Buick and Chevrolet Sedans Recalled for Suspension Problem
Expansion of 2020 rustproofing recall includes models sold or registered in 22 states and District of Columbia
General Motors is recalling approximately 34,000 Buick Lacrosse, Buick Regal, and Chevrolet Malibu sedans from the 2013 model year to address a problem with the rear toe link—a key suspension component that keeps the wheels pointing in the correct direction. This recall is an expansion of a prior recall covering the same vehicles from earlier model years.
These vehicles may have had excessive corrosion protection (called electrocoating) applied to part of the rear suspension. Over time, this electrocoating could become brittle and break apart, exposing the metal toe link and making it prone to corrode. This could lead to the toe link potentially fracturing. If that happens, the driver may lose control of the vehicle. A GM spokesperson told Consumer Reports that the carmaker doesn’t have data indicating any crashes or injuries related to this recall.
According to GM, the vehicles affected by this problem were either sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These are collectively referred to as “corrosion states.”
The automaker says that in February of this year it opened an inspection to determine if there were other vehicles with this problem that fell outside the years of the initial recall. During the investigation, GM found eight 2013 vehicles with claims of toe-link fractures that occurred outside of the vehicle’s warranty period. All the vehicles had been registered and/or spent time in the high corrosion-rate states listed above.
The Details
Vehicles recalled: Approximately 34,000 Buick LaCrosse, Buick Regal, and Chevrolet Malibu sedans from the 2013 model year. Only vehicles that have been registered in the so-called corrosion states listed above are included in the recall.
The problem: During the assembly process, too much rustproof coating was applied to the rear toe link. As a result, the rustproof coating may begin to flake or chip off, leaving the part exposed and at higher risk for corrosion. If the part rusts, it may fracture and make it harder for the driver to control the vehicle.
The fix: Dealerships will replace the rear toe link and related parts free of charge as soon as the parts become available.
How to contact the manufacturer: General Motors expects to notify owners by mail beginning Sept. 27, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 800-222-1020. GM’s number for this recall is N212330130.
NHTSA campaign number: 21V6333. The initial recall number was 20V764.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.
Stay informed about recalls that might affect your vehicle using our Car Recall Tracker. Create a free account now to become a CR member.
