GM Recalls Another 2.4 Million U.S. Vehicles Due to Safety Risks

In the wake of continuing criticism over delays in recalling several million vehicles with defective ignition switches, General Motors (GM) announced this week that four new recalls are being issued for another 2.42 million vehicles that may suffer from a number of different problemsm ranging from air bag issues to fire risks.  

The latest GM recalls were announced by the auto manufacturer on Tuesday, coming just days after the company was hit with a record-breaking fine by federal regulators for delaying the recall of millions of vehicles that may suddenly shut off if heavy key chains were used or if the ignition was jolted, such as in an accident.

Of the new recalls, the largest affects 1,339,355 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia crossovers from model years 2009-2014, as well as Saturn Outlooks from 2009 and 2010. The vehicles have front safety lap belt cables that may fatigue and separate over time. This could increase the risk of injury to front seat passengers if an auto accident occurs.

GM has halted sales of new and used vehicles affected by this recall.

The second largest recall affects 1,074,932 4-speed automatic transmission Chevrolet Malibu vehicles and Pontiac G6 vehicles from model years 2004-2008. GM warns that they have a shift cable that could wear out over time, causing mismatches of the gear position indicated by the shift lever.

Eventually, the transmission shift cable may fracture, leading to the driver not being able to change gears, remove the key from the ignition or put the vehicle in park. The problem has been linked to at least 18 crashes and one injury, GM noted.

The remaining two recalls are much smaller. One involves 1,402 2015 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESVs that may have defective welds for passenger side airbags that could result in only partial deployment. Another affects 58 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD full-size pick-ups from 2015 that could be fire risks because retention clips attaching the generator fuse block to the vehicle’s body can loosen and detach.

Ignition Recall Problems Spark Investigations

The company says the recalls came as a result of 35 product investigations launched this year. The investigations come as the auto maker is under intense scrutiny for an ignition switch recall that ultimately affected more than 2.5 million vehicles worldwide which may have defective ignitions that interfere with air bag deployment.

Evidence suggests GM knew about the ignition problems for a decade but did nothing to protect or warn consumers. On Friday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a consent agreement with GM that requires the company to pay $35 million in fines and expose itself to government oversight.

A growing number of GM ignition switch lawsuits are being filed over the recalls and include personal injury claims, wrongful death claims, and investor lawsuits.

The company’s press release did not detail how or when owners of the latest vehicles affected by recalls would be contacted and informed on what to do to have the problems addressed. The company did indicate that some Escalade customers had been notified and that dealers would address problems in the Malibu and G6 vehicles. The company also noted that the problem with the Escalades had been corrected at the supplier.

Photo Courtesy of Mrs. FireMom via Flickr Creative Commons