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According to a USA Today report from August, “General Motors is recalling certain 2012 model year Buick LaCrosses and Chevrolet Impalas in the U.S. and Canada for two separate defects related to steering.” According to the news source, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) explained that such a defect could lead to unexpected crashes.

The Chevrolet Impalas that are subject to the recall have potential problems with their power steering hoses, USA Today reports. The power steering hoses on the cars subject to this recall may have been incorrectly routed through the engine compartment and may be too close to the catalytic converter.

The concern is that the heat given off while driving could potentially melt these hoses if they are too close to the catalytic converter. If the power steering hose melts, power steering fluid may spray throughout the engine, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment. Cars subject to the recall should be taken to a GM dealer to be inspected and, if necessary, the hose will be moved to ensure that there will be no risk of fire. There will be no cost to the owner of these affected Impala models who bring them to the dealership for repair, the NHTSA explains.

There are a total of 11,905 Chevrolet Impalas affected by this recall, including 10,344 in the U.S. alone. At the time of this article’s release, GM said it was unaware of any “crashes or injuries related to the Impala steering hose problem, and that the condition was discovered at its Oshawa plant in Ontario, Canada,” the news source reports.

In a separate recall announced this August, GM recalled 4,293 LaCrosses, including 4,077 in the U.S., because of an incorrect calibration of the StabiliTrak electronic stability system.” According to the news source, this defect may cause the StabiliTrak to not sense a problem with the brakes and not send appropriate signals for the warning light on the dashboard.

The failure of the StabiliTrak system could also cause the car’s handling system to falsely activate, causing the vehicle to decelerate and the handling to dramatically change with no warning to the driver, increasing the potential for the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash, USA Today reports. General Motors mechanics will install a new electronic brake control module free of charge on affected LaCrosse models. GM also reports that no known crashes or injuries had been associated with this defect.

If you or a loved has been injured as a result of steering issues in one of the affected GM models, contact Newsome Law Firm and fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with automobile recalls. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.

References:

Kessler, Aaron M. (August 12, 2011) “Chevy Impala, Buick LaCrosse recalled for steering defects.” Retrieved on October 28, 2011 from USA Today.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration