GM Recalls 700,000 Pickup Trucks for Potential Steering Problem
GM Recalls 700,000 Pickup Trucks for Potential Steering Problem
General Motors has issued a vehicle defect recall for about 700,000 Chevy and GMC pickup trucks because of a potential steering issue. According to a CNN news report, the vehicles that are part of this recall may have a software problem that could cause them to spontaneously lose their electric power steering assistance for about one second. If the power steering assist is lost and suddenly returned, the driver could lose control of the steering wheel temporarily, which could increase the risk of a crash.
Potential for Crashes
The vehicles are particularly vulnerable to the issue when a driver performs low-speed turns, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than 690,000 vehicles (model year 2014 Chevy Silverados and GMC Sierra trucks) are potentially affected by this steering defect. GM is asking owners affected by this recall to take their vehicles in to a dealer where they can receive a software update to fix the issue free of charge. Drivers can check to see if their vehicle is included in the recall by visiting NHTSA’s website (safercar.gov) and entering their vehicle identification number.
Steering systems in vehicles can be quite complex. A power steering that malfunctions could cause a vehicle to swerve or the driver to lose control, leading to a serious injury crash. When a power steering fails completely, the wheels become terribly difficult or impossible to turn. Steering failure could also cause vehicles to drift into oncoming lanes of traffic, causing devastating head-on collisions.
If Your Vehicle Has Been Recalled
If your vehicle is part of a safety defect recall and if you are unable to have the recall work done or have it done without charge, there are a number of steps you can take. First, contact the dealer. Explain the situation explaining the work that needs to be done to fix the problem that generated the safety recall.
If you have the manufacturer’s notification letter, that will help explain your concern. If this doesn’t help, contact the manufacturer. You can find a toll-free number for the automaker on your notification letter. If that fails, contact NHTSA. You can write to NHTSA, call them toll-free or e-mail them with your concerns.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of an auto defect, it is important that you contact an experienced auto defect lawyer who can help hold the negligent manufacturer accountable and help you seek and obtain maximum compensation for your losses.
