General Motors on Thursday, Jan. 1, announced three new recalls affecting more than 92,000 SUVs and pickup trucks.
The recall includes certain 2011 to 2012 models and some 2007 to 2014 models that were repaired with faulty parts, and applies to US, Canadian, Mexican and exported vehicles.
One of the issues involves the ignition system. The ignition lock actuator in affected units has an outer diameter that exceeds specification and as can cause the ignition key to get stuck in the “start” position.
Should a vehicle drive off this way and experience a “significant jarring event,” the ignition lock cylinder could shift into the “accessory” position, which in turn would affect power steering, engine power and power braking.
There were no crashes or injuries reported in the recall. The automaker anticipates fewer than 500 will be affected by the faulty ignition lock actuator.
“Also, the timing of the key movement into the accessory position relative to crash sensing could result in the air bags not deploying in certain crashes,” company spokesperson Alan Alder said in a statement.
Another issue included in the recall announcement involves faulty hose clamps in 56 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD pickup trucks. Both are from the 2015 model year.
The third concern affects 152 of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverados and GMC 1500 pickup trucks, which are equipped with rear axle shafts that could fracture while the cars are being driven.
Other vehicles being recalled include GM Avalanche, Tahoe and Suburban Models; GMC Sierra light- and heavy-duty pickup trucks, and Yukon and Yukon XL; and Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT models.
General Motors made headlines in 2014 when it recalled more than 2.5 million cars for faulty ignition switches, which have been linked to more than 40 deaths and more than 50 injuries. The recalls affected its share price, which dropped 14.6 percent last year.
The automaker is accepting claims for the recalls until Jan. 31.
It has so far received more than 2,200 for injuries and deaths linked to the issue.
(With reports from Associated Press and Reuters)
(www.asianjournal.com)
(LA Weekend January 3-6, 2015 Sec. D pg.3)