Dangerous General Motors Defect Leads to Recall of 49,000 Trucks

America’s big car companies have been dogged by serious and life-threatening defects in recent years. A dangerous General Motors defect is again in the news after GM announced it is recalling nearly 49,000 trucks worldwide to fix a fuel tank problem that increases the risk of a fire breaking out.

The recall covers GMC Sierra 3500 trucks and Chevrolet Silverado trucks from 2011 through 2015 with two fuel tanks, reported USA Today.

Documents posted this week by the U.S. government warned a low-fuel-level sensor in the front tank can stick. The defect causes the rear tank to over-fill the front tank of these trucks.

Overfilling causes the front tank to expand and contact the drive shaft, possibly causing a hole and a fuel leak. When fuel leaks from a vehicle there is a serious fire risk that can endanger drivers and passengers.

General Motors said it has no reports of vehicles catching fire or injuries from the problem.

GM dealers will replace the rear tank fuel pump on the trucks, update software and inspect the front tank. Owners will be notified from Dec. 18 although parts available for repairs will not be available until February.

In 2014, America’s biggest carmaker recalled millions of cars after dangerous General Motors defect in an ignition switch was discovered. It was linked to sudden acceleration and the deaths of more than 124 people.

The Japanese carmaker Toyota, the world’s largest, has also been impacted by mass recalls in recent years including some linked to sudden acceleration.

This week, Toyota issued recalls for the 2018 C-HR and 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrids after faulty equipment was discovered.

The defect means some C-HR cars may be affected by a faulty electronic parking brake. The brake can fail to disengage or it can engage, putting it out of compliance with safety standards.

The defects impact about 28,600 model year 2018 C-HRs. Toyota said no injuries or accidents have been linked to the recall.

Toyota dealers will update the vehicles’ electronic control unit’s software, at no cost, to make sure the emergency parking brake operates properly.

Toyota’s Prius Plug-in Hybrid is subject to a recall over a faulty electric vehicle (EV) fuse that may cause a loss of power while driving.

An EV fuse may malfunction after intensive driving causing a total loss of power which could endanger the occupants of the Prius.

Our Virginia car accident injury lawyers are alarmed to read about these defects that could pose a serious danger to motorists. If you have been impacted by a defective automobile, tire or other device, please call us at (757) 333-3333.