When the first mainstream electric cars, the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, hit the market, they were advertised as being easy on the pocketbook and good for the environment. Because of their size and weight, may consumers had concerns that safety may have been compromised in order to meet the promised fuel efficiency. Recent crash tests done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have shown that this just isn’t true. In fact, both cars have received “Top Safety Ratings” receiving the highest possible ratings for front, side, rear, and rollover crash protection. According to Joe Nolan, the IIHS chief administrative officer, Eco-minded drivers keen on switching to an electric vehicle should not think twice about buying a Leaf or Volt for highway driving. General Motors and Nissan have shown that safety doesn’t have to be sacrificed for fuel economy.
Category Archives: Chevrolet
Brake Recall For GMC Savanna And Chevy Express
General Motors is recalling certain 2011 Chevrolet Express and 2011 GMC Savanna minivans due to a problem that could lead to a loss of brake power. During manufacturing, the right rear brake hose may have been installed too close to the tire. If the hose should repeatedly contact the tire or rim, it could lead to a loss of brake fluid and eventually reduced or complete loss of brakes. Owners receiving recall notices can take their vehicles to their local dealers, where technicians will inspect and secure the hose for sufficient clearance. For more information on the recall, contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 or www.gmownercenter.com.
Chevrolet Cruze Experiences More Problems
If you have received a recall to check the steering shafts on your new 2011 Chevy Cruze, you may want to get the transmission shift linkages inspected while you are there. The automobile maker announced that within the group of vehicles to be checked for steering, they plan to inspect over 120,000 vehicles with automatic transmissions to make sure the shift linkages are installed properly. Improperly installed linkages may lead the driver to think they are in a certain gear when they are not. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or go to the Chevy owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
GM Investigates Faulty Fuel Gauges On SUVs
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has started an investigation into over 850,000 General Motors SUV’s after receiving complaints of inaccurate fuel gauges. Of the 668 complaints received, 58 said that their vehicle ran out of fuel even though the fuel gauge said there was still fuel in the tank. The vehicles involved in this investigation include:
- 2005-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2005-2007 G.M.C. Envoy
- 2005-2007 Buick Rainier
- 2005-2007 Saab 9-7x
2011 Chevrolet Cruze Recalled For Steering
General motors has announced a recall that will have some 2011 Chevrolet Cruze owners taking their vehicles in to get their steering columns inspected. After several complaints that the steering wheel detached from the car’s steering column, General motors has narrowed down the problem to about 2,000 vehicles manufactured at one of their Ohio plants. Recalled vehicles will be inspected by dealers to ensure that the steering wheel is assembled properly. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or go to the Chevy owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
GM Debuts MyLink Infotainment System
Rivalry to the Ford Sync and the Kia UVO, the Chey Mylink will be featured on the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and the extended range electric Volt. The new infotainment system will offer many features similar to the popular Ford Sync, such as voice activated music and remote car control functions. The system will work with OnStar, allowing users to download maps and directions to the touch screen. GM hopes to eventually expand MyLink to its entire global lineup with Buick, Cadillac and GMC expected later this year, according to Micky Bly, executive director of electrical systems, hybrids, electric vehicles and batteries for GM.
Electric Vehicles Expected Big In California
California is known as one of the largest automobile markets in the United States. They also have some of the strictest government environment regulations which has made them one of the leading markets for hybrid vehicles. Because of this, the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in Ann Arbor feel that the demand for plug-in and electric cars will follow a similar pattern.
California was the first state were the Chevy Volt, Nissan leaf and the Ford Focus Electric was released, and where fuel cell vehicles are leased in small numbers. According to the CAR report the demand for cleaner technologies is fed by incentives such as tax credits, priority parking spaces for environmentally friendly vehicles, and because California has invested into infrastructure to accommodate the electric vehicle.
GM Expands Recall For Rear Axle Cross Pins
A recent recall for improperly heat treated rear axle cross pins on some GM trucks and SUVs is being expanded to include another 25,000 vehicles. The original recall included:
- 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT
- 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche
- 2011 Chevrolet Silverado LD
- 2011 GMC Sierra LD
GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it had expanded the recall because some faulty parts were used in production through to Jan. 3 of this year. The new recall includes:
- 2011 Cadillac Escalade
- 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV
- 2011 Chevrolet Colorado
- 2011 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2011 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2011 GMC Canyon
- 2011 GMC Sierra
- 2011 GMC Yukon
- 2011 GMC Yukon XL
GM said they know of one incident in which a driver experienced a loss of power to the axle, but are not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the condition. They are urging drivers not to use the vehicles until the problem is fixed.
