Boston Injury Lawyer Blog
After expanding its ignition switch recall yet again by more than 900,000 vehicles, GM has now issued two other recalls for completely different issues. The problems: defective axel shafts and potential fire hazards in oil lines of several models of trucks and SUVs.
Last week, GM explained that it had stopped delivering Chevy Cruze 1.4-liter turbo sedan models to dealers because of a potentially defective right axel shaft that, according to GM, “can fracture and separate without warning,” while being driven. According to the company’s warranty data, several dozen vehicles have reported this problem, however GM has not been notified of any related crashes or injures.
In a released statement, General Motors stated that if the half-shaft breaks while a car is being driven, the vehicle’s breaks and steering will continue to function, but the car would lose power to the wheels without warning and coast to a stop. This recall encompasses more than 170,000 Cruze 1.4-turbo engine sedans in models years 2013 and 2014. An additional 3,000 Cruzes with 1.4 engine and manual transmissions from 2013 and 2014 model years (which were recalled last September for the same problem) will also be included in the recall and be repaired again.
In addition to the Cruze recall, GM also recalled more than 490,000 new pickup trucks and SUVs for a loose oil line that could be a fire hazard. All 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s and GMC Sierra 1500 pickup trucks are being recalled, as well as brand new 2015 Chevrolet Suburbans, Chevy Tahoes, GMC Yukons and Yukon XL SUVs with 6-speed transmissions. The issue lies in the transmission oil cooler lines which may not be securely seated in their fittings.
“If the line is not securely seated and transmission oil leaks from the fitting, the oil could contact a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire,” GM said.
So far, the company has received three incident reports caused by this problem. The latest recalls could not have come at a worse time for the company as it has faced intense scrutiny after recalling millions of vehicles in the past several months. GM CEO Mary Barra is also scheduled to testify before Congressional committees this week to explain GM’s actions in its expanded switch recall of 2.53 million vehicles.
At Altman & Altman LLP, our seasoned Products Liability Attorneys have nearly 50 years of knowledge and experience handling all types of defective consumer products and consumer products liability cases. If you or a loved one was injured and you believe the injury was a result of a company’s negligence to ensure their product was safe for use or consumption, call our office today to speak to an attorney to discuss your legal options and whether you might qualify for a products liability claim. All initial consultations are completely free of charge and of no obligation to you. Our team of lawyers is available around the clock to answer any and all questions you may have about your case.
Original article from USA Today
