General Motors is recalling certain 2011 Chevrolet Express and 2011 GMC Savanna minivans due to a problem that could lead to a loss of brake power. During manufacturing, the right rear brake hose may have been installed too close to the tire. If the hose should repeatedly contact the tire or rim, it could lead to a loss of brake fluid and eventually reduced or complete loss of brakes. Owners receiving recall notices can take their vehicles to their local dealers, where technicians will inspect and secure the hose for sufficient clearance. For more information on the recall, contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 or www.gmownercenter.com.
Tag Archives: General Motors
GM Investigates Faulty Fuel Gauges On SUVs
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has started an investigation into over 850,000 General Motors SUV’s after receiving complaints of inaccurate fuel gauges. Of the 668 complaints received, 58 said that their vehicle ran out of fuel even though the fuel gauge said there was still fuel in the tank. The vehicles involved in this investigation include:
- 2005-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2005-2007 G.M.C. Envoy
- 2005-2007 Buick Rainier
- 2005-2007 Saab 9-7x
Part Shortages Slowing Down Auto Production
As automobile manufacturers and part suppliers continue to experience delays in reopening factories in Japan after last weeks earthquake and tsunami, part shortages are starting to slow automobile production world wide. Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and Mazda have extended shutdowns in most of their Japanese factories, and the ones that have been reopened are not working at full capacity. According to analysts, auto makers will feel the worst of the shortages by early may and as many as five million vehicles will end up not being built because of it. It is estimated that about 13% of the world’s automotive production is out of commission.
The components most affected include semi-conductors, integrated circuits, sensors and LCD displays, but it won’t be long before shortages will also be seen in resins and synthetic rubber, power train parts, specialty materials such as silicon and certain types of glass and metals. General Motors announced that they will be suspending production of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks in their Louisiana factory and plants near Buffalo, New York that makes engines for those trucks. Other automobile manufacturers, are expected to suspend building in some of their U.S. factories as parts continue to become more scarce.
GMC Recalls Buick And Cadillac Vehicles
General Motors has announced a recall for some 2011 Buick Lacross and 2011 Cadillac SRX vehicles for a problem with the windshield defrosting and defogging systems. The problem is being blamed on a bug with the Electronic Climate Control (ECC) module that may disable the ability for the driver to adjust the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The lack of ability to defrost the windows may decrease the drivers visibility and could result in an accident.
Recall notices will be sent out starting middle of March, which will have dealers reprogramming the defrost system free of charge to the customer. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, or go to the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
GM Debuts MyLink Infotainment System
Rivalry to the Ford Sync and the Kia UVO, the Chey Mylink will be featured on the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and the extended range electric Volt. The new infotainment system will offer many features similar to the popular Ford Sync, such as voice activated music and remote car control functions. The system will work with OnStar, allowing users to download maps and directions to the touch screen. GM hopes to eventually expand MyLink to its entire global lineup with Buick, Cadillac and GMC expected later this year, according to Micky Bly, executive director of electrical systems, hybrids, electric vehicles and batteries for GM.
Record Recalls For Auto Industry In 2010
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2010 had the fourth largest number of recalls since the agency started keeping track in 1966. The total amount of recalls reached 20.3 million vehicles with Toyota leading the pack with 6.7 million vehicles recalled. Though this may seem like a record amount, in 2004 the auto industry had the highest recalls with almost 31 million units recalled. While Japanese vehicles have always been known for quality and safety, 2010 was the first year that three Japanese automakers ended up in the top five.
Safety recalls have become more common since 2000, when Congress passed legislation to spot safety defects more quickly. This was in direct response to a massive Firestone recall for defective tires. In 2010, as a result of Toyota’s unintended acceleration recall, Congress, not only increased penalties against automobile companies, but also increased safety standards for vehicles as well as gave the government more power when it comes to recalls. As a resulted more and more recalls are being initiated by automakers, also known as “voluntary recalls.” This does not mean that automakers have the choice to initiate a recall, it only means the recall was not enforced by the NHTSA.
Below is a list of the top automakers number of recalls from 2010:
- Toyota: 17 recalls – 6.7 million vehicles
- General Motors: 21 recalls – 4 million vehicles
- Honda: 15 recalls – 2.4 million vehicles
- Nissan: 16 recalls – 2.1 million vehicles
- Chrysler Group: 17 recalls – 1.6 million vehicles
- Ford Motor: 9 recalls – 581,107 vehicles
- Volkswagen: 2 recalls – 393,188 vehicles
- BMW: 15 recalls – 288,503 vehicles
- Mazda: 3 recalls – 243,500 vehicles
Whether it be the increased involvement of government in the auto industry or the the increased safety features in today’s automobiles, traffic deaths last year also fell to the lowest level in 60 years.
GM Expands Recall For Rear Axle Cross Pins
A recent recall for improperly heat treated rear axle cross pins on some GM trucks and SUVs is being expanded to include another 25,000 vehicles. The original recall included:
- 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT
- 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche
- 2011 Chevrolet Silverado LD
- 2011 GMC Sierra LD
GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it had expanded the recall because some faulty parts were used in production through to Jan. 3 of this year. The new recall includes:
- 2011 Cadillac Escalade
- 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV
- 2011 Chevrolet Colorado
- 2011 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2011 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2011 GMC Canyon
- 2011 GMC Sierra
- 2011 GMC Yukon
- 2011 GMC Yukon XL
GM said they know of one incident in which a driver experienced a loss of power to the axle, but are not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the condition. They are urging drivers not to use the vehicles until the problem is fixed.
The 2011 Detroit Auto Show
Detroit’s showcase of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is one of North America’s most prestigious auto exhibitions. Besides being home to the “Big Three” (the three major American automotive companies: General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler ), the show serves as a locale for international automakers to show off their most innovative designs and give consumers the experience of North America’s largest and most prestigious automotive showcase. This year’s show is expected to see over 30 all new reveals of the 500 vehicles on display.
Toyota plans to capitalize on their green image as they launch three new Prius models in an attempt to shift public attention to their innovative new products. There will be many other electric and hybrid vehicles as consumers move toward more efficient and zero emission modes of transportation. Ford will introduce their new Focus electric vehicle as well as their Ford Explorer, North American truck of the year. GM’s Chevrolet Volt, named North American car of the year will also be there.
Experience the next generation of transportation at the 2011 North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Conference and Exhibition Center . Doors will be open to the general public: Saturday, January 15 to Saturday January 22, 9 am – 10 pm and on Sunday, January 23, 9 am to 7 pm.
