General Motors Recalls Vehicles for Braking Problem
Detroit News report, the recall covers 2013-15 XTS vehicles and 2014-15 Impalas and was prompted by an investigation the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened in April. The recall includes 205,000 in the United States.
General Motors Co. is issuing an auto defect recall for 221,000 new Cadillac XTS and Chevy Impala cars because of braking issues that could cause excessive heat and poor performance. According to a Serious Safety Issue with Brakes
According to papers filed by GM, the electronic parking brake’s piston actuation arm may not fully retract, which may cause the brake pads to stay partially engaged with the rotor. The light may not be on even though the parking brake is engaged. This means that the vehicle does not comply with federal safety requirements.
The automaker has recalled cars that may experience issues including poor acceleration, undesired deceleration, excessive brake heat and premature wear to some brake components. If the brake drag is significant or if the vehicle is operated for a longer duration, the brakes could potentially generate heat, smoke and even sparks. When the recall begins, dealers will update the logic in the electronic parking brake software. GM says it is not aware of any accidents, injuries or fatalities as a result of these defective vehicles.
 GM’s Travails Continue
NHTSA launched a probe into this particular defect in April. In response, GM reviewed its warranty records to spot cases of autonomous breaking, leading to the discovery. After analyzing the vehicle, GM concluded that the parking brake software was defective. This is the automaker’s 67th recall just this year. So far, in 2014, GM has recalled 26 million vehicles in the United States and about 30 million globally. GM vehicles’ ignition defects, which sparked the recall of 2.6 million vehicles have been linked to 19 deaths and 54 car accidents. The automaker is facing scrutiny from the Justice Department over delayed recalls.
 Paying Attention to Safety Recalls
If you are a vehicle owner whose car, truck or SUV has been recalled, please do not ignore the recall, particularly if it involves a safety defect. Your safety and the safety of your loved ones could depend on it. Repairing recalled cars is extremely easy. All you need to do is take the time to visit your dealer and get it fixed – for free.
If your vehicle has been recalled, please take it to your dealer as soon as possible for an inspection at the very least. If your vehicle has a defect that poses a fire hazard, please do not park it inside the garage or close to your home where it could pose a danger. If you or a loved one has been injured due to an auto defect, please contact an experienced auto product liability lawyer who can help you better understand your legal rights and options.