General Motors appears to be starting 2015 the same way it started 2014-- issuing a recall for SUVs having trouble with ignition switches.
The recall, announced on Thursday, covers 83,572 SUVs and trucks, with the issue being the possibility of a faulty ignition moving out of the "start" position, resulting in the vehicle stalling and the airbags not deploying during a crash, according to USA Today.
"The ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the 'start' position," GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "If stuck in the 'start' position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the 'accessory' position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury."
Models covered include 2011-12 Chevrolet Silverado HDs, Silverado LDs, Suburbans, Tahoes, Avalanches, GMC Sierra LDs, Sierra LDs, Yukons, Yukon XLs, Cadillac Escades, along with ESV and EXT versions in the U.S., The Detroit News reported. An additional 9,000 are covered in other countries, bringing the recall to a total 92,000 vehicles worldwide.
The Detroit automaker said that out of the total number of recalled SUVs and trucks, less than 500 of them are expected to have the condition.
2014 has seen millions of GM's vehicles recalled because of faulty ignition switches, and the company has set up a victims fund to pay compensation for over 40 deaths resulting from the issue, USA Today reported. The company also had to pay $2.5 billion to cover recall costs in the first half of the year.
GM has yet to receive any reports about crashes, deaths or injuries connected to the issue with the SUVs and trucks. The company will contact owners and have dealers inspect and replacing the ignition lock housing, as necessary, for free.
The SUV/truck recall wasn't the only one announced on Thursday, The Detroit News reported. GM is also recalling 152 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles made in November because, due to an improper heat-treatment, the rear axle shaft might crack while the vehicle is being driven. The company said the rear axle shaft breaking could cause the rear wheel to separate from the axle shaft and present a great risk of a crash, and the company will have the these shafts replaced.
Another recall is that of 52 2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD diesel trucks and GMC Sierra HD diesel built in a three-week period ending on Oct. 21-- due to the possibility of the hose clamp securing the fuel tank vent line not being tightened properly. GM said this could lead to the fuel tank vent line detaching and resulting in a fuel leak, which increases the risk of a fire.
