GM Issues Cadillac Recall For Defroster Risk

Detroit, MI — September 22, 2015 — A new recall action centers around more than 120,000 Cadillacs at risk of fire damage.

According to the Associated Press, there have been no reports of injuries connected to this issue, but four documented instances of a fire starting in these vehicles after a window defroster overheated.

The defect

In total, the recall concerns approximately 97,000 Cadillac ATS vehicles in the United States and 24,000 elsewhere. Fewer than 1 percent of the vehicle population are considered vulnerable,  and the defect has been localized in the “driver’s side rear pillar,” as the source describes.

Timeline of events

Although the models span three years, the manufacturer said that vehicles produced before September 2 are the only ones at risk.

The article describes the source of the possible fires, which could occur after defroster units for the rear windows are used too much. Fortunately, the fix is described as being simple and will not interfere with standard operation once implemented.

The solution

“Dealers will update climate control software to remove a function that automatically turns the defroster on,” the article states. “Drivers will still be able to turn on the defroster manually.”

Automotive News provides additional context for this action, stating that ATS sales have dropped as of last month, down 13 percent when compared to the previous year.

This decline seems to parallel the growth in recall actions regarding the brand, since this most recent one also follows a pair of Cadillac recalls from the same manufacturer for problems with Cadillac sedan sunroofs.

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

adminGM Issues Cadillac Recall For Defroster Risk

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