GM Recalling Nearly 700k Utility Vehicles Because Liftgates Could Fail

General Motors has announced a new service action covering 686,000 midsize crossover-utility vehicles (CUV) because their rear liftgates could fail.

The latest recall by GM – which has taken major heat for safety problems over the last eighteen months – covers Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia CUVs sold during the 2008 through 2012 model-year, 2009 through 2012 model-year Chevrolet Traverses, and 2007 through 2010 model-year Saturn Outlooks.

According to a report posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, the affected vehicles are equipped with power liftgates whose gas struts may prematurely wear out. If that happens, the hatches could suddenly and unexpectedly fall.

The maker switched to a new strut design in spring 2012 that is less vulnerable to dirt and wear.

GM and NHTSA have received reports of 56 injuries related to the problem.

Owners will be directly notified in the coming weeks and will be offered free repairs that including replacing the suspect struts and updating the software that controls operation of the liftgates to prevent rapid closing.

Owners can confirm they are covered by the recall by going to the appropriate brand website, or NHTSA’s own site, www.safercar.gov. They also can call the government hotline at 1-800-327-4236, or phone numbers for the individual brands: 1-800-521-7300 for Buick, 1-800-222-1020 for Chevrolet, 1-800-462-8782 for GMC, or 1-800-553-6000 for GMC.

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