General Motors continues to expand their recall for ignition switches that could unexpectedly shut of when the ignition key is bumped or when driving on rough road conditions. The problem has resulted in unexpected loss of engine power and can affect power steering, power braking, and airbag deployment. Until the problem can be fixed, drives are asked to remove all items from their key ring leaving only the vehicle key. Continue reading

GM’s ignition switch problems have raised the question of whether push button ignition systems may be safer to use in automobiles than the standard keyed ignition. Key-less ignition systems have been used in luxury cars since the 1990’s, and most of today’s automobile manufacturers offer them as an option in approximately 72% of their vehicles sold today. Continue reading

General Motors has identified a defect relating to motor vehicle safety in certain 2009-2014 crossover SUV’s. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable connecting the safety belt to the vehicle at the outside of the front outboard seating positions can fatigue and separate as a result of occupant movement in and out of the seat. A fatigued or separated cable will increase the risk of injury to occupants during an accident. Continue reading

General Motors will be conducting a safety campaign for certain 2014 Buick Lacrosse and 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles equipped with 17 inch front brake assemblies. According to reports, these vehicles may have been manufactured with front brake rotors that are too thin. Initial brake performance will will not be affected by the problem, however, higher heat generated in the rear pads will significantly shorten the brake pad life. Continue reading

GM will be asking a small number of Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicle owners to return their vehicles to a manufacturer approved repair facility because they may fail to conform to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 102, “Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect.” They may also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, “Theft Protection and Roll-away Prevention.” Approximately 355 vehicles could be affected by this problem. Continue reading

General Motors have identified a defect relating to motor vehicle safety in certain Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, and Saturn automobile. They will be notifying owners to return their vehicles to a manufacturer approved repair facility to replace the driver and passenger side airbag wiring harness with soldered connections. Continue reading

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are launching an investigation into certain 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles after two complaints alleging failures of the right front axle shaft. In both instances the failure occurred with less that 5,000 miles on the odometer. The preliminary investigation will determine if the safety problem requires a recall that could affect approximately 50,000 vehicles. Continue reading