Warren, MI – July 9, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 135,400 vehicles with potentially defective emergency jacks, which may fracture and collapse under load. This increases the risk of injury for people that are near or under the vehicle. This GM recall includes:
- 2020 Buick Encore GX
- 2021 Buick Encore GX
- 2022 Buick Encore GX
- 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The affected component is “jack assembly,” with multiple part numbers, including 42743996 and 42743997.
Recall summary
The emergency jack is a tool that is used when changing a punctured tire on the side of the road. After placing it under the appropriate jacking point, the driver uses a lever on the jack to prop up the vehicle.
On affected vehicles, if the driver positions the jack incorrectly, it may collapse while lifting the vehicle.
Warning signs
According to the manufacturer, defective jacks may collapse only ‘if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner’s manual’. This scenario is, however, likely to happen when the driver is performing a roadside repair, since these are usually less-than-ideal working conditions.
Safety tips
Roadside repairs are dangerous and should be avoided. Always call a tow truck or try to get to an empty parking lot or somewhere where you are not on the side of the road, if possible.
If you are driving and see a tow truck – or other emergency vehicles – please slow down and move over to the right. Over 30 first responders have been killed just this year due to distracted driving.
Risks
The plastic jack may not be sturdy enough if positioned incorrectly and collapse under unforeseen loads. This may result in injury to people that are close by or under the vehicle.
Other General Motors recalls
Different model years of Buick Encore were recalled in November of last year because of a potential fluid leak. Both Buick Encore GX and Chevrolet Trailblazer were part of a separate recall in September of the same year because of potential loss of electronic brake assist. The 2021 Buick Encore has not been subject to any recalls.
The repair
To fix the issue, General Motors dealers will replace the plastic emergency jack with a more robust, metal jack. The repair is free of charge. Notifications will be sent to owners around July 26.
Is your vehicle part of this recall?
These Buick recalls and Chevrolet recalls include more than 135,000 SUVs. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.
