GM recalls full-size truck, SUVs and vans over faulty shifter mechanism

Mon, 07 Jan 2013

Twelve different General Motors vehicles from the 2013 model year, up to 54,686 units in total, are being recalled over two potential issues with their steering columns. The models in question, all full-size trucks, SUVs or vans, are the: Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Savana, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL.

The affected vehicles were built with a fractured parking lock cable or "a malformed steering column lock actuator gear in the lock module assembly." As a consequence, they could shift out of park without the brake pedal being applied or with the key removed or in the off position.

A bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that the recall should begin on January 17. GM will notify owners, at which time they can take their vehicles to their dealers for repair free of charge. Have a look at the bulletin below for more information.

Report Date: January 5, 2013 at 12:22 PM
NHTSA Campaign ID number: 13V001000

Vehicle Model Year(s) Make / Model: 2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE, 2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV, 2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT, 2013 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, 2013 CHEVROLET EXPRESS, 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO, 2013 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, 2013 CHEVROLET TAHOE, 2013 GMC SAVANA, 2013 GMC SIERRA, 2013 GMC YUKON, 2013 GMC YUKON XL
Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
Report Receipt Date: JAN 02, 2013
Component: STEERING: COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

Potential Number of Units Affected: 54,686

Summary:
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, manufactured between November 7, 2012, through December 18, 2012, 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", and FMVSS No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention." The vehicles may have been built with a fractured park lock cable or a malformed steering column lock actuator gear in the lock module assembly.

Consequence:
As a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF position. The vehicle may also shift out of Park without application of the brake pedal while the key is off. Either of these scenarios may cause the vehicle to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible vehicle crash and/or injury.

Remedy:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 17, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. Cadillac owners may call 1-866-982-2339. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463.

Notes:
General Motors' number for this recall is 12331. 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.

By Jonathon Ramsey