Category Archives: General Motors

News about General Motors automobile manufacturer. News about General Motors recalls, technical service bulletins (TSB), and problems regarding General Motors vehicles.

Chevy Bolt Electrical Shock Chevrolet Bolt Potential Electrical Shock From Charging Chord

Posted on by

General Motors (GM) will be contacting the owners of certain 2022-2023 model year Chevrolet Bolt EUVs about a defect that pertains to motor vehicle safety, specifically concerning the Webasto high-voltage portable charging cords that come with these vehicles. The issue revolves around incorrect software within these charging cords, which may fail to discontinue charging if the ground connection is lost.

Discovery of the Defect

The discovery of this safety concern began with a supplier plant audit conducted on March 8, 2023, by GM’s quality engineer. During this audit, it was uncovered that an incorrect hardware/software combination was being used in the production of portable charging cords for the Chevrolet Bolt EUV. GM initiated a review of the situation on April 18, 2023, and subsequently reported it to GM’s Speak Up For Safety (SUFS) program. This led to the official commencement of a product investigation on May 9, 2023.

The Safety Risk

GM’s investigation revealed a crucial mismatch between the software and hardware in the affected charging cords. Under specific circumstances, this mismatch could hinder the software’s ability to properly interpret information from monitored circuitry. Consequently, the cord assembly’s internal processor might fail to detect a ground loss promptly, leading to a delay in halting further charging. Particularly at high ambient temperatures and under limited conditions, users might experience a brief electric shock lasting just 1/40th of a second.

Affected Vehicles and Recall Decision

GM’s investigators managed to identify 374 specific serial numbers for the parts affected by this defect, tracing them back to the production period when these potentially flawed components were used. During this period, GM produced 10,825 vehicles, out of which 9,423 are located in the United States. Importantly, as of now, GM is not aware of any field incidents related to this condition.

Recognizing the potential safety risks associated with this issue, on August 24, 2023, GM’s Safety and Field Action Decision Authority made the crucial decision to conduct an equipment safety recall.

How the Recall Affects Users

For individuals who have been using the portable charging cord with their Chevrolet Bolt EUV, there is a potential risk of being exposed to unprotected high voltage if the cord set loses its ground connection during use. This increases the risk of a very brief electrical shock.

To address this safety concern, GM dealerships will inspect and replace the portable charging cord as necessary. Users are encouraged to contact their local GM dealership or visit GM’s official website to check if their vehicle is affected by this recall. The recall is identified by GM as N2324073000, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned it the campaign number 23E-065.

Is your Chevrolet Bolt EV a Lemon?

For Chevrolet Bolt owners who believe they may have been sold a “lemon” vehicle or are experiencing repeated issues with their Bolt, the California Lemon Law can provide a potential solution. The California Lemon Law is a legal framework that offers protection to consumers who have purchased or leased defective vehicles, including those with safety concerns like the Chevrolet Bolt recall.
Under the California Lemon Law, if a vehicle experiences recurring issues that substantially impair its use, safety, or value, and the manufacturer fails to repair it after a reasonable number of attempts, the vehicle may be eligible for a buyback or replacement. If you suspect that your Chevrolet Bolt is a lemon due to issues beyond the recent recall, it is advisable to consult with a qualified attorney experienced in lemon law cases to explore your options and seek a resolution.

In conclusion, the Chevrolet Bolt recall underscores the importance of prompt action by manufacturers to address safety concerns. If you own a Chevrolet Bolt and are concerned about its safety or repeated issues, understanding your rights under the California Lemon Law can provide a potential avenue for relief and resolution. Always prioritize your safety and the safety of others on the road when it comes to vehicle recalls and defects.

Brake Pressure Switch Short May Cause Fire In Chevy Trucks

Posted on by

General Motors. LLC (GM) has decided that a problem exists in certain 2019-2023 Chevrolet 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD medium-duty trucks. The brake pressure sensor assembly could leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch and cause an electrical short circuit.

GM opened an investigation in August 2022 following reports of a vehicle fire on a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado medium-duty truck. As part of that investigation, GM reviewed field data potentially related to the problem and warranty returned brake pressure sensors.

While a series of tests failed to duplicate the condition, in January, a warranty-returned sensor and harness were identified as exhibiting signs of heat damage. This part was subjected to more detailed analysis, including X-ray scans and a chemistry laboratory analysis. The results from these analyses revealed the presence of brake fluid past the diaphragm seal, into the brake pressure switch, and through the actual wire harness into the pump’s fuse circuit. An inspection of the returned components also revealed delamination of the corrosion-inhibiting sealant, which allowed slow seepage of the brake fluid past the diaphragm seal.

According to the defect report, a zinc-nickel plating and sealant used to inhibit corrosion within the pressure sensor assembly may cause delamination of the sealant which results in small fragments of sealer underneath the diaphragm during assembly which allows brake fluid to slowly seep past the seal and into the pressure switch. The brake fluid may seep into the sensor’s electrical components and short the brake pressure switch and the associated fuse. If brake fluid shorts the brake pressure switch and the fuse, the circuit can generate enough heat and could result in a fire. An under-hood fire may occur when the vehicle is off and possibly unattended.

