The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released details on a new round of recalls issued by GM for the Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac SRX, Ford for its Focus, C-Max and Escape, as well as two older models, Subaru for the Legacy and Outback, which are actually the subject of two separate recalls.
The 2013 Buick LaCrosse, manufactured between April 25, 2012, through March 6, 2013, and the 2013 Cadillac SRX, made from May 29, 2012 up until February 18, 2013, are being called back to the dealerships because they have a software problem which may cause the transmission to shift into Sport Mode, thus leaving the car devoid of any engine braking. The total number of affected vehicles is 26,582.
Next up is Ford with a total of five models being recalled: certain 2013 model-year Focus, C-Max and Escape models (5,675 affected), as well as the 2004-2007 Freestar and the Mercury Monterey, manufactured between 2003 and 2006. NHTSA said 196,667 cars are affected. The new models may have had their child locking mechanism for the rear doors incorrectly installed, thus making it possible for the doors to be opened from the inside. The older cars may suffer corrosion and structural degradation of the third row seats’ anchor mechanism, which increases the chance of injury in the event of a rear-end collision.
A possible fire hazard and flying glass roof prompted Subaru to issue a recall. A very limited number of 2012 model-year Outback and Legacy models are affected. A faulty wiper motor bottom cover is prone to overheating and may cause a fire (16 cars), while the glass moonroof fitted to 14 cars is prone to flying off while driving, due to “the adhesive between the glass and retainer was inadequately applied.”
By Andrei Nedelea
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