Another software surprise results in a safety recall of more than 26,000 vehicles.
General Motors is recalling 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac SRX vehicles because the software can suddenly change the transmission shifting from manual to automatic mode even though the driver is manually controlling the gears through the so-called Driver Shift Control.
If the driver is using the DSC manual mode to achieve engine braking, the engine braking would suddenly cease. If engine braking is unexpectedly removed, it may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Model year 2013 Buick LaCrosse vehicles, manufactured between April 25, 2012, through March 6, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles, manufactured between May 29, 2012, through February 18, 2013 for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, “Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect.”
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control module free of charge as is required by U.S. regulations. The recall is expected to begin on March 28, 2013. Cadillac owners may call 1-866-982-2339. Buick owners may call 1-866-694-6546. General Motors’ number for this recall is 13053.
Customers can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to www.safercar.gov.
