NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
92 reports43,000 miles · May 21, 2019
Exterior Lighting
CONDENSATION ISSUE IN DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT.THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AS THOUSANDS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE. THE ENTIRE HID HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY COST $1,320.95 AT THE DEALER WITHOUT TAXES. THIS IS APPALLING TO ME THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS PROBLEM WHEN CLEARLY THIS IS A MANUFACTURER…
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CONDENSATION ISSUE IN DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT.THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AS THOUSANDS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE. THE ENTIRE HID HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY COST $1,320.95 AT THE DEALER WITHOUT TAXES. THIS IS APPALLING TO ME THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS PROBLEM WHEN CLEARLY THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. MY CAR DID NOT EVEN HAVE 45,000 MILES ON IT WHEN THE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT.
NHTSA ODI #11209085
Mileage unknown · May 20, 2019
Seats
POWER SEAT BUTTONS WORK OFF AND ON. MY DRIVERS SEAT WAS RECLINED AND NOW WONT GO BACK UP, I CHECKED MY VIN AND NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED ON IT. DANGEROUS TO DRIVE I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON 2012 BUICK REGAL POWER SEATS BUT NOT ON MY VIN.I HAVE AN APPT WITH THE BUICK DEALER TO FIX. WHICH WONT BE CHEAP.
NHTSA ODI #11208855
86,047 miles · May 17, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineVehicle Speed Control
CODES P0016 P0017 DTC P0299 UNDER TURBO BOOST P0010 - FLUID LEAK FROM TRANSMISSION - STABILITRAK LIGHT ON AND OFF (2017, 2018, 2019)- { I PAID TO HAVE THE ISSUE FIXED AND LESS THAN A YEAR LATER IT HAPPENS AGAIN} CAR WILL NOT PICK UP SPEED - CRANK / CAM POSITION NOT PLAUSIBLE - TIMING CHAIN STRETCHED /STUCK.( POPPING SOUND COMING…
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CODES P0016 P0017 DTC P0299 UNDER TURBO BOOST P0010 - FLUID LEAK FROM TRANSMISSION - STABILITRAK LIGHT ON AND OFF (2017, 2018, 2019)- { I PAID TO HAVE THE ISSUE FIXED AND LESS THAN A YEAR LATER IT HAPPENS AGAIN} CAR WILL NOT PICK UP SPEED - CRANK / CAM POSITION NOT PLAUSIBLE - TIMING CHAIN STRETCHED /STUCK.( POPPING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER MY SEAT IN 2017)THESE ARE ALL ISSUES THAT HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING. I AM GETTING ON THE ON RAMP FOR THE HIGHWAY AND MY CAR WILL NOT GO PASS 35 MPH FOR OVER 15 SECONDS, EVEN IF I FLOOR IT. THERE IS ON COMING TRAFFIC DOING 60 TO 70 MPH AND THAT IS A LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION. I HAVE NO WAY OF MOVING TO AVOID BEING HIT. MY CAR WILL STALL WHEN I TRY TO DRIVE AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP LIGHT.
NHTSA ODI #11208170
76,000 miles · Apr 25, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
SINCE I PURCHASED AND DROVE OFF FROM THE DEALERSHIP, WITHIN THE FIRST FEW DAYS THE CAR SHUT DOWN ON ME WHEN I WAS IN A DRIVE THRU, AND IT HAPPENED TIMES AGAIN WHILE PULLING OUT A PARKING SPACE AND DROVE A FEW FEET AWAY THE CAR WOULD SHUT OFF AND BEGAN SMELLING OF GAS AS WELL OVERTIME I DROVE IT. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT VERY HELPF…
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SINCE I PURCHASED AND DROVE OFF FROM THE DEALERSHIP, WITHIN THE FIRST FEW DAYS THE CAR SHUT DOWN ON ME WHEN I WAS IN A DRIVE THRU, AND IT HAPPENED TIMES AGAIN WHILE PULLING OUT A PARKING SPACE AND DROVE A FEW FEET AWAY THE CAR WOULD SHUT OFF AND BEGAN SMELLING OF GAS AS WELL OVERTIME I DROVE IT. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT VERY HELPFUL BUT FINALLY KEPT MY CAR A FEW DAYS AND SAID IT WAS ONLY THE HOSES WHICH WERE LOOSE. NOW 4/24 MY CAR AGAIN IS MAKING WEIRD NOISES SINCE LAST WEEK AND ACTUALLY WILL NOT START THIS EVENING AFTER BEING OUT AND PARKING IN A LOT.
