GM Recalls 2.7 Million Vehicles For Brake, Taillight, Windshield-Wiper And Other Issues
The bulk of affected vehicles – 2.4 million Chevrolet Malibus, Pontiac G6s, and Saturn Auras – were recalled for taillight problems, The Wall Street Journal reports.
So far in 2014 General Motors has been mired with recalls; one of which included 1.6 million vehicles for an ignition switch problem that has been connected to at least 13 deaths and set-off a firestorm of inquiries into the company’s recall behavior.
Thursday’s remaining recalls include 140,000 Corvettes for loss of low-beam headlights and 19,000 Cadillac CTS cars for windshield-wiper failure.
Nearly 477 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks were also recalled for a tie-rod issue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports [PDF] that an improperly tightened tie rod attachment could allow the rod to separate from the steering rack, creating a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
The final recall of 140,000 model year 2014 Chevrolet Malibus was initiated after testing work being conducted on a new model in late April found a break issue.
NHTSA reports [PDF] the affected vehicles may experience a complete loss of brake vacuum assist, disabling the hydraulic boost assist. If that occurs, slowing or stopping the vehicle will require additional brake pedal effort and a lengthened stopping distance.
On May 2, General Motors halted production at two plants since the same braking system is used in the current Malibu model. On May 7, dealers were informed to stop selling the vehicles after testing confirmed the issue.
Officials with General Motors say affected vehicles will be fixed beginning later this month at no charge to consumers.
The rather quick action regarding the Malibu break issue appears to be a result of GM’s shift to better investigate consumer complaints.
“We are not waiting for trends in defects,” Jeff Boyer, GM vehicle safety chief, tells the WSJ. “We have also hired 35 to 40 more safety investigators to help us find potential problems before they happen.”
Thursday’s news come just 10 days after GM issued a recall for 51,640 SUVs, including the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, because of a possible inaccurate readings of fuel gauges.
Additionally, the company faces multiple probes related to the faulty ignition switch recall, including inquests into how long the company knew about the deadly issue before warning drivers. Consumers have already filed lawsuits against the company for its actions related to releasing the vehicles although issue were known.
GM Recalls Another 2.7 Million Vehicles [The Wall Street Journal]
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