GM recalls 1.3 million vehicles

[ALSRAC]

Yes, another recall thread...at least this time doesn't involve a japanese brand...

GM recalls 1.3 million vehicles
By Hibah Yousuf, staff reporterMarch 2, 2010: 7:29 AM ET

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- General Motors has recalled 1.3 million Chevrolet and Pontiac models in North America for power steering failures that are tied to 14 crashes and one injury in the United States, the company said Tuesday.
The recall affects 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2007-2010 Pontiac G5 models sold in the United States, 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit vehicles sold in Canada, and 2005-2006 Pontiac G4 models sold in Mexico.
Detroit-based GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the recall Monday after concluding its own investigation first launched in January 2009.
The NHTSA opened a separate investigation on 905,000 U.S. Cobalt models in January 2010 after receiving more than 1,100 complaints on power steering failures, 14 crashes and an injury.
GM's new 'car guy' sees a ray of hope for the company
GM vice president of quality Jamie Hresko said the investigation revealed that the problem develops over time, and is more likely to occur in vehicles whose warranty has expired.
GM spokesman Alan Adler told CNNMoney that the condition tends to impact vehicles that have been driven 20,000 to 30,000 miles.
While the company is developing a solution to fix the problem, Hresko said drivers can maintain control of the vehicle even after losing the power steering function.
"Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers' peace of mind," he said. "While greater steering effort under 15 mph may be required, if the customer experiences loss of power steering assist, it is important to note that the vehicle can still be safely controlled because the customer can still steer the vehicle."
He noted that when the power steering feature fails, a chime will sound and the "Power Steering" message will display to alert drivers.

Source: CNN.com

[RunnerDan]

Link: GM recall - 1.3 million Cobalts and G5s - Mar. 2, 2010

[bcope01]

Wonder if Congress is going to rake the GM President/CEO over the coals like they did Toyota's?

[chieftmc]

Sounds like more BAILOUT $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ to me

[BobDiaz]

Originally Posted by bcope01

Wonder if Congress is going to rake the GM President/CEO over the coals like they did Toyota's?

Not when we (the US) owns 60% of the company.


Bob Diaz

[NANO]

guys come on !

well at least A: they are adressing the matter, its still drivable, I have had the power steering on my mini fail twice no big deal!

Toyota covered up their problems for over ten years and are responsable for over 30 deaths hardly the same reasons.

when you compare apples to apples this is hardley the same in any way.

B: its really not a safty issue, compared to toyotas problem. you can say what you want but its not. you can at least pull off the road if you notice a stiffer wheel.

C: if the company knows of a issue and they cover it up as well as other issues and their are many death involved, yes that is wrong and worth investigating, if the company has a bad part and shows many failing and they take care of it under a recall and are upfront about it then and do it in an apropriate time frame that is apropriate action.

[WhiteNBlack08]

Originally Posted by bcope01

Wonder if Congress is going to rake the GM President/CEO over the coals like they did Toyota's?

That would mean Congress would have to subpoena the President of the USA! Can they do that?

(Is that too political?)

[RunnerDan]

Not to sound harsh but if someone can't drive a car after their power steering fails maybe they deserve to crash? As the article mentioned it is still able to be driven and will just be little more difficult.

[forestacademy]

Originally Posted by RunnerDan

Not to sound harsh but if someone can't drive a car after their power steering fails maybe they deserve to crash? As the article mentioned it is still able to be driven and will just be little more difficult.

More importantly, If they cant drive a cobalt without power steering.

I could see a problem with a Full size van or a large SUV, but a cobalt should not be an issue

[BB Benz]

Originally Posted by forestacademy

More importantly, If they cant drive a cobalt without power steering.

I could see a problem with a Full size van or a large SUV, but a cobalt should not be an issue

If they had been Driving smart fortwos, no problem, power steering or not! Glad I drive the safe and smart solution.