NHTSA ODI #11203614
54,000 miles · Apr 22, 2019
Exterior Lighting
BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER HEADLIGHTS CONSTANTLY SHOW CONDENSATION/WATER IN THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AFTER IT RAINS. AT ONE POINT, THE CONDENSATION CAUSED THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE HID BALLAST, AN LOSS OF HEADLIGHT. IN VIEWING A BUICK REGAL FORUM, THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL CAR AND GM SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE …
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BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER HEADLIGHTS CONSTANTLY SHOW CONDENSATION/WATER IN THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AFTER IT RAINS. AT ONE POINT, THE CONDENSATION CAUSED THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE HID BALLAST, AN LOSS OF HEADLIGHT. IN VIEWING A BUICK REGAL FORUM, THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL CAR AND GM SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE CAN BE STATIONARY OR MOVING. RAIN CAUSES THE FAULTY HEADLIGHT SEALS TO SHOW THE PROBLEM.HAPPENS ON A REGULAR BASIS WHEN IT RAINS. IMAGES TO LARGE TO SEND.
NHTSA ODI #11202919
100,000 miles · Apr 5, 2019
Engine
FOR THE PAST YEAR MY VEHICLE IS CONSUMING A LARGE AMOUNT OF OIL. I HAVE TO ADD 2.5 QUARTS AFTER 1500 MILES OR SO. GENERAL MAINTENANCE IS ALWAYS DONE. IT WILL STALL AT STOP LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS. WE HAVE CHANGED THE CAM SHIFT SENSORS AND SOLENOIDS DUE TO THE CODES THROWN. MY VEHICLE IS STILL USING 4 QUARTS BEFORE 3,000 MILES. I HA…
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FOR THE PAST YEAR MY VEHICLE IS CONSUMING A LARGE AMOUNT OF OIL. I HAVE TO ADD 2.5 QUARTS AFTER 1500 MILES OR SO. GENERAL MAINTENANCE IS ALWAYS DONE. IT WILL STALL AT STOP LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS. WE HAVE CHANGED THE CAM SHIFT SENSORS AND SOLENOIDS DUE TO THE CODES THROWN. MY VEHICLE IS STILL USING 4 QUARTS BEFORE 3,000 MILES. I HAVE BEEN AT A STOP LIGHT ON HIGHWAY 34 AND MY CAR JUST STOPPED WHEN I WENT TO ACCELERATE. I WAS IN PEORIA AT A STOP LIGHT GOING UP HILL AND MY CAR STALLED 4 TIMES BEFORE I COULD GET IT TO START. ALL MY GAUGES JUST DROP. MY OIL LIFE DOES NOT READ PROPERLY IT ALWAYS SAYS I'M OVER 50%. I CHECK MY OIL REGULARLY JUST TO TRY AND PREVENT ANY OTHER ISSUES COMING ARISE.
