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GM Recalling New CUVs Due to Crash Hazard

By Paul Napoli

December 29, 2009

General Motors' new 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain are subjected to their first recall due to a potential problem in the HVAC system that may create a crash hazard.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that GM is recalling about 53,000 of the popular crossover utility vehicles because they fail to comply with the requirements of two federal motor vehicle safety standards in regards to windshield defrosting/defogging systems, controls and displays.

The recall release states that software in the center instrument panel can cause the heating, air conditioning, defrost and radio controls, as well as the panel illumination to become inoperative. GM warns that driving without a functioning defrost system can decrease a driver's visibility under certain driving conditions and could result in a crash without warning.

Equinox and Terrain owners can have the manufacturing defect fixed free of charge by taking their vehicle to authorized dealers, who will replace the computer module in the center instrument panel.

For information, owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 or at www.gmownercenter.com.

Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducts defect investigations and administers safety recalls. The NHTSA is authorized to order manufacturers to recall and repair vehicles or items of motor vehicle equipment when investigations indicate that they contain serious safety defects in their design, construction or performance. Manufacturers voluntarily initiate many of these recalls, while others are either influenced by NHTSA investigations or ordered by NHTSA via the courts.

Examples of defects considered safety-related by the NHTSA

... Steering components that break suddenly causing partial or complete loss of vehicle control.

... Problems with fuel system components, particularly in their susceptibility to crash damage, that result in leakage of fuel and possibly cause vehicle fires.

... Accelerator controls that may break or stick.

... Wheels that crack or break, resulting in loss of vehicle control. ... Engine cooling fan blades that break unexpectedly causing injury to persons working on a vehicle.

... Windshield wiper assemblies that fail to operate properly.

... Seats and/or seat backs that fail unexpectedly during normal use.

... Critical vehicle components that break, fall apart, or separate from the vehicle, causing potential loss of vehicle control or injury to persons inside or outside the vehicle.

... Wiring system problems that result in a fire or loss of lighting.

... Car ramps or jacks that may collapse and cause injury to someone working on a vehicle.

... Air bags that deploy under conditions for which they are not intended to deploy.

... Child safety seats that contain defective safety belts, buckles, or components that create a risk of injury, not only in a vehicle crash but also in non-operational safety of a motor vehicle.

If you or a loved one has been injured or a loved one killed as the result of a safety-related defect listed above, contact Napoli Bern Ripka, LLP immediately. We will discuss the situation with you and come up with a plan of action to help you get compensation for your injuries, property damage or a loved one's wrongful death. Visit www.napolibern.com or call 1-888-529-4669 to discuss your case and find out the best course of action to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Full post as published by New York City Personal Injury Lawyer on December 30, 2009 (boomark / email).