GM recalling 135,000 SUVs with plastic jacks that can break
Sat, Jun 19 2021
The problem occurs when the jack — which is plastic — isn't positioned correctly as detailed in the owner's manual. This can cause the jack to fracture. If the jack breaks and the vehicle collapses, there's a risk of injury or death, according to an NHTSA recall alert.
The recall involves the 2020-22 Buick Encore GX and 2021-22 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
A GM test driver discovered the problem when he broke a jack during a durability test on a Trailblazer. GM started investigating in April and found 21 claims of jack failures, including one reported injury.
"This jack design may not be sufficiently robust against fractures if improperly or incorrectly positioned on the vehicle frame by the user," a NHTSA safety report said.
GM will start notifying vehicle owners July 26. It will provide free replacement jacks that are made of metal.
Â
By Greg Rasa
See also: 2022 Buick Enclave revealed with refreshed styling, more standard features, GM Design shows what could have been and what might be, McLaren, Koenigsegg, Toyota, Ford, Dodge and Corvette Lego kits announced for 2021.