GM Recalls Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Sonic

General Motors on June 13 announced new recall plans involving certain Chevrolet Sonic compacts, Buick LaCrosse sedans and Saab 9-3 convertibles. Together, the three separate actions add another 69,839 vehicles to GM’s tally for North American recalls in 2014. A total of 65,121 of these vehicles are in the U.S.

GM said it informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the new recall plans on June 11.

One of these recalls involves 21,567 2012 model-year Chevrolet Sonics equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Because of a supplier quality issue, the transmission turbine shaft might fracture. If this occurs in first or second gear, the vehicle will be unable to upshift into third through sixth gears. If the turbine shift fractures while in one of the higher gears, however, the vehicle will coast until it’s moving slow enough for the driver to downshift into first or second gear, GM said.

In both instances, a malfunction indicator lamp may illuminate. If driven in this condition for a long period of time, all forward gears may become inoperable. But the engine would continue to run and all power accessories would function, GM said.

Dealers will replace the transmission turbine shaft. GM noted it is unaware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities related to this condition.

A second recall covers 14,765 2014 model-year Buick LaCrosse sedans. A wiring splice in the driver’s door might corrode and break. That may communicate incorrect information to circuits that control the door chime and allow passenger windows, rear windows and the sunroof to function when the vehicle is turned off and the driver is not in the vehicle, GM said. In addition, a chime will not sound when the driver’s door is opened if the key is in the ignition.

Dealers will inspect the driver door window motor harness and, if necessary, replace an electrical splice. GM said it’s unaware of any thefts, crashes, injuries or fatalities related to this condition.

A third recall includes 28,789 2004-2011 model-year Saab 9-3 convertibles. An automatic tensioning system cable in the driver’s-side front seatbelt retractor might break. If this occurs, seatbelt webbing spooled out by the driver would not retract. The convertibles and sedans were investigated at the same time, but the convertible parts were not identical to the sedan parts. GM has since learned some customers have filed complaints about the issue with NHTSA.

Dealers will replace the driver’s-side retractor in the recalled vehicles. In addition, GM has issued a special coverage, so that if the same repair is required to the passenger-side retractor it will be covered for the life of the vehicle.

GM also extended the special coverage for passenger-side belt retractors on the 2004 Saab 9-3 sedan -- from the original 10-year coverage to the life of the vehicle, just like the convertibles. GM said it is unaware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities arising from this condition.

In all three recalls, GM dealers will make the needed repairs free of charge. Courtesy transportation will be provided as needed.