General Motors Co. has informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of five safety recalls, affecting about 2.7 million vehicles in the U.S., the automaker announced today.
“We have redoubled our efforts to expedite and resolve current reviews in process and also have identified and analyzed recent vehicle issues which require action,” says Jeff Boyer, vice president of GM Global Vehicle Safety. “These are examples of our focus to surface issues quickly and promptly take necessary actions in the best interest of our customers.”
The recall involves about 2.4 million cars — 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2010 Saturn Auras — for tail lamp malfunctions. Cruise control, traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist operation also could be disabled in these models.
The automaker reports that there have been several hundred complaints, 13 crashes, and two injuries due to the malfunctions. The company issued a technical service bulletin in 2008 and conducted a safety campaign for a small selection of 2005 model year vehicles in January 2009.
About 112,000 Chevrolet Corvettes from the 2005-2007 model years are being recalled for potential loss of low-beam headlamps. According to GM officials, the loss of the headlamps could reduce the driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. While there have been several hundred complaints, the company reports that there have been no crashes, injuries, or fatalities.
Also on the recall list are 2014 Chevrolet Malibus with 2.5L engines and stop/start technology. The vehicles are subject to the disabling of hydraulic brake boost that can require greater pedal efforts and extended stopping distances. GM said today it is aware of four crashes, although it is not clear if these are related to the condition.
The fourth recall covers 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles for windshield wiper failures. In addition, owners of certain 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light duty pickups and 2015 model year Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs have been notified of the fifth recall, for a tie-rod defect that can lead to a crash. The issue was discovered and corrected during assembly.
GM officials say the company expects to take a charge of up to approximately $200 million in the second quarter, primarily for the cost of recall-related repairs announced in the quarter.
