GM Recalls Crossovers, Chevy Spark and Sonic
Detroit — General Motors announced recalls last week, including about 686,000 midsize crossover utility vehicles made between 2007 and 2012 because their rear lift gates could fall off and injure people.
The recall covers about 94,000 additional vehicles outside the U.S.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, the vehicles are equipped with power lift gates that are supported by gas struts when they are open. The struts may prematurely wear and the open lift gate may suddenly fall.
The affected models are 2008 through 2012 model-year Buick Enclaves and GMC Acadias, 2009 through 2012 model-year Chevrolet Traverses and 2007 through 2010 model-year Saturn Outlooks.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power lift gate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent the rapid closing of the lift gate, free of charge.
The company is also recalling nearly 200,000 Hummer SUVs worldwide because ventilation fan motor controls can overheat and possibly start a fire.
The automaker also will recall about 51,000 Chevrolet Spark and Sonic models to repair a problem with the radio software that can lock the display screen in the OnStar navigation mode. The first recall covers 165,000 Hummers in the U.S. and an additional 31,000 in other countries. The models affected are 2006 through 2010 Hummer H3s and 2009 and 2010 H3Ts.
The company says the module that controls the heating and air conditioning blower motor speed can overheat when operated for a long time, melting nearby plastic and increasing the risk of a fire. The company reported three minor burns caused by the problem, but no crashes.
GM said it is unaware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities related to the Spark and Sonic radio problem.
On the Hummers, dealers will replace the faulty module and wiring harness at no cost to owners.
But the company agreed to honor warranties on the vehicles, which were assembled in a factory in Shreveport, La. The brand once had nearly 400 dealerships worldwide, including 153 in the U.S.
