Recall Alert: 739 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC Trucks, SUVs

GM is recalling 739 vehicles from the 2011 model year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The affected vehicles are the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV 1500; Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe; and GMC Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL.

The affected vehicles are being recalled because the intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts might not have been tightened properly. This could cause the joints to separate and lead to steering loss, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall is expected to begin on July 13. GM dealers will inspect the intermediate steering shaft bolts and tighten them, if needed. For more info, owners can call Cadillac at 800-458-8006, Chevrolet at 800-630-2438, GMC at 866-996-9463 or NHTSA’s hotline at 888-327-4236.

The Worst Hybrids for the Money

Every year, we determine which hybrids are the best for the money, based on body style. This year, we also take a look at the worst hybrids for the money.

What we mean by worst is this: hybrids that end up with a very low score after you divide the car’s combined EPA mileage estimate by its MSRP and multiply that number by 1,000. Our best finisher was the Honda Insight. Who was at the other end?

To be fair, many of the cars on this list are luxury cars, and you’re paying for that as much as you’re paying for the hybrid drivetrain. And some of these perform, percentage-wise, far better than their gas counterparts. (Take the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, for example.) And some shoppers, of course, want and/or need a large SUV but would like to make some kind of statement. Still, my 2003 Honda Pilot scores better (0.58) than all the cars on this list, and it’s not even a hybrid.

Here’s the bottom 10:

Recall Alert: 26,751 GM Trucks, SUVS

General Motors has expanded an earlier recall from last month over a potential problem with the rear axle/suspension, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Affected models include the 2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Colorado, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe; and GMC Canyon, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL. While the initial recall affected only 1,262 vehicles (and all the vehicles were trucks), now 26,751 vehicles (including SUVs) are affected.

In the affected vehicles, the rear axle cross pin was not manufactured correctly. As a result, the pin could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle, causing the axle to lock up. This condition could make maintaining direction control difficult, increasing the likelihood of an accident without prior warning.

GM is expected to begin the recall Jan. 25. Dealerships will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge on affected vehicles. For more info, owners can contact Cadillac at 866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 800-630-2438, GMC at 866-996-9463 or NHTSA's safety hotline at 888-327-4236. Owners can also go to www.GMownercenter.com.

Large SUV Sales Surge Faster Than Small Cars

Plug-in electric hybrids and electric cars have taken up much of the digital airwaves over the past few weeks (or years, depending on your perspective), but it may surprise you to find out that “passé” full-size SUVs are increasing in popularity once again. 

So far this year, full-size SUV sales have increased 19%, beating overall industry growth of 17%. The full-size SUV category is composed of large body-on-frame SUVs, like the GMC Yukon, and large crossovers, such as the Lincoln MKT and Chevrolet Traverse. 

Buick, Cadillac, GMC Incentives Hit 2010 Models

While Chevy has piled on a lot of deals for its 2010 models, GM’s other brands aren’t necessarily lagging behind.

GMC has a number of cash-back and financing offers, most notably up to $5,000 or zero-percent financing for 72 months on the Sierra. The Yukon and Acadia have $3,000 and $3,300 cash back, respectively, as well as zero-percent financing for 60 months.

Buick is a bit stingier, but it still offers $4,000 in customer cash on the Lucerne and 1.9% APR financing for 60 months on the Enclave.

Finally, Cadillac is offering zero-percent financing for 60 months on the CTS, CTS-V, CTS Sport Wagon, DTS, Escalade and STS.

As always, deals may vary by region, so be sure to talk to your local dealer and check out our incentives page here.

GM to Recall 1.3 Million Vehicles Over Heated Windshield Wiper System

Do you have a heated windshield wiper system on your 2006-2009 GM vehicle? If so, it’s likely part of a wide-ranging recall of 1.36 million vehicles including 18 different models of Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer and Saturn cars, trucks and SUVs.
 
The defect is a new one, and it follows a previous recall of the same system in the same vehicles. So if you’ve already had one recall performed, this is another you’ll need to address. Even if you’ve had the previous recall performed, the system may still have significant heat and melting issues that could lead to fire.
 
GM will be removing these systems completely from the vehicles and reimbursing owners $100. The systems will not be reinstalled, and GM no longer offers this option on new vehicles. The recall will begin on or before Monday. In the meantime, do not use the system.

The full list of vehicles is below, as are the customer service numbers for each division and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Feds Investigate Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon for Dangerous Door Handles

Complaints of door handles slicing into people’s hands have prompted a federal investigation of certain GM trucks. The primary targets of the probe are the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon from the 2007 and 2008 model years. The trucks have generated 64 complaints, GM says.

The silver-colored plating on the door handles may have been improperly applied by the supplier, and the plating can “flake or sliver” and cut into an occupant’s hand when grabbing the handle, GM says.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has gone from a preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis of the 2007 models (90% of the complaints have come from that model year). While this doesn’t mean a recall is imminent, an engineering analysis is the step just before a mandatory recall.

Door Handles on Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon Can Slice, Feds Say (DriveOn)

GM 72-Hour Sale: 0% for 72 Months

Maybe GM’s math skills got them into the trouble they’re in. Their just announced 72-hour sale starts today and runs through July 6, which is 144 hours by our count. Maybe they wanted to tie the sale name in with the sale terms, namely 0% financing for 72 months on select models for those buyers who qualify.

Included 2009 and 2010 models in the 0% for 72-months term are: Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra regular, extended and crew cab light-duty pickups; Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL SUVs; Chevrolet Impala; and the Pontiac Vibe, G3, G5, G6 and G8.

Other models have separate incentives you can find here.

Recall Alert: 27,188 GM Vehicles

GM has issued a recall for 27,188 vehicles from the 2009 model year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Affected models include the Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT; the Chevrolet Avalanche, Colorado, Suburban and Tahoe; and the GMC Canyon, Yukon and Yukon XL.

The recall is due to a problem in the fuel system control module, which has a vulcanizing seal that may separate, allowing water to seep into the module. The water could cause a short circuit, possibly making the engine hard to start or causing it to not start at all or stall while driving.

Dealers will install a new fuel system module for free. Owners may contact Cadillac at 866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 800-630-2438 and GMC at 866-996-9463, or NHTSA’s hotline at 888-327-4236.

2009 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid at 2009 New York Auto Show

• Competes with: GMC Yukon Hybrid, Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
• Looks like: A mildly modified Yukon Hybrid
• Drivetrain: 332-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 with four-speed automatic and two electric motors; rear- or four-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: May 2009
• MSRP: $58,235-$61,080 (eligible for $2,200 federal tax credit)

GMC's upscale Denali trim line will become available for the Yukon Hybrid for the 2009 model year this May. The Yukon Denali Hybrid receives modest enhancements to its exterior, including new 22-inch chrome wheels and a more luxurious cabin. It features the same gas/electric powertrain as the regular Yukon Hybrid, and it gets the same EPA-estimated 21/22 mpg city/highway in rear-wheel-drive form.

The Yukon Denali Hybrid has seating for eight people in three rows. Standard features include heated and cooled leather front seats, heated second-row seats, a navigation system with a backup camera, and a Bose audio system. The SUV also features the MagnaRide adaptive suspension system.  

The Yukon Denali Hybrid's extra features come with a sizable price increase compared to the Yukon Hybrid, but if you're looking for a little extra luxury and can't stomach the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid's starting price of $73,135, the Denali might look like a happy medium.