GM Recalls Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Sonic
Three separate actions add nearly 70K vehicles to the growing list of GM vehicles recalled in North America in 2014.

Photo of 2014 Buick LaCrosse courtesy of General Motors.

Photo of 2014 Buick LaCrosse courtesy of General Motors.
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.

Photo of 2012 Chevrolet Sonic courtesy of General Motors.
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.
More Safety

Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter
Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.
Read More →
Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-time Prevention
Commercial auto remains one of the most challenging and costly lines of coverage for fleet operators and insurers alike. Learn more about how to effectively address these issues from Onur Aksan, Enterprise Business Development Executive, Geotab.
Read More →
NAFA Fleet Safety Symposium to Collocate With 2026 Fleet Forward Conference
The daylong certificate program will precede the Fleet Forward Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.
Read More →
The Distractions You Can’t Turn Off: What Drivers Face Outside the Vehicle
Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.
Read More →
FLASH Weather AI Launches First Deep-Learning Hail Prediction Model With High-Resolution Forecasting
FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.
Read More →
How Coca-Cola United Protects Its Fleet from Growing Legal Risk
As litigation risk rises, vehicles are increasingly targeted. This Coca-Cola bottler shares how it’s reducing exposure through driver training, technology, and a proactive risk management approach.
Read More →
How to Speak the Same Language on Fleet Safety
Drivers, supervisors, and data often speak different safety “languages.” Getting on the same page will drive better results.
Read More →
Fleet Cybersecurity 101: What You Need from Your Technology Vendors
From identity management to third-party certifications, the right technology partner should make security easier to manage. Here are the three building blocks that fleet managers need to stay in control as connected systems scale.
Read More →
Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 2
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
