Photo of 2014 Chevrolet Sonic courtesy of General Motors.

Photo of 2014 Chevrolet Sonic courtesy of General Motors.

General Motors on June 30 announced six new recalls covering nearly 7.6 million vehicles in the U.S. On a global scale, the latest recalls total about 8.4 million vehicles. 

GM said it is aware of seven crashes, eight injuries and three fatalities linked to these recalled vehicles. The fatal crashes occurred in older model, full-size sedans being recalled for inadvertent ignition key rotation. But there is no conclusive evidence that the defect caused those crashes, the automaker said.

The first of the six recalls involves 6.8 million vehicles in the U.S. (7.6 million globally) that might have unintended ignition key rotation. These models include:

  • 1997-2005 MY Chevrolet Malibu
  • 1998-2002 MY Oldsmobile Intrigue
  • 1999-2004 MY Oldsmobile Alero
  • 1999-2005 MY Pontiac Grand Am
  • 2000-2005 MY Chevrolet Impala
  • 2000-2005 MY Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  • 2004-2008 MY Pontiac Grand Prix.

The second recall, which also addresses unintended ignition key rotation, involves 554,328 vehicles in the U.S. (616,179 globally). These models include:

  • 2003-2014 MY Cadillac CTS
  • 2004-2006 MY Cadillac SRX.

The third recall focuses on insulation on the engine block heater power cord that may become damaged during very cold conditions. This recall involves 2,990 vehicles in the U.S. (20,134 globally). These models include:

  • 2011-2014 MY Chevrolet Cruze
  • 2012-2014 MY Chevrolet Sonic
  • 2013-2014 Chevrolet Trax
  • 2013-2014 Buick Encore
  • 2013-2014 Buick Verano.

The fourth recall affects 106 vehicles in the U.S. (117 globally) that may not have had a “Superhold” joint fastener torqued to specification at the assembly plant. Models include:

  • 2014 MY Chevrolet Camaro
  • 2014 MY Chevrolet Impala
  • 2014 MY Buick Regal
  • 2014 MY Cadillac XTS.

The fifth recall involves 9,371 2007-2011-MY Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD trucks in the U.S. (12,008 globally). The trucks in question are each equipped with an auxiliary battery. An overload in the feed may cause the underhood fusible link to melt because of electrical overload. This condition can result in smoke or flames that might damage the electrical center cover, the nearby wiring harness conduit, or both. 

The sixth recall addresses a possible electrical short in the driver’s door module that could disable the power door lock and window switches. In rare cases, the short could also overheat the module. This recall involves 181,984 vehicles in the U.S. (188,705 globally) Models include:

  • 2005-2007 MY Buick Rainier
  • 2005-2007 MY Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  • 2005-2007 MY GMC Envoy
  • 2005-2007 MY Isuzu Ascender
  • 2005-2007 MY Saab 9-7x
  • 2006 MY Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  • 2006 MY GMC Envoy XL.

“We have worked aggressively to identify and address the major outstanding issues that could impact the safety of our customers,” said General Motors CEO Mary Barra. “If any other issues come to our attention, we will act appropriately and without hesitation.”

Meanwhile, until their ignition-recall repairs have been performed, customers need to remove all items – including the key fob -- from their key ring. Only the vehicle key should be on the key ring, GM said.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

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