GM recalling 54k Cadillac SRX, HD pickup models

Thu, 01 May 2014

There are more recalls to report General Motors, but these latest actions pertain to newer examples of the Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD. With so much scrutiny on the company's recall strategy, GM is under increasing pressure to call in defective models more quickly, and it appears to be doing so here.

Here in the US, the automaker is recalling 50,571 Cadillac SRX crossovers from the 2013 model year fitted with the 3.6-liter V6 because the transmission control module programming can cause a three- or four-second lag in acceleration at low speeds. The explanation filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states, "if the following sequence occurs within two seconds: during an upshift from first to second gear (8-10 mph), the driver then brakes the vehicle to less than 5 mph, and then accelerates again," the delay can occur. According to Automotive News, the recall effects 56,400 vehicles worldwide, and the company is not aware of any crashes caused by the problem. The fix consists of a transmission control module (TCM) reflash.

In a separate recall, GM is repairing 51 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD pickups from the 2015 model year in the US. In vehicles with diesel engines and dual fuel tanks, the nuts that connect the fuel pipe to each side of the transfer pump between the tanks may be improperly torqued, which could cause a fuel leak. Obviously, this could be a fire hazard. The remedy is simply tightening the hardware. According to GM spokesperson Alan Adler, there have been no fires actually caused by the potential leak. "Only 21 of the trucks are in customer possession and they can be fixed anytime because there are no parts involved. The others are being fixed at dealerships," Adler said in an email to Autoblog.

Scroll down to read NHTSA's documents pertaining to both recalls.

Report Receipt Date: APR 25, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V212000
Component(s):
Potential Number of Units Affected: 50,571
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Mode lModel Year(s)
CADILLAC SRX 2013
Details
Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

SUMMARY:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured May 29, 2012, through June 26, 2013, and equipped with 3.6L engines. In the affected vehicles, in certain driving situations, there may be a three to four second lag in acceleration due to the transmission control module (TCM) programming.
CONSEQUENCE:
A three to four second lag in acceleration may increase the risk of crash.

REMEDY:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control module, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. General Motors' number for this recall is 14132.
NOTES:
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.

Report Receipt Date: APR 25, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V213000
Component(s):
Potential Number of Units Affected: 51
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD 2015 GMC SIERRA HD 2015
Details
Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

SUMMARY:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD, and GMC Sierra HD vehicles manufactured February 11, 2014, through February 19, 2014, and equipped with diesel engines and dual fuel tanks. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pipe connections on both sides of the diesel fuel transfer pump may not be properly torqued which may result in a diesel fuel leak.
CONSEQUENCE:
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a vehicle fire.
REMEDY:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the fuel pipe connections to the proper torque. The recall is expected to begin on May 19, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). General Motors' number for this recall is 14067.
NOTES:
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 Chris Bruce