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GM Recalls Compact Cars Due to Power Steering Defect

By Paul Napoli

March 2, 2010

General Motors announced today that the company is voluntarily recalling 1.3 million compact cars due to a power steering defect.

This recall affects the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt; 2007-2010 Pontiac G5; 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit sold in Canada, and the 2005-2006 Pontiac G4 sold in Mexico.

General Motors decided to recall the vehicles after the company concluded an investigation that began in 2009; it will replace a motor in the power steering system.

'After our in-depth investigation, we found that this is a condition that takes time to develop. It tends to occur in older models out of warranty," said Jamie Hresko, GM Vice President of Quality. 'Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers' peace of mind.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received more than 1,100 complaints of power steering assist loss involving the Chevrolet Cobalt, including 14 crashes and 1 injury, prompting the agency to launch its own investigation on January 27th.

'While greater steering effort under 15 mph may be required, if the customer experiences loss of power steering assist, it is important to note that the vehicle can still be safely controlled because the customer can still steer the vehicle,' Hresko said. 'When the condition occurs, both a chime will sound and a ‘Power Steering' message will be displayed.'

The United States Code for Motor Vehicle Safety (Title 49, Chapter 301) defines motor vehicle safety as 'the performance of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment in a way that protects the public against unreasonable risk of accidents occurring because of the design, construction, or performance of a motor vehicle, and against unreasonable risk of death or injury in an accident, and includes nonoperational safety of a motor vehicle.' A defect includes 'any defect in performance, construction, a component or material of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment.' Generally, a safety defect is defined as a problem that exists in a motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment that:

... poses an risk to motor vehicle safety, and

... may exist in a group of vehicles of the same design or manufacture, or items of equipment of the same type and manufacture.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration considers these examples of safety-related defects:

... 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 in an auto accident as the result of a safety-related defect, 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 March 04, 2010 (boomark / email).