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GM recalls Buick and Cadillac models for Power Steering Loss and Fire Risk

By Paul Napoli

November 11, 2010

General Motors Corp. announced today that the company is recalling 14,245 Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS vehicles because a mistake in the build of the vehicles can cause a loss of power steering and fire hazard.

According to a letter sent by GM to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), after investigating causes of two reported engine fires, GM discovered that a change in the manufacturing assembly line caused the installation of the starter or alternator cable in a position where it can contact with the power steering return line. Either of these cables could wear through the power steering return line, causing a power steering fluid leak and loss of power steering. The contact may also wear the cable's protective wrap, conduit and wire insulation resulting in battery drain, electrical arcing that may burn a hole in the return line and cause loss of power steering fluid, and start a fire in the engine compartment.

GM is aware of four fires associated with this defect and no injuries reported.

GM vehicles affected by this recall include certain 2010-2011 model year Buick Lucerne vehicles equipped with a V8 engine, and Cadillac DTS vehicles built within these VIN breakpoints:

Year-Division-Model From-Through

2010-Buick Lucerne-AU120708-AU138088

2011-Buick Lucerne-BU100004-BU113986

2010-Cadillac DTS-AU120705-AU600004

2011-Cadillac DTS-BU100003-BU600003

Owners of these recalled vehicle will receive a GM letter sent on November 19, 2010 and should schedule a service appointment as soon as possible.

GM has held unsold vehicles affected by the recall on dealer lots until dealers can complete repairs.

GM dealers will secure and, if necessary, reroute the lines to prevent contact. General Motors has sent out a recall bulletin to its dealers detailing the service procedure in step-by-step photos.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Full post as published by New York City Personal Injury Lawyer on November 11, 2010 (boomark / email).