GM Recalls 2011 Trucks and SUVs

Just the Facts:

• General Motors is recalling 7,507 2011 trucks and SUVs in the U.S., including the 2011 Cadillac Escalade and 2011 Chevrolet Colorado, in two separate recalls involving transmission and steering defects.
• GM is recalling 6,768 2011 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks over a defective transmission shift lever that could cause the vehicle to roll away, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• GM is recalling 739 2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado HD/LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra HD/LD and Yukon/Yukon XL models over loose steering bolts that could cause a loss of steering, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

WASHINGTON — General Motors is recalling 7,507 2011 trucks and SUVs in the U.S., including the 2011 Cadillac Escalade and 2011 Chevrolet Colorado, in two separate recalls involving transmission and steering defects.

GM is recalling 6,768 2011 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks over a defective transmission shift lever that could cause the vehicle to roll away, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"These vehicles may have been built with an automatic transmission adjustment clip that may not retain the shift cable in the correct position," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "The PRNDL shift lever may not accurately reflect the position of the transmission gear. The driver could move the shifter to 'Park' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in Park.

"The driver may not be able to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle could roll away as the driver or other occupants exit the vehicle or have exited, resulting in the possibility of the vehicle striking them or someone around the vehicle, or could result in a crash without prior warning."

GM dealers will install a new automatic transmission adjustment clip. The recall is expected to begin on July 19. Owners can contact Chevrolet at (800) 630-2438 or GMC at (866) 996-9463.

In the second recall, GM is recalling 739 2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado HD/LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra HD/LD and Yukon/Yukon XL models over loose steering bolts that could cause a loss of steering, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"The intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts may not have been tightened to the proper specification," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "This could allow the joints to separate, and the driver could experience loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash."

GM dealers will inspect and ensure that the intermediate steering shaft bolts are tightened to the proper specification. The recall is expected to begin on July 13. Owners can contact Cadillac at (800) 458-8006; Chevrolet at (800) 630-2438; or GMC at (866) 996-9463.

Neither recall involves any crashes or injuries, nor were there customer complaints on either issue, said Alan Adler, GM spokesman, in response to an e-mailed query from Inside Line on Friday.

Inside Line says: If you own any of the aforementioned GM trucks or SUVs, be aware that two recalls are in the works this month.