GM Recalls an Additional 1,260,000 Vehicles

Photos

GMs most recent string of recalls started with 433,632 1998 through 1999 model year Buick LeSabre, Oldsmobile 88, and Pontiac Bonneville full-size sedans. (Photo: General Motors)

A total of 581,394 2002 through 2003 midsize GMT360 sport utilities were also recalled, which included the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, and Oldsmobile Bravada. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

A total of 68,875 full-size SUVs, including the Hummer H2, had to be recalled due to a faulty hydro-boost relief valve that, if left unchecked, could increase braking distances. (Photo: General Motors)

GM is, of course, not alone when it comes to recalls. Mazda, Honda and Volkswagen also issued hefty recalls over safety issues in February. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

DaimlerChrysler is recalling only 3,200 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravans, over a front seatbelt retractor which may have been improperly assembled. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

Early concerns about Porsche suffering reliability problems due its use of a large portion of Volkswagen parts and systems in the new Cayenne now seem justified. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

Dodge, Honda, Mazda, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Volvo Recall Vehicles As Well

Just why certain automakers consistently endure costly recall campaigns more than others is hard to pinpoint, but the regular bad news can have a negative effect on consumers who generally think a cars problems should be ironed out before it leaves the assembly plant.

The fact that all automakers, including stalwart Toyota, face recalls, speaks to the complexity of the modern automobile, but General Motors recent run of recalls that now total close to four million units for the first quarter of 2004 alone with this latest batch, is a cause for unrest.

General Motors was again on Februarys National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.com) vehicle recalls list, along with DaimlerChrysler, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Porsche, and Volvo.

It took a total of five separate recall notices for GMs total North American recalls to reach 1,262,240 units in February, starting with 433,632 1998 through 1999 model year Buick LeSabre, Oldsmobile 88, and Pontiac Bonneville full-size sedans to replace a potentially faulty fuel pressure regulator which could cause a fuel leak.

The 828,608 remaining GM recalls included a total of 581,394 2002 through 2003 midsize GMT360 sport utilities, more commonly known as the Chevrolet TrailBlazer/TrailBlazer EXT, GMC Envoy/Envoy XL, and Oldsmobile Bravada, were also recalled to inspect and replace faulty windshield wiper motors and electronics.

Also on the list were 68,875 full-size SUVs, pickup trucks, and passenger vans to replace a faulty hydro-boost relief valve that, if left unchecked, could increase braking distances. Vehicles affected with this problem are the current 2003 through 2004 Cadillac Escalade/ESV/EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Express, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Savana, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Hummer H2.

Previously reported are 126,624 model year 1997 through 2004 Chevrolet Corvette recalls, due to a faulty steering column lock which could lock the steering wheel in place while the car is being driven.

A comparatively minor recall affects 51,715 2004 Chevrolet Malibus, which were equipped with incorrect warning labels on the sun visors. Replacement labels are being sent to the owners.

As previously mentioned General Motors isnt the only automaker plagued with recalls. Mazda has recalled 15,800 2004 MPV minivans and 29,300 2004 RX8 sports cars, to fix passenger airbags that could potentially not inflate properly. The Ford Motor owned Japanese automaker is also recalling an additional 12,000 RX8s fitted with manual transmissions to replace a heat insulator.

Honda is recalling 440,000 2001 through 2002 Civics and 2000 through 2002 Insights to replace a headlight switch which could fail and cause the loss of the low-beams.

In a much smaller recall than any on the NHTSAs list, DaimlerChrysler is recalling only 3,200 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravans, but the recall is for model year 2005 vehicles equipped with the much touted “stow and go” rear seats. The recall has nothing to do with the domestic automakers highly functional new seat system, however, but instead affects the right front seatbelt retractor which may have been improperly assembled.

Some analysts were initially concerned that Porsches better than average quality record may become tarnished once its Cayenne sport utility vehicle, which uses a large portion of Volkswagen parts and systems and shares its general architecture with the Volkswagen Touareg, is making up for a significant amount of the Weissach brands sales. That concern seems founded now that two separate recalls have been ordered totaling 8,244 Cayennes. The first involves 4,144 2003 through 2004 of the marques luxury SUVs to replace the drivers seat frame which could break due to improper welding. The second is for 4,100 2004 Cayennes, recalled to inspect the transfer case housing which could fracture. But its not all Volkswagens fault, as Porsche faces a third recall affecting 1,805 2003 911 models, being pulled back to the dealer to replace the front seats. In the event of a rear end collision the seats could potentially tilt to one side.

Volkswagen in mind, the economy gone luxury automaker is recalling 377,130 1999 through 2002 Jettas, to replace a potentially faulty brake light switch. On a much smaller note, Volvo is in the process of recalling 3,242 2002 V70/V70XC models to replace a brake light relay.