Chevrolet Recalls

On certain passenger vehicles equipped with electronic column lock systems (ECL), when the ignition switch is turned to "lock," the ECL prevents turning of the steering wheel. When the vehicle is started, the ECL unlocks the steering column. The vehicle is designed so that if the column fails to unlock when the vehicle is started and the customer tries to drive away, the fuel supply will be shut off stopping the engine. This prevents the vehicle from being driven when it cannot be steered. However, if voltage at the Powertrain Control Module is low or interrupted, the fuel shut off may not occur and the vehicle can be driven while the steering column is locked. If this occurs, a crash could occur.

On certain passenger vehicles equipped with electronic column lock systems (ECL), when the ignition switch is turned to LOCK the ECL prevents turning of the steering system. When the vehicle is started, the ECL unlocks the steering system. The vehicle is designed so that if the column fails to unlock when the vehicle is started and the customer tries to drive, the fuel supply will be shut off so that the vehicle cannot move when the vehicle cannot be steered. If voltage at the powertrain control module is low or interrupted, however, the fuel shut off may not occur and the vehicle can be accelerated while the steering system is locked. If this occurs, a crash could occur without warning.

Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and No. 214, "Side Impact Protection." These vehicles may have welds near the lower driver's side door hinge that do not meet specifications. In a crash, an occupant could receive severe injuries.

On some of these vehicles, either or both of the two body pressure relief valves (PRV) may not seal and could become inoperative during the life of the vehicle if the body installed on the vehicle does not protect the PRV from road debris. If a PRV does not seal, exhaust fumes could enter into the passenger cab and could cause possible illness, unconsciousness, or death.

On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position may corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper. Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the tailgate may drop even lower. Additionally, if there is cargo on the tailgate the cargo may fall off if the support cables fracture.

Certain minivans and sport utility vehicles built with second row 50/50 split bench seats or captain's chairs fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems." The seat latch anchor wire diameter is greater than 6.1 mm, potentially inhibiting the installation of child restraints.

Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." Some of these vehicles include incorrect statements on one of the air bag warning labels.

Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." Some of these vehicles were produced with a left low-beam headlamp that does not meet the photometric performance requirements of the standard. Light intensities below the minimum intensity requirements cause reduction in visibility down the road for the driver of the vehicle and intensities above the maximum intensity requirements cause increase in glare for drivers ahead of or approaching the vehicle.

This is an expansion of an earlier recall (02V-121). On certain sport utility vehicles, a fuel filter fitting can become disconnected. If this were to occur while attempting to start the engine, a no-start condition would result and fuel would be pumped out the fuel filter onto the ground. If the fitting becomes disconnected while the vehicle is in motion, the engine would stop due to inadequate fuel supply and cause a loss of power steering assist. If an ignition source were present, fuel leakage from a disconnected fuel filter fitting could result in a fire.

Some of these vehicles have an inoperative brake lamp actuating switch. If the switch does not function properly when the brake pedal is depressed, the brake lights may be inoperative. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle, a failure in the brake lamp actuating switch may also prevent shifting out of "Park". This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment".