General Motors has announced recalls of 2.7 million vehicles covering a variety of models and issues. The company is taking a more proactive approach following the recent faulty ignition switch problem that caused air bags to fail in a crash.
These latest recalls include more than 2 million 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura models to modify the brake lamp wiring harness as corrosion could develop in the wiring harness for the body control module due to micro-vibration. This could cause the brake lights to not illuminate when brakes are depressed. Other operations such as cruise control, traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist operation could be disabled as well.
There have been several hundred complaints, with 13 crashes and two injures related to this issue, but no deaths. This recall is a follow-up to a 2008 technical service bulletin on the issue.
The second recall affects 111,889 Chevrolet Corvettes from the 2005-2007 model years due to a loss in low beam headlight function. When the engine is warm, the underhood electrical center housing could expand, causing the headlamp low-beam relay control circuit wire to bend slightly, which could cause it to fracture and separate. When this occurs, the low-beam headlamps will not illuminate. Once the area cools, the headlamp function may return.
No crashes or injuries have resulted from this issue.
The third recall affects 140,067 2014 Chevrolet Malibus with 2.5-liter engines and stop/start technology. The hydraulic brake boost may become disabled and would require more force to stop the car or cause longer stopping distances. Dealers will reprogram the electronic brake control module.
The fourth recall covers 19,225 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS models due to a condition in which the windshield wiper system may become inoperable after a jump start with wipers active and restricted by ice and snow. Dealers will replace the front wiper module free of charge.
The fifth recall involves some 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups and 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs. The tie rod threaded attachment to the steering gear rack in those vehicles may not be tightened to proper specification. The result is the tie rod can separate from the steering rack and a crash could occur without warning. Owners are being asked to flatbed their vehicles to a dealer for an inspection of the inner tie rods and, if necessary, a replacement of the steering gear.
Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 for more information.
—Liza Barth
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