NHTSA ODI #11194249
66,000 miles · Dec 20, 2018
Exterior Lighting
TAMARA RECALL I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS WATER IN THE FRONT LEFT HEADLIGHT AND AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE BULB BURNT OUT. WHEN I TOOK THE LIGHT OUT THE WATER RAN DOWN INTO THE BALLAST THIS THE SECOND HEADLIGHT THAT I HAVE BROUGHT AND THE SAME PROBLEMS EXIST. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY DRIVING ON A BACK DARK ROAD I D…
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TAMARA RECALL I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS WATER IN THE FRONT LEFT HEADLIGHT AND AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE BULB BURNT OUT. WHEN I TOOK THE LIGHT OUT THE WATER RAN DOWN INTO THE BALLAST THIS THE SECOND HEADLIGHT THAT I HAVE BROUGHT AND THE SAME PROBLEMS EXIST. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY DRIVING ON A BACK DARK ROAD I DID RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND I NOTICED EVERYBODY WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. GM HAD DISCONTINUED THE HEADLIGHT BECAUSE THEY WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. I THINK THEY SHOULD REPLACE THESE HEADLIGHTS AS IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN
NHTSA ODI #11162783
71,000 miles · Dec 18, 2018
Engine
AT ROUTINE OIL CHANGE APPOINTMENT (71000 MILES) PLUS MY CONCERN TO CHECK OUT A NOISE DURING COLD STARTUPS, BUICK DEALERSHIP TECH NOTED NO OIL ON DIPSTICK. THEY RECOMMENDED OIL CONSUMPTION TEST, DISCUSSED POSSIBLE NEED TO REPLACE PISTONS @ $3200 AND TOLD ME TO RETURN IN 1000 MILES TO REASSESS. ON LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP, MY CHECK…
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AT ROUTINE OIL CHANGE APPOINTMENT (71000 MILES) PLUS MY CONCERN TO CHECK OUT A NOISE DURING COLD STARTUPS, BUICK DEALERSHIP TECH NOTED NO OIL ON DIPSTICK. THEY RECOMMENDED OIL CONSUMPTION TEST, DISCUSSED POSSIBLE NEED TO REPLACE PISTONS @ $3200 AND TOLD ME TO RETURN IN 1000 MILES TO REASSESS. ON LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS LIT (NO WARNINGS/LIGHTS/ DRIVING PERFORMANCE ISSUES PRIOR TO LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP THAT DAY), I IMMEDIATELY TURNED AROUND AND THEY RE-RAN DIAGNOSTIC SCREEN, REPORTED TO ME THAT IT REPORTED NOTHING DIFFERENT THAN THE ONE RUN EARLIER THAT DAY, TOLD ME AGAIN TO RETURN IN 1000 MILES. APPROX 100 MILES LATER, MY ENGINE SUFFERED CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE, LEAVING ME STRANDED AT A STOPLIGHT INTERSECTION. I FEEL LUCKY THAT THIS HAPPENED IN A SAFE TOWN IN BROAD DAYLIGHT, AND WHILE I WAS AT A STOPLIGHT. THEY AGAIN FOUND NO OIL ON DIPSTICK, AND MAJOR ENGINE DAMAGE ,MY DEALER GAVE ME OPTIONS FOR REPLACING THE ENGINE WITH A NEW ($6300, 3 YEAR WARRANTY), OR REBUILT ($5000, NO WARRANTY) ENGINE. I HAVE DONE OIL CHANGES ALWAYS AS RECOMMENDED BY ONBOARD MONITORING SYSTEM. SEEMS THAT MAYBE THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL OR CONSUMER ALERT ISSUED ON THIS LONGSTANDING ISSUE FOR THESE GM CARS, NOT JUST A CLANDESTINE BULLETIN THAT ONLY NOTIFIED DEALERS OF THIS PROBLEM FOR VEHICLES WITH LONG OIL CHANGE INTERVAL RECOMMENDATIONS. VERY DISAPPOINTED 55 YEAR OLD LADY.
