NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
46 reportsClear category filter130,000 miles · Jun 30, 2025
Engine And Engine CoolingSteeringSuspension
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that shortly after purchasing the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered that the catalytic convertor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The mechanic also inspected the vehicle and determined that t…
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The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that shortly after purchasing the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered that the catalytic convertor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The mechanic also inspected the vehicle and determined that the steering rack, front struts, and suspension control arms were also faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #11670219
Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2024
Steering
About 1 month ago While making a slow speed turn from a parking lot to a street the steering seemed to lock for no reason. After a brief moment the steering resumed normal function. I inspected the ignition switch and found nothing abnormal. Checked power steering fluid level, it was in the operating range. Unable to duplicate t…
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About 1 month ago While making a slow speed turn from a parking lot to a street the steering seemed to lock for no reason. After a brief moment the steering resumed normal function. I inspected the ignition switch and found nothing abnormal. Checked power steering fluid level, it was in the operating range. Unable to duplicate the issue at that time. On 3-9-23 while driving the vehicle started making an unusual noise coming from the engine. It seemed to be consistent with engine rpm. I believe it was the power steering pump. After stopping and starting the engine the noise was gone. A few minutes later while driving at slow speed the steering locked again, or the resistance was too great for my wife to overcome.
NHTSA ODI #11576701
Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2023
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering
No warning light when transmission went out. Traction control/stabiltrac service light came on, doors locking and unlocking, not stating what gear acadia was in. Check engine light eventually came on, after it stalled twice on highway. Vehicle is at gmc dealership service department and they are saying its not communicating and …
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No warning light when transmission went out. Traction control/stabiltrac service light came on, doors locking and unlocking, not stating what gear acadia was in. Check engine light eventually came on, after it stalled twice on highway. Vehicle is at gmc dealership service department and they are saying its not communicating and are checking wiring harness wires. I have replaced transmission and torque converter and now i dont know what to expect now. Only had it for 3 years so far. I almost got rear ended when it stalled twice before backfiring and a rough swift shift.
NHTSA ODI #11539579
Mileage unknown · May 19, 2022
SteeringUnknown Or Other
Every single GMC I have ever ran into there is an Acadia, the air conditioner never works. Maybe you guys should reconsider the assembly of your air-conditioning It’s exhausting spending money having air for all of five minutes and then it’s right back to the heat.
NHTSA ODI #11465338
105,000 miles · Feb 10, 2021
EngineSteering
I HAVE 2 ONGOING ISSUES, 1ST IS THE CAR WILL BE DRIVING FINE THEN GET A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND HAVE A CODE FOR CYLINDER MISFIRE. CAR WAS AT DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES WITH ISSUE AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE WHILE UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. MYSTERIOUSLY THE INTAKE HAS TO COME APART AND BE REWORKED SINCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, AND STILL HAS S…
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I HAVE 2 ONGOING ISSUES, 1ST IS THE CAR WILL BE DRIVING FINE THEN GET A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND HAVE A CODE FOR CYLINDER MISFIRE. CAR WAS AT DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES WITH ISSUE AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE WHILE UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. MYSTERIOUSLY THE INTAKE HAS TO COME APART AND BE REWORKED SINCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, AND STILL HAS SAME ISSUES. THE 2ND AND MORE CONCERNING ISSUE IS THE POWER STEERING. INITIALLY TOOK IN AND TOLD THE RACK AND PINION NEEDS CHANGED. STILL HAD SAME ISSUE AND TOLD POWER STEERING NOW NEEDS TO BE CHANGED, SO WE DID. SOUND AND STILL STIFF AFTER 2 RACKS AND 2 PUMPS. MECHANIC REFUSED TO WORK IT AGAIN. TOOK TO DEALER YESTERDAY. SAYS NEEDS NEW POWER STEERING PUMP. SO DEALER TOOK FOR A TEST DRIVE AND SAID IT'S STILL DOING IT AND NEEDS ANOTHER RACK AND PINION. AT WHAT POINT IS GMC THAT HAS A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE WITH STEERING GOING TO FIX THIS ISSUE. I CAN'T KEEP THROWING MONEY AT THIS THING AND I CAN'T FEEL UNSAFE IN IT. WHAT CAN I DO?
