GM recalls keep coming. More on the way, we bet.
GM CEO Mary Barra’s claim that GM recalls are behind it was mocked today by two more recalls covering half a million vehicles including 2015 Cadillac SRX models. “Improper torquing could possibly result in a loose joint and worn threads that could cause the toe adjuster link to separate,” GM said in a required government filing.
There are 300,000 Cadillac SRX and Saab 9-4X models with potentially a loose rear toe adjuster-link that can cause the vehicle to sway or wander at highway speeds.
In the NHTSA filing GM said “A loose toe adjuster link may lead to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the toe adjuster link will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle’s alignment.”
No public statement was issued by GM on this latest safety defect as the bad news just keeps coming
GM told NHTSA it will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the left and right rear toe link adjuster lock nuts, and replace the parts if there is evidence of damage or a loose link, free of charge –as is required by U.S. regulations.
These GM recalls are expected to begin in early November 2014 and remedy parts, if needed, are expected to be available around the middle of November 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007. GM’s number for this recall is 14457.
The second GM quality gaffe involves 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles because the secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot causing the striker to get stuck out of position, preventing it from properly engaging the hood latch.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