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the master cylinder pressure sensor and inspect the wire harness. If the harness is damaged, it will be replaced as well. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed on May 29, 2023. Second letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. GM’s number for this recall is N222375270 and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-266.

Slow Battery Replacement On Some Chevrolet Bolt EVs

Posted on by

We are still receiving inquiries concerning Chevy Bolts. GM continues to work on replacing the batteries in the 2017-2021 Bolts, but it seems as though progress has slowed dramatically in the replacement of the 2020 and 2021 vehicles. In the meantime, GM continues to sell 2022 and now 2023 with the new generation batteries, which of course begs the question as to why the batteries in the 2022 and 2023 Bolts are not first finding their way into the 2020 and 2021 Bolts. Unfortunately, we do not have an answer to this. We will continue to accept Chevy Bolt cases until every Bolt owner can be assured that their vehicle is safe for their family.

The Chevrolet Bolt was one of the first electric vehicles to gain mainstream popularity. It was marketed as an affordable and practical EV with a range of over 200 miles on a single charge. However, the Bolt has been plagued with battery problems that have affected its reliability and safety.

One of the main issues with the Bolt is the slow replacement of its battery. Unlike gasoline-powered cars, EV batteries are not interchangeable, and replacing them can take weeks or even months. This is because the process involves removing the entire battery pack, shipping it to a specialized facility, and replacing it with a new one. The slow replacement process has left many Bolt owners stranded without their cars for extended periods.

Despite these battery problems, GM is still manufacturing new Bolt vehicles. This has raised concerns among consumers about whether the company has fully addressed the underlying issues with Bolt’s battery. GM has released several recalls related to the battery problem, including 20V-701, 21V-560, and 21V-650. These recalls aim to fix the issue by updating Bolt’s software to prevent battery fires and reducing the charging capacity to prevent battery degradation.

However, the repeated problems with the Bolt’s battery have led many to question its reliability. If a car experiences the same problem repeatedly, it may be considered a “lemon.” A lemon is a car that has a substantial defect that cannot be fixed despite multiple repair attempts. In the case of the Bolt, repeated battery problems could mean that the car is defective and not fit for purpose.

If you own a Chevy Bolt and have experienced repeated battery problems, contact us at 1-888-395-3666 to explore your options. Lemon laws protect consumers from defective products and ensure that they receive compensation or a replacement vehicle if their car is a lemon.

In conclusion, the Chevy Bolt’s battery problems have affected its reliability and safety. The slow battery replacement process has left many owners stranded without their cars for extended periods. Despite several recalls, the repeated battery problems have raised concerns about the Bolt’s reliability and whether it is a lemon. If you own a Chevy Bolt and have experienced repeated battery problems, it is crucial to explore your options under the lemon law and protect your rights as a consumer.

Chevy Equinox & GMC Terrain Engine Stalls From Fuel Starvation

Posted on by

General Motors (GM) have decided that a defect affecting safety exists in certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain vehicles. They opened an investigation into the problem in August 2022 after noticing a high rate of warranty returns for the fuel tank pump on some 2021-2022 model year Equinox and Terrain vehicles.

GM’s investigation analyzed field data, defective returned components, and conducted an inspection of the tier two supplier’s facility and manufacturing processes. During this investigation, GM found that the supplier’sf manufacturing team made an unauthorized change in the fuel tank pump rolling force in May 2021 and that this error was discovered and corrected by the supplier’s engineering team on June 2021. GM conducted an analysis of field data relating to claims GM received between May 22, 2021, and December 15, 2022, and identified 710 stall events potentially related to the recall condition.

According to the defect report, during a specific production period between May 2, 2021, and June 1, 2021, a tier-two supplier implemented an unauthorized change to the fuel pump in the manufacturing process which decreased the pump section clearances. This resulted in the potential for insufficient fuel flow to the engine. If the fuel pump module does not consistently provide sufficient fuel to the engine, the vehicle may stall.

Drivers may notice an illuminated check engine light or experience engine hesitation. If the vehicles stalls, it could be difficult to restart.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the fuel pump module replaced in their vehicles. GM’s number for this recall is N222372310 and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-013.

GM Engine Stalls & Separating Half Shaft Defects

Posted on by

General Motors (GM) is a well-known automotive manufacturer throughout the world, but even they are not immune to problematic vehicles experiencing safety concerns. Recently, two separate recalls were announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that impact certain GM models.

The first recall affects 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual fuel tank option. The recall is due to a potential rear fuel tank failure that may cause the engine to stall. This is a serious safety risk for drivers and passengers, as a sudden stall in traffic can result in an accident.

The second recall affects the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse, 2023 Cadillac XT5 and 2023 GMC Acadia vehicles. The issue with these vehicles is a missing retaining ring in the half-shaft assembly. This can cause the half-shaft to separate from the vehicle, leading to a complete loss of power and control.

If you own one of the vehicles listed in the recalls, it is important to have the problem addressed as soon as possible. If you feel like you have a lemon vehicle that is continually having safety issues, you can take legal action against the manufacturer. Lemon laws vary by state, but in general, a vehicle is considered a lemon if it has a defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle and is not repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.

