of these models are based on the Zeta vehicle architecture. The seatbelt concern is especially important for police to observe, because Caprices are marketed largely to police departments.

The Authority piece details the fix that the company recommends for taking care of the cables, which could lead to injury for vehicle occupants if not addressed.

“GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt tensioner assembly which includes the steel cable, free of charge,” the company said. “These replacement parts reposition the tensioner cable out of the path of entry into the vehicle and uses a more flexible cable, set at a more upright angle.”

This problem may not be immediately apparent, which makes it all the more important that recall statements are processed correctly and issued in a way that successfully promotes the proper actions. Dealers need to have the resources ready to apply fixes and tend to the vehicles that pose any kind of danger, regardless of how visible or obvious it is to the user.