Still reeling from the impact of the recent callback of 1.6 million General Motors vehicles built between 2003-2007 to replace defective ignition switches, the automaker today announced a new but totally unrelated recall that involves roughly 1.5 million late model Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC and Saturn models. This voluntary action came in response to GM CEO, Mary Barra’s directive "to redouble our efforts on our pending product reviews, bring them forward and resolve them quickly."
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Potential problems with vehicles involved in this new recall fall into three distinct areas. The largest group, approximately 1.18 million 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook SUV/crossover models, have issues with wiring harnesses that could cause the side air bag/center air bag not to deploy in an impact. GM also is calling back 303,000 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans from model years 2009-2014. The instrument panel material in these vehicles does not comply with current head-impact requirements for unrestrained passengers, and a rework is currently being developed. A stop delivery edict has been placed on all unsold models and current Express/Savana owners will be notified to bring their vehicles in when a fix is finalized.
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Finally, 63,900 Cadillac XTS sedans of 2013-2014 vintage are being recalled to replace a brake booster pump. The unit can cause excessive pressure buildup which in turn could lead to a short that might create overheating, melting of various plastic components and/or possible engine compartment fires. GM says it currently knows of two fires and two incidents of melted plastic bits in unsold XTS models at dealerships.
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Internal Review of Recalls Underway
In making the recall announcement, Barra noted: "Today’s announcement underscores the focus we’re putting on the safety and peace of mind of our customers. We are conducting an intense review of our internal processes and will have more developments to announce as we move forward." GM now expects to charge off approximately $300 million in the first quarter primarily of 2014 to defray the cost of these three new safety-related actions as well as for the previously announced ignition switch recall.
At present, there are no known incidents of death or injury related to any of theses new GM recall actions. For additional information on recalls and other consumer rights, visit either Vehiclehistory.gov or Safercar.gov.
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