Tag Archives: GM

Slow Sales Stop Chevy Volt Production

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General Motors Co. has announced that they will stop production of the Chevrolet Volt hybrid vehicle for five weeks to allow their surplus of inventory to be depleted. This will be the third time that production of the Volt has been stopped for at least a month since the car first went on sale in December 2010. The lack of interest in the Chevy volt is being blamed on several factors:

  • A recent NHTSA investigation into battery fires resulting after crash testing.
  • The lack of charging stations in some states.
  • Electric car technology is still relatively new and problems need to be solved before it can be attractive to the mass market, the biggest complaints being lack of range and performance.
  • The production of electric vehicles by other automobile manufacturers.

GM hoped to sell 10,000 Volts last year, but ended up selling just over 7,600. Some feel the promotion of the electric vehicle by the Obama administration has failed. Even as gas prices continue to climb and government incentives are used, it is still not enough to get consumers to buy electric cars. The plant shutdown is expected to lay off almost 1,300 workers, and slow down companies that supply parts and batteries for the Volt.

NHTSA Investigates GM Door Fires

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating certain GM vehicles after receiving twelve complaints of smoke and fire from the inside of doors of some Trail Blazer mid-size sport utility vehicles. The complaints are similar to consumer reports that lead the NHTSA to open an investigation into some 2007 Camry, Camry Solara and Rav4 vehicles, earlier this month. The NHTSA will be focusing on whether window switches on the GM and Toyota vehicles were manufactured by the same supplier. The investigation could affect up to 310,000, 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazers. According to the safety administration, the Buick Rainer, Saab 9-7x, and the GMC Envoy share the same parts at the Trail Blazer, but these vehicle are not part of the investigation yet

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.

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.

GM Experiences More Airbag Problems

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GM has issued a recall for certain 2012 Chevrolet Express and 2012 GMC Savanna vehicles because the airbags may not properly deploy. The recall states that the second stage of the dual stage air bag may not inflate during a severe frontal impact. GM said that they will install a new front passenger air bag free of charge to the customer. Earlier this month GM issued a similar recall for certain Pontiac G8 vehicles, which requires that the airbags to be reprogrammed. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact GMC at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020.