NHTSA ODI #11162291
Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2018
Engine
CAR BURNS 1 QT. OIL/ 1000 MILES EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION REQUIRES PISTONS AND RINGS TO BE REPLACED --- MANY GM 2.4 LITER ENGINES HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THIS FIRST HAPPENED UNDER WARRANTY BUT WE DID NOT REALIZE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS UNTIL THE 5 YEARS WAS JUST PASSED. HOWEVER IT WAS STILL UNDER 60,000 MILES WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN FOR A…
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CAR BURNS 1 QT. OIL/ 1000 MILES EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION REQUIRES PISTONS AND RINGS TO BE REPLACED --- MANY GM 2.4 LITER ENGINES HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THIS FIRST HAPPENED UNDER WARRANTY BUT WE DID NOT REALIZE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS UNTIL THE 5 YEARS WAS JUST PASSED. HOWEVER IT WAS STILL UNDER 60,000 MILES WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN FOR AN "OIL CONSUMPTION TEST".
NHTSA ODI #11149968
83,400 miles · Sep 18, 2018
Service Brakes
BRAKE PEDAL STICKS AND STAYS DEPRESSED WHEN VERY HOT OUTSIDE AFTER SITTING. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. ITS HAPPENED TWICE TO ME ALREADY AND NO SHOP CAN FIND ANYTHING WRONG. IT WILL WORK FINE AFTER PULLING PEDAL UP OR DRIVING WITH SHAKING STEERING WHEEL UNTIL IT WORKS ITSELF OUT. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND NEEDS TO BE A RECAL…
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BRAKE PEDAL STICKS AND STAYS DEPRESSED WHEN VERY HOT OUTSIDE AFTER SITTING. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. ITS HAPPENED TWICE TO ME ALREADY AND NO SHOP CAN FIND ANYTHING WRONG. IT WILL WORK FINE AFTER PULLING PEDAL UP OR DRIVING WITH SHAKING STEERING WHEEL UNTIL IT WORKS ITSELF OUT. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND NEEDS TO BE A RECALL FIX.
NHTSA ODI #11130063
Official recalls
7Feb 26, 2026
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012–2013 Buick Regal Turbo and GS trim-level vehicles that were sold or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear suspension toe links may have received improper corrosion protection, which can result in rear toe link fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Rear toe link fracture can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 3, 2026. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N252537580. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall numbers 20V764, 21V633, and 21V00F.
Dec 22, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.
Dec 21, 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021. A third notification was mailed on August 19, 201. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.
Jul 23, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
May 6, 2013
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.
Remedy: GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13136.
Oct 4, 2012
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Buick Regal and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn signal. If one of the two front turn signal bulbs burn out in either front turn signal lamp, there is no indication to the driver. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the driver is not aware that a turn signal is not functioning properly, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle. If half of a front turn signal is not illuminating, other driver's may not be aware that the affected vehicle is turning, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12212.
Mar 7, 2012
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BUICK REGAL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2011, THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, 2012 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR, THE PARKING LAMPS DO NOT ACTIVATE WHEN EITHER THE PARKING LAMPS OR HEADLAMPS ARE TURNED ON.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: INADEQUATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.
Remedy: GENERAL MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GM AT 1-800-521-7300.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2AQ14001 · Sands Chevrolet/hybrid System Fire/stall
Opened May 2, 2014 · Closed May 22, 2016
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
NHTSA opened AQ14-001 to determine whether Sands Chevrolet of Surprise, Arizona complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 (Safety Act) and its implementing regulations. The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a manufacturer notify its dealers of defects related to motor vehicle safety and non-compliances with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and, in turn, that a dealer not sell and deliver a new vehicle subject to a recall unless the recall remedy has been performed (49 U.S.C. ?? 30112(a), 30120(i)).NHTSA issued an information request (IR) letter to Sands Chevrolet on May 5, 2014.Sands Chevrolet responded to this request on May 22, 2014.To ensure NHTSA?s information request encompassed all possible reference codes for General Motors recall 13V-173, NHTSA issued another IR letter to Sands Chevrolet on June 8, 2015.Again, a response letter was received on June 9, 2015.NHTSA?s investigation indicated that Sands Chevrolet did sell and deliver recalled vehicles that did not have the recall remedy completed at the time the vehicles were delivered to the customers.NHTSA therefore concluded that Sands Chevrolet was liable for civil penalties for violations of the Safety Act, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. ? 30165.Under a Settlement Agreement dated March 24, 2016, Sands Chevrolet represented that it improved its processes to verify that it checks every vehicle for recalls prior to delivery to the purchaser and that it has not sold and delivered any unremedied new motor vehicles since June 9, 2015.Sands Chevrolet also represented that it now also checks for open recalls on every customer vehicle brought in for service, and that it checks for open recalls on every used trade-in vehicle, regardless of make or model, and takes steps to have all used trade-in vehicles repaired prior to retail sale. Sands Chevrolet admitted to violating the law and must pay civil penalties in the amount of $40,000.This Audit Query is closed.
