General Motors says it is recalling Chevrolet Cruze models built at its Lordstown, Ohio plant to check for possible sheering and transmission defects. The carmaker says the recall involves 154,122 cars.
It follows a limited recall last month when a customer reported having a problem with the steering. In fact, the steering wheel actually came off in the driver's hands. At the time, GM said it believed the problem was an isolated incident.
The new rall will check cars for a steering defect, while also checking for a potential transmission problem that could cause the Cruze to slip out of gear while moving or parked. The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports both potential problems are linked to workers not correctly installing some parts.
The paper quotes a GM executive as saying the company believes very few vehicles have either problem, but it is recalling all the vehicles to make sure.
The timing could have been better. GM reports sharply higher sales last month, in large part due to the popularity of the Cruze. The new compact is also a big reason the carmaker just reported earnings in excess of $3 billion.
Starting next month, owners of the Chevy Cruze will begin receiving recall notices. They will be instructed to take their cars to a Chevrolet dealer for an inspection to verify the transmission shift linkage is properly installed.
The Cruze, a high-mileage compact, was introduced last year, just at the time gasoline prices began to rise. High fuel prices are credited with fueling the car's popularity with consumers.
