Within the last week, General Motors, Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Suzuki ordered the recall of approximately 1.75 million vehicles, model years 2001 through 2014.
Among the recalls are some GM’s 2013-2014 Chevrolet Caprice and 2014 Chevrolet SS, depending the date of manufacture. In the affected vehicle, the windshield wiper motor gear teeth may strip, causing the windshield wipers to become inoperative. GM is also recalling certain 2014 Corvettes, due to an improper weld on the rear shock absorbers. The shock absorber tubes may separate from the shock absorber clevis brackets, resulting in a sudden change in vehicle handling. Some 2014 Chevrolet Sparks are also being recalled. In the affected vehicles, the left and right lower control arm attaching bolts in the front suspension may not be tightened to specification, which may lead to the lower control arm separating from the steering knuckle while driving, causing a loss of steering. Owners are instructed not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. General Motors is also recalling a total of 414,333 model-year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Buick Regal, and Chevrolet Camaro vehicles, as well as 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles, all equipped with power height-adjustable driver and passenger seats. The recall addresses the bolt that secures the driver’s and passenger’s power front-seat height, which may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position. If the driver’s seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers’ control of the vehicle.
Hyundai is recalling approximately 225,000 model-year 2001-2006 Santa Fe vehicles that are registered and operated, or which were originally sold and registered, in the following 20 states and the District of Columbia: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The affected vehicles may experience front coil spring corrosion from road salt, causing the coil spring to fracture and make contact with the tire, possibly puncturing the tire. Hyundai is also recalling 133,075 2011 Sonatas due to a possible brake fluid leak from the two brake lines that connect the brake system’s master cylinder to the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit. If the brake lines leak sufficient brake fluid, the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster will illuminate and longer stopping distances will be required.
The largest of the recalls is 883,000 model-year 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonatas In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from the shift lever pin, which can cause the transmission gear selection to not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK,’ and if the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle could roll away as the driver and other occupants exit, or anytime thereafter.
Hyundai is also recalling certain model-year 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles. The affected vehicles may experience an oil leak from the front cylinder bank valve cover gasket. If there is a sufficient amount of oil dropped onto the alternator, the alternator will be damaged causing the charging system to become inoperative. If the alternator is damaged, the charging system warning lamp in the instrument cluster will illuminate, and the engine will lose power and the vehicle will eventually stop operating while being driven.
Mitsubishi is recalling five model-year 2007 and 2009 Outlander vehicles. The affected vehicles may have been serviced with replacement transfer case assemblies whose oil seal may come out of position. If the oil seal dislodges, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) may enter the transfer case assembly, reducing the ATF pressure in the transmission and poor transmission shifting or the inability of the vehicle to be driven.
Finally, Suzuki is recalling 25,899 model-year 2004-2006 Veronas which may experience heat being generated within the DRL module located in the instrument panel and could could cause a vehicle fire.
If you have a question regarding your GM, Hyundai, Mitsubishi or Suzuki, you should contact the experienced lemon law attorneys at Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center®, at www.yourlemonlawrights.com or call 1-800-US-LEMON (800-875-3666), toll-free. Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center® has been effectively assisting all car buyers and lessors in Lemon Law claims involving various defects in all makes and models. Our lemon law attorneys will take time to talk to you about your rights and will let you know if they can help.
Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center® was founded in 1995 and has helped over 45,000 consumers nationwide enforce their rights against manufacturers of defective consumer products.