GM recalling 2013 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX over transmission software

Thu, 21 Mar 2013

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued recalls for the 2013 Buick LaCrosse and 2013 Cadillac SRX due to a problem with the software for the transmission controller. On about 27,000 SRX and LaCrosse models, the transmission could accidentally be shifted to Sport mode, which would reduce the amount of engine braking drivers experience.

NHTSA says this could increase the risk of a crash, but, fortunately, the required fix is simply an update to the software.

While we're on the subject of General Motors vehicle recalls, a small number (48) of compressed natural gas versions of the 2011 Chevrolet Express are also being recalled for a potential risk of fire or explosion. Yikes. Both official recall notices are posted below.

RECALL Subject : Loss of Engine Braking/FMVSS 102

Report Receipt Date: MAR 15, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V097000
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , POWER TRAIN
Potential Number of Units Affected: 26,582
Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

SUMMARY:
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 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." A software problem may cause the transmission to inadvertently shift to Sport mode removing any transmission-related engine braking effect.

CONSEQUENCE:
If engine braking is unexpectedly removed, it may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

REMEDY:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control module free of charge. 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.

NOTES:
General Motors' number for this recall is 13053. Customers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to www.safercar.gov.

===============
RECALL Subject : CNG Pressure Relief Vent Pipe

Report Receipt Date: MAR 08, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V080000
Component(s): FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
Potential Number of Units Affected: 48
Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

SUMMARY:
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet Express vehicles converted by Impco Automotive to run compressed natural gas (CNG), manufactured between November 23, 2010 and December 23, 2010 and equipped with a four tank configuration using a pressure relief device (PRD) and pressure relief vent pipe assembly . In the affected vehicles, the pressure relief vent pipe assembly may have been built incorrectly.

CONSEQUENCE:
If a pressure relief device activates with an improperly assembled vent pipe, compressed natural gas may be vented into the passenger compartment. If an ignition source is present, an explosion or fire may result.

REMEDY:
Impco Automotive, in cooperation with General Motors will inspect and make any necessary repairs on the pressure relief device and vent pipe assembly. The safety recall is expexted to begin by the end of March 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

NOTES:
This is General Motors campaign number 13065. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

By Jeffrey N. Ross