Electrical and drivetrain issues bring more new vehicles back to the dealers
The New Year isn’t off to a great start for GM as the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall notices add more GM trucks and SUVs to a long list of vehicles headed back to dealers.
GM’s latest recall came out just before the end of 2014 targeting 83,500 2011-2012 Escalades, Avalanches, Suburbans, Silverados, Sierras, Tahoes and Yukons that may have defective ignition switches.
In the affected vehicles, the Dec.30 recall (#14V827000) says the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the “Start” position.
If stuck in the “Start” position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the “Accessory” position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge.
Owners of 150-plus 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles manufactured November 24, 2014, to November 25, 2014 will also be getting recall notices.
Recall #14V819 says due to an improper heat-treatment, the rear axle shaft may fracture while the vehicle is being driven. If the rear axle shaft fractures, the rear wheel may separate from the axle shaft, increasing the risk of a crash.
The last recall of 2014, #14v820, affects 50-plus 2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD diesel vehicles manufactured September 30, 2014, to October 21, 2014, and GMC Sierra HD diesel vehicles manufactured October 8, 2014, to October 21, 2014.
In the affected vehicles, the hose clamp that secures the fuel tank vent line may not have been properly tightened during assembly.
Owners should be ringing in the New Year with the recall notices coming in the mail.