RQ13003 · Generator Control Module Fires
Opened Jul 5, 2013 · Closed Jul 22, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery
On July 5, 2013 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ13-003 to investigate whether the service procedures utilized in recall bulletins 13136 and 13142 for safety recall 13V-173 were sufficient to identify the safety defect in the subject vehicles.These safety recalls were issue on May 3, 2013 to address the improper function of the Generator Control Module (GCM) in certain model year (MY) 2012-13 Buick LaCrosse and Regal and MY 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco equipped with eAssist.This condition may result in a loss of battery charge, engine stall and/or inability for the vehicle to start.In severe cases it may also lead to odor, smoke and possibly a fire in the trunk.During discussions with General Motors (GM), ODI was informed that the subject vehicles could be separated into 4 distinct build populations, or groups. Group A contained vehicles built from the start of production through 3/19/2012.Group B involved vehicles built from 3/20/2012 to 8/20/2012, group C from 8/21/2012 to 12/31/12, and group D from 1/1/2013 onwards.Bulletin 13136 instructed dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the GCM for vehicles in groups A or C.Bulletin 13142 instructed dealers to replace the GCM of any vehicle in group B.Group D vehicles were not recalled.All eAssist vehicles have a Powerpack which contains a BAS (belt alternator-starter) Power Inverter Module (BPIM)/Accessory Power Module (APM) and a 115-V Lithium-Ion battery.The Powerpack is known by GM's Part Description System as the GCM and Battery Module. The BPIM/APM contains 3 multi-layered printed circuit boards (PCBs) comprised of conductive layers separated by isolating layers.Vehicles built within the time periods of groups A and B had PCBs using single isolation layers.Vehicles build in group C had dual isolation layers on 1 of the 3 PCBs, and group D had all 3 PCBs built with dual insulation.Adding dual insulation to a PCB makes it more robust to material and manufacturing variations, and ultimately less susceptible to an electrical short circuit and subsequent failure.Through initial analysis of the GCM failures, GM identified that vehicles within group B contained PCBs that were contaminated during production due to increased production volumes that resulted in inadequate quality control.GM also noted that GCM failures occurred early in the life of the vehicle (typically <1000 miles).Therefore a service procedure was developed to replicate early life failures by subjecting the GCM to high current loads which would cause the identified failure mechanism (copper migration) to occur quickly and reveal any underlying PCB defect.Although groups A and C were built with PCBs containing single layer PCBs, they were built using better quality control, and as the data supports, experienced significantly lower failures.GM advised that for these reasons the two different service procedures were used in the Recall 13V-173 population.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) GM submitted 234 unique reports related to the alleged problem. It was noted that 197 (84%) of the received reports fell into the group B population.The 2 fire incidents noted were events in which flames were evident and/or damage was experienced outside of the GCM. Both of these incidents involved group B vehicles. One hundred four warranty claims were also submitted in response to the IR, with 96 claims (92%) from group B.It was also noted that none of the claims from groups A or C occurred after the service procedure was conducted, and that the majority of the A or C incidents occurred during the service procedure.Given the data, ODI believes the ser
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