The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that General Motors is recalling 15,575 cars this week. The recalls are based on safety issues that may increase the risk of injury to occupants in the event of a car accident, according to the NHTSA. The recalls include automobiles in the Cadillac, Buick and Chevrolet lines.
The specifics of the recall are as follows: 2,949 vehicles in the 2012 models Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Sonic compacts have been recalled. These vehicles have driver-side airbags that may not deploy in a crash. GM is replacing the steering wheel air bag coils in these vehicles free of charge. In addition, GM is recalling 12,626 vehicles in the 2013 Cadillac XTS sedan line. These vehicles have rear seat head restraints that may not lock in position. The head restraints will also be replaced free of charge.
The head restraints failure to lock in place is a concern because of the increased risk of a neck injury in a crash. Federal safety standards require head rests to be positioned at a minimum height. The rear seat head restraints on the Cadillac models can be folded forward. When they are returned to the upright position, they must lock to guarantee that they reach the minimum height.
Owners of any of the models affected can contact General Motors at 800-521-7300 to determine if their vehicle is subject to recall.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, “General Motors Recalls, Cadillac, Buick and Chevy Cars for Safety Flaws,” by Jonathan Welsh, 14 November 2012
