GM recalls Chevrolet Sonic models to check for missing brake pads
By Christina Rogers, AutoWeek
General Motors is recalling 4,873 Chevrolet Sonic subcompact models to inspect for missing brake pads. The missing part could lengthen the stopping distance, potentially contributing to a crash, the company said today in a statement. The recall affects 577 Canadian cars.
The recall targets 2012 Chevy Sonic models. The subcompact car — a replacement for the South Korea-built Chevrolet Aveo — went on sale this fall.
GM said the company isn't aware of any crashes or injuries resulting from missing pads. The problem was discovered when a rental Sonic was brought in for warranty service.
The missing brake pads — part of a subassembly of components — fell off before the cars were assembled and had remained unnoticed at the bottom of containers being shipped to the Orion Township, Mich., factory, said GM spokesman Alan Adler.
"This has been fixed by adding a clip to the shipping containers," he added.
Delphi Automotive's subsidiary in South Korea provides GM with the brake assembly for the Sonic.
Customers affected by the recall will start receiving letters from their dealers Jan. 14. GM said it expects "very few cars" to be affected by the problem.
"Dealers will inspect the front brakes for missing inner or outer pads," GM said in a statement. If a pad is missing, the dealer will install a new one, and if necessary, a new brake caliber or rotor. There will be no cost to the customer, the company said.
The Sonic is the only subcompact car built in the United States.
GM moved production of the redesigned small car to Michigan after striking a plant-specific deal with the local union at the Orion Township factory.
As part of the agreement, 40 per cent of the plant's work force earn an entry-level wage, which starts at $15.78 an hour — well below the base $28-an-hour pay for veteran auto workers.
The factory, which employs about 1,590 hourly workers, also builds GM's all-new compact car, the Buick Verano.
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Posted by: Bob | 2012-01-03 9:15:16 AM
Do the people on the assembly line not even look at what they are doing? How is this even possible? Where are the training and quality control people? A total lack of care from everyone from the recieving workers who unpacked the calipers, the installers on the line and the QA who drove the car off the end of the line.
Posted by: replica watches | 2012-02-22 7:13:47 AM
What if Chevy could take that diesel mil and put it into a North American version of the Cruze wagon? Wishful thinking? Perhaps. The biggest obstacles maybe where the car would be built.
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