A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation into GMC’s 2007-2008 Saturn Aura has been extended to include the 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 and the 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The NHTSA said the protective jacket around cables connecting the floor shifter lever to the transmission can become damaged from regular use. The cables could corrode and eventually weaken giving drivers inaccurate transmission readings. There have been seven reports of crashes caused by the problem, with one involving injuries. According to GM the problem affects mainly models with four-speed transmissions, the Malibu and G6 have similar shift systems as the Saturn Aura, but the problem happens far less frequently on those cars.
Tag Archives: GM
2012 Cadillac CTS Braking Problems
General Motors is recalling certain 2012 Cadillac CTS vehicles after discovering that some vehicles could experience loss of braking. According to GM, the power vacuum brake boost push rod retention nut may not have been tightened properly and could loosen. If the pushrod separates from the brake pedal, the driver will experience loss of breaking. The recall will cover over 670,00 units, but the majority of the vehicles are still on dealership lots or on their way to dealerships. GM will inspect and tighten the retention nut if necessary. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
Tire Monitoring Inaccuracies In GMC Vehicles
General Motors is recalling certain 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and 2012 GMC Terrain vehicles for inaccurate tire pressure warnings. The tire pressure monitoring system is designed to illuminate the tire pressure warning light when the pressure in a tire is 25% below the recommended cold tire pressure. On certain vehicles, the light will not illuminate until the tire pressure is 25% below the recommended cold tire pressure. The result of under inflated tires are premature wear, irregular handling and a possible blow out. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Corvette Rear Hatch Separation
General Motors (GM) has announced a recall for certain 2011-2012 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe sports cars for failing to comply with the federal motor vehicle safety standards for door locks and retention components. There have been no reports of incidents or customer complaints, but according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTA), the rear hatch hinges could separate from the vehicle during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
Center Air Bag Protects Drivers In GM Vehicles
General Motors (GM) has announced a new safety feature designed to protect drivers and front passengers in side impact crashes. This front center air bag deploys from the right side of the driver’s seat and positions itself between the front row seats near the center of the vehicle. It acts as an energy absorbing cushion between the driver and front passenger in both driver and passenger side crashes. The front center airbag will be introduced standard on all 2013 Acadia and 2013 Traverse vehicles with power seats and on all 2013 Enclaves.
The front center air bag is expected to add to the vehicles’ record of third-party crash test performance. The 2012 model year editions of these crossovers vehicles have received five-star Overall and Side Crash safety ratings from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program, and 2011 Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The air bag also is expected to add extra protection during rollovers.
GM Pays Half Of Fuel Gauge Repairs
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has closed an investigation into faulty fuel gauges in some 2005-2007 GMC, Chevrolet, and Buick sport utility vehicles, after GM agreed to pay 50% of the repair fees. The investigation was started earlier this year after the NHTSA received 668 complaints of inaccurate fuel gauge readings. The repairs could affect up to 865,000 vehicles in the United States. According to the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) filed with the NHTSA, the vehicles involved include:
- 2005-2007 Buick Rainier
- 2005-2006 Chevrolet SSR
- 2005-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT
- 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT 370
- 2005-2007 GMC Envoy
- 2006 GMC Envoy XL
- 2005 GMC Envoy XL 370
- 2005 GMC Envoy XUV
Auto Sales Up In September
According to reports from General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler, automobile sales rose significantly in September. Chrysler reported the biggest gain at 27%, Nissan with a 25% increase and GM at 20%. Even though Japanese auto makers were running their factories at full capacity for the first time since the March earthquake and tsunami, Toyota and Honda continue to trail the industry with a drop in US sales. The biggest rise came from the sales of full size pickups, sport utility, and crossover vehicles, a trend that seems to coincide with dropping gas prices. Despite the poor sales at the beginning of the year, some auto makers are expecting full year sales to top13 million before the end of the year, a level that has not been seen since 2008.
OnStar Changes Privacy Policy
The automobile communication service provider OnStar will be changing its privacy policies after complaints of privacy issues from consumers. Last week, OnStar announced changes in their policy that would allow them to collect and sell non-personalized information about location, speed, odometer reading, and seat belt usage even if the customers service has been canceled.
According to Linda Marshall, OnStar’s President, OnStar will no longer keep former customers connected and they’ll no longer have to take action to “opt out” of the data collection system once their service has been discontinue. Marshall added that the service regrets concerns generated by its recent policy change and therefore has decided to reverse it.
