Category Archives: General Motors

News about General Motors automobile manufacturer. News about General Motors recalls, technical service bulletins (TSB), and problems regarding General Motors vehicles.

NHTSA Accused Of Chevy Volt Cover Up

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is being accused of trying to keep the Chevrolet Volt battery fire a secret in an attempt to protect the government’s investment in the car company. Members of the House Committee for Government Reform released a report that states that the bailout of GM, creates business and political reasons for the government to sacrifice public safety. They criticize the time it took for the investigation to begin and the conclusion that the vehicle was safe, just two weeks into the investigation.

The NHTSA defends their position on the Chevy Volt investigation, saying that the agency is still developing protocols for dealing with battery powered vehicles. In the case of the Volt, they do not see the fire as a highway hazard because the problem could only be reproduced after impaling the battery with a steel rod. Still, it took at least a week for the fire to start. They added that GM was quick in responding to the problem, and developed protocols to drain the battery after a Volt has been in an accident.

Chevy Volts Repaired But Not Recalled

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General Motors is asking its Chevrolet Volt customers to return their vehicles to dealers so they can make repairs that will lower the risk of battery fires. The announcement comes after an investigation into a battery fire that consumed three vehicles at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) test facility. Follow-up tests to simulate the incident resulted in two out of three vehicles catching fire. GM and federal safety officials believe that the fires were caused by coolant leaking from damaged plastic casing around the batteries after a side-impact collisions. That coolant caused an electrical short, which sparked battery fires seven days to three weeks after the crashes.

Dealers will add steel plates around the Volt battery that will spread the force of a crash over a larger surface area. Tests carried out by GM and the government have shown that the repairs prevent battery damage and coolant leaks.

Missing Brake Pads On Chevy Sonic

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General Motors (GM) has issued a recall on some 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles that may have been manufactured without the front brake inner or outer brake pads. The missing pads will significantly reduce brake performance increasing the chances of a crash. GM will inspect and install missing inner or outer pads, a new brake caliper and new rotors as necessary. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.

Cadillac SRX Transmission Problems

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General Motors (GM) has issued a recall for certain 2010-2011 Cadillac SRX vehicles for a transmission shift cable that may have been improperly installed. The cable could become detached from the transmission bracket leaving the driver unable to shift gears, or the driver may be given an inaccurate indication that the transmission is in park. GM will be notifying customers of the recall starting this month, and dealerships will inspect the cable for proper installation. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.

GM Still Covering Saab Warranties

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A rescue plan to save Saab has hit another road block as General Motors decides to stop supplying Saab 9-4X vehicles as well as automobile technology to Saab’s Chinese owners. According to GM, Saab’s third quarter results showed that it is not in the best interest of GM shareholders to continue investing time and money into the company. While Saab Cars North America has suspended warranty coverage on vehicles, GM says they will continue to cover any warranty remaining on Saab vehicles sold under GM ownership. This includes any 2009 and earlier model vehicles sold in the US and Canada.

Saab Cars North America has told owners of newer vehicles to keep receipts of all related warranty work or services performed until further notice. They said they are suspending the processing and payment of all claims, including recalls, towing, certified pre-owned coverage and no-charge maintenance until further direction from Saab Automobile AB, and that any unsold vehicles still sitting on dealers lots will be sold “as is”.

Saab has not filed for either Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which would lead to the liquidation of the company, or for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which would result in the reorganization of the company under court supervision and protection from creditors.

Auto Sales Strong In November

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GM sales strong in ChinaThe end of 2011 looks promising for the auto industry as vehicle sales climb almost 14% in November. Analysts predict that lower gas prices and a wider availability of Japanese automobiles, could lead the industry reaching its highest December sales in two years. The Big Three automobile manufacturers showed the biggest increases with Chrysler sales up almost 50%, Ford up 13%, and General Motors up 7%.

According to Edmunds.com, “Many consumers who held off buying a new vehicle because of the uncertain economy, or because of inventory shortages that caused prices to jump, are now making a purchase. The result is a “mini-bubble” that will most likely end in early 2012.

Chevy Volt Investigated For Fire

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into General Motors electric hybrid vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt. The investigation comes after a battery fire consumed three vehicles at their test facility, two weeks after performing side impact and rollover tests. Follow-up tests to simulate the incident resulted in two out of three vehicles resulting in a thermal reaction within the battery. According to the NHTSA there have been no reports of real world crashes resulting in fire.

GM has assured customers the the Chevy Volt’s fire risk after an accident is lower than any standard gas engine vehicles. The company said that the vehicles OnStar safety system notifies the company of any crashes involving a Chevy Volt and a team is dispatched within 48 hours to drain the battery. GM has offered to buy back vehicles or offer loaner cars at the customers request. If the investigation should lead to a recall, over 6,000 Volts could be affected.

Intermittent Seatbelt Warning in GM Trucks

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General Motors (GM) has issued a recall for some 2012 Chevrolet Colorado and 2012 GMC Canyon trucks for a problem with the driver safety belt buckle electrical connector. According to reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the connectors terminals may not fit snugly with the connector pins. The intermittent connection could leave the driver with no visual or audible warning to fasten their seat belt. This failure to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards could increase the risk of injury in the event of an accident. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463.