In one of the most bizarre recall actions we’ve seen recently, General Motors will check 144 Buick Encores from the 2013 model year because, well – and hold on here- the steering wheel could come loose or separate from the steering column!
According to a GM filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall affects 144 Encores equipped with heated steering wheels and built between December 9 and December 28, 2012. GM said a steering wheel fastener on the Encore might not have been installed properly.
Needless to say, if the steering wheel separates from the steering column while driving, the risk of crash is as high as it gets, considering that the ability to steer will be lost.
The Encore compact crossover is built by GM Korea, and is a sibling to the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka and the Chevrolet Trax.
“There are no known injuries or crashes related to the issue,” GM said in a statement on Tuesday. The carmaker said it had contacted 59 customers who had taken delivery of Encores with heated steering wheels and their vehicles were being inspected. GM added the other 85 unsold vehicles were being checked out at Buick dealerships, with none found to have the issue.
General Motors will notify owners so dealers can inspect and make any necessary repairs on the steering wheel, at no charge to the customers. The safety recall is expected to begin by April 12.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
