Detroit — Mar. 02, 2017 — Some Chevrolet Cruze vehicles reportedly have issues with the recliners that could leave the vehicle noncompliant with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Because of this, General Motors Co. targeted 17,197 possibly affected vehicles in the U.S. as part of a recently announced recall action.
The Defect
GM Authority recently reported on the decision. According to the source, the recall would center around improperly secured head restraints. Chevrolet Cruze vehicles from either the 2016 or 2017 model years are part of GM’s concerns. {if they’re just part which vehicles are the rest of GM’s concerns?}
During a crash, the headrests could potentially separate. This not only would put the drivers in possible danger, but would also go against FMVSS 202a the standard that deals with head restraints and comes with height and placement demands.
Timeline of Events
- July 19-20, 2016: According to an official chronology from GM, the company’s suppliers discovered a welding issue with the affected car brackets on the 19th, and then took measures to improve it the following day, though GM did not learn of this until later.
- Sept. 16-21, 2016: Three warranty claims for vehicles reportedly containing this defect come to GM’s attention.
- Nov. 2, 2016: The manufacturer discovered and reported the bracket issue affecting the seat backs.
- Nov. 21, 2016: GM learned about the supplier actions, among other things, after reaching out to them.
- Jan. 9, 2017: The company reviewed the case through its Open Investigation Review board.
- Jan 19, 2017: After examining relevant computer simulations two days earlier, the company’s Safety and Field Action Decision Authority made the noncompliance recall official.
The Resolution
As a repair document released through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said, the fix procedure will take two separate operations: an initial inspection and a follow-up installation, if necessary, to replace the seat back frame.
