217,000 Vehicles recalled by GM

General Motors has recalled approximately 217,000 vehicles for leaking transmission fluid that can result in sudden vehicle stop and possible fire.  GM has discovered that two bolts were left out of the transmission start/stop mechanism and the bolt holes allow fluid to leak out of the transmission.  The resulting fluid leakage is also a potential fuel source and fire hazard.  The vehicles involved in this recall are as follows: 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Traverse, and GMC Terrain; 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2018 – 2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse; 2019 – 2020 Buick Encore, Enclave, Cadillac XT4, GMC Acadia, and Chevrolet Blazer; and 2020 Cadillac XT6.  General Motors expects to begin the recall on or about December 14, 2020. 

For additional information, owners can contact their dealers or visit GM’s website at www.gm.com/contact-us.html.

Buick Lacrosse Fires Caused by Faulty HDM Module?

During a recent investigation, it was learned that there have a number of complaints (posted on–line) concerning the inadvertent failure of headlights in Buick Lacrosse vehicles. The vehicle that we were working on was a 2009 year model but, the problem is apparently in 2007 year models as well. Basically, the complaint centers on drivers noticing that their headlights are going out for no reason while driving at night. Sometimes the headlights will come back on. The problem is not as noticeable during the day if the headlights are also used as day running lights. In the case that was investigated, a small fire erupted in the fuse block and specifically the HDM (Headlight Drivers Module) module. As a result, the wiring harness that is connected to the HDM module was also damaged and had to be replaced. It was later learned that headlight failure was also a symptom that had occurred at an earlier time. Although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recorded 13 complaints regarding 2009 Buick Lacrosse Vehicles, four complaints are directly related. As of the date of this blog entry, no recall for the HDM modules has been issued by NHTSA or General Motors.