The recent recalls from General Motors highlight the importance of staying informed about potential safety issues with your vehicle. If you own one of the affected vehicles, make sure to have it repaired as soon as possible. If you believe you have a lemon vehicle, seek legal advice to protect your rights and ensure your safety on the road

If you believe you have a lemon vehicle, you can contact a lemon law attorney for advice on your rights and options. You may be entitled to a replacement vehicle, a refund, or compensation for your expenses. If you have any questions about your rights under the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 1-888-395-3666 and get some great Lemon Law advice!

Chevy Bolt EV Potential Fire After Seat Belt Pretensioner Deployment

Posted on by

General Motors (GM) has decided that a defect affecting seat belt safety exists in certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EVs. GM will be contacting owners of affected vehicles with instructions to return to their dealership to have the problem corrected by installing fire barriers.

GM first became aware of the problem in September 2022 after receiving a report of a 2018 Chevy Bolt EV that experienced a fire. The fire seemed to originate in the right side lower pillar in the area of the pretensioner. GM opened an investigation into the incident and identified a total of three field incidents where exhaust from a deployed pretensioner ignited carpet fibers near the B-pillar. By December, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) decided to conduct a safety recall.

The problem arises during certain crash conditions that require the front seat belt pretensioners to deploy. According to the defect report, the temperature of the exhaust from a deployed pretensioner may be sufficient enough to ignite carpet and other materials in close proximity to the pretensioner.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealership to have a metal foil barrier added between the carpet and pretensioner. Some vehicles will also require the installation of a pretensioner cover that will prevent the ignition of carpet material from pretensioner exhaust.

This recall will be launched in two phases, under bulletins N222383790 and N222383791. Notification to owners of vehicles that require only the installation of the foil barrier is estimated to begin on January 30, 2023. Owners of vehicles that also require installation of the pretensioner cover will begin receiving interim notification on January 30, 2023, with a second notification when parts become available. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 22V-930.

Chevy Bolt Seat Belt Pretensioner Fire

GM Repurchases Certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Malibu For Structural Problems

Posted on by

General Motors (GM) will be contacting the owners of certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Malibu’s because of a problem affecting a structural portion of the vehicle frame.

GM first became aware of the problem in August 2022 when a production operator installing parts on a vehicle discovered a section of the motor rail was missing. Further investigation found that the front rail outer panel was cut too short and, as a result, was not completely welded to the front right-hand side of the front impact bar.

The problem was reported to GM’s Speak Up For Safety (SUFS) program which worked with the plant and supplier to identify and contain affected vehicles. Of the 1,875 vehicles that GM contained and inspected, they found none that had an incomplete weld. GM opened an investigation into the subject condition to analyze the potential effects of this condition during a crash. There are no known field incidents related to this condition., but GM has decided to conduct a safety recall.

According to the defect report, the sheet metal blank for the front frame rail outer panel for the 2022-2023 Chevy Malibu was improperly loaded into the die. As a result, the front frame rail was cut 10 millimeters short of its intended design. The shortened frame rail prevented proper welding of the front impact bar to the front frame rail. This defect may be present on the right hand and/or left-hand side of the vehicle.

Owners will be asked to return to their GM dealer to have the right-hand and left-hand sides of the vehicle’s motor rail inspected for incomplete welds. If the condition is found, the vehicle will be repurchased by GM. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 22V-923.

Is GM Repurchasing Your Lemon Vehicle?

Under the Lemon Law, if you qualify, you should be able to recover your down payment, (including registration fees, licensing fees, taxes, transportation costs, etc.), plus your total monthly lease or loan payments. The manufacturer will also pay off the balance of your loan or lease. The manufacturer will also pay all or most of your attorney’s fees.

If you have any questions about your rights and the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 1-888-395-3666 and get some great Lemon Law advice!

Chevy Heavy Duty Trucks Steering Instability

Posted on by

General Motors (GM) will be contacting the owners of certain HD and XD trucks because of a problem affecting the suspension in their vehicles. If the problem is not fixed, it could lead to difficult steering and an increased risk of an accident.

In November 2022, GM received information from one of their suppliers that there was an investigation into a manufacturing quality problem in certain flange lock nuts used in 2021-2022 model year Chevrolet Silverado medium-duty vehicles. After consulting with their supplier, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) decided to conduct a recall.

The vehicles affected include:

2021-2022 Chevrolet 4500HD
2021-2022 Chevrolet 4500XD
2021-2022 Chevrolet 5500HD
2021-2022 Chevrolet 5500XD
2022 Chevrolet 6500HD

According to the defect report, certain hex flange lock nuts used in several locations on the suspension in some HD and XD trucks were not properly formed and heat treated by the supplier. Over time, the nuts could loosen and cause a loss of tension in the suspension joints. Over time, drivers will notice a degradation in vehicle handling.

Parts are not currently available, but when parts are available owners will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the hex flange lock nuts replaced. GM’s number for this recall is N222391080 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-874.