NHTSA ODI #11395603
100,750 miles · Oct 28, 2020
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC ACADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING FUNCTIONALITY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFOR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC ACADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING FUNCTIONALITY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND STEERING GEAR VALVE HOUSING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NIELSEN CHEVROLET (1 US-46, DOVER, NJ 07801) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A FEE FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,750.*DT*JB
NHTSA ODI #11366843
156,957 miles · Jun 23, 2020
SteeringSuspension
I STARTED HAVING STEERING PROBLEMS WHEN I WOULD SLOW DOWN TO MAKE A TURN ON A CITY STREET. THE STEERING WAS VERY TIGHT. UNSAFE CONDITION WITHOUT WARNING. I HAD THE POWER STEERING UNIT REPLACED, THEN I WAS TOLD THE RACK AND PINION HAD METAL IN THEM AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO FLUSH OUT THE METAL. I PICKED UP…
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I STARTED HAVING STEERING PROBLEMS WHEN I WOULD SLOW DOWN TO MAKE A TURN ON A CITY STREET. THE STEERING WAS VERY TIGHT. UNSAFE CONDITION WITHOUT WARNING. I HAD THE POWER STEERING UNIT REPLACED, THEN I WAS TOLD THE RACK AND PINION HAD METAL IN THEM AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO FLUSH OUT THE METAL. I PICKED UP THE CAR TODAY AFTER A COST OF $2,200. DROVE HOME ON CITY STREETS, SAME PROBLEM ONLY TIGHTER TURNING. CALLED THE MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD TO RETURN THE CAR. JUST LUCK I HAVE ANOTHER CAR TO DRIVE. SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS VERY UNSAFE CONDITION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11330438
89,000 miles · Aug 14, 2019
Steering
WHILE GOING UNDER 10MPH ON A ROADWAY, (3) DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, MY STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. I BRAKED AND THEN AFTER A FEW SECONDS IT RESUMED STEERING. GOT HOME AND MY HUSBAND CHECKED THE POWER STEERING FLUID, ALL FULL. CALLED LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE BUT MANY SURROUNDING YE…
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WHILE GOING UNDER 10MPH ON A ROADWAY, (3) DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, MY STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. I BRAKED AND THEN AFTER A FEW SECONDS IT RESUMED STEERING. GOT HOME AND MY HUSBAND CHECKED THE POWER STEERING FLUID, ALL FULL. CALLED LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE BUT MANY SURROUNDING YEARS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND HAVE BEEN RECALLED.
NHTSA ODI #11243898
105,000 miles · Jun 20, 2019
EngineSteeringTraction Control System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC ACADIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE STEERING SHOOK AND MADE NOISES. IN ADDITION, THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAIL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC ACADIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE STEERING SHOOK AND MADE NOISES. IN ADDITION, THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000.
NHTSA ODI #11221535
84,000 miles · Feb 12, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineSteering
WE BOUGHT THIS USED CAR FROM A DEALER DROVE IT ABOUT 4 TO 5 MONTHS AND THE LEFT SIGNAL LIGHT FAILED, SO WE CHANGED IT WORKED FOR ONE DAY AND THEN WENT DEAD AGAIN. TURNING LEFT FROM MY STREET THE STEERING WAS REALLY HARD AND HAD PROBLEMS TURNING LEFT BUT I DID FINALLY ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE SAME THING HAPPENED. FINALLY DRIVING …
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WE BOUGHT THIS USED CAR FROM A DEALER DROVE IT ABOUT 4 TO 5 MONTHS AND THE LEFT SIGNAL LIGHT FAILED, SO WE CHANGED IT WORKED FOR ONE DAY AND THEN WENT DEAD AGAIN. TURNING LEFT FROM MY STREET THE STEERING WAS REALLY HARD AND HAD PROBLEMS TURNING LEFT BUT I DID FINALLY ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE SAME THING HAPPENED. FINALLY DRIVING SUDDENLY WE SAW A TURN ENGINE OFF AND THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING LOUD NOISES AND WENT DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. SO WE KEPT GLIDING WITH NO ENGINE RUNNING AND WENT INTO A PARKING LOT. LUCKY FOR US THE CAR STOPPED RIGHT IN THE PARKING LOT. HAD TO BE TOWED FEW MILES TO A MECHANIC THAT TOLD US THE TIMING CHAIN IS BROKEN AND IN NEED FOR NEW ENGINE. WE TOWED IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND THE SAME THING WAS TOLD. SO NOW IT IS BEEN SITTING AT THE MECHANIC'S SHOP FOR TWO WEEK WAITING FOR NEW ENGINE TO COME IN . I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT AROUND 84000 MILES THIS CAR NEEDS A NEW ENGINE AND IT IS NOT CHEAP AT ALL. THE CAR HAS A SALVAGE TILTE BUT THIS DOES NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE PROBLEMS SINCE TOO MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN DOCUMENTING THIS PROBLEM, STEERING, ELECTRICAL AND FAILED ENGINE. WHY GM DID NOT RECALL THESE CARS FOR THESE FAILURE. THEY ARE PUTTING PEOPLE AND FAMILIES AT RISK AND WE ARE STUCK WITH THE REPAIRS AND THE BILLS PILING UP.
NHTSA ODI #11176450
Official recalls
5Apr 8, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202321200.
Jun 30, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured September 15, 2006, to February 29, 2012, and 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured August 17, 2006, to March 18, 2010. The affected vehicles, equipped with the power liftgate option, have gas struts that hold the power liftgate up when open. These struts may prematurely wear and the open liftgate may suddenly fall.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power liftgate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent the rapid closing of the lift gate, free of charge. The recall began on November 15, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 15240.
May 20, 2014
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through March 18, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the seat occupant increasing the risk of an injury in a crash.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. An interim notice will be mailed to owners in July 2014. A second notice will be mailed to owners once parts become available. The recall for the 2009-2010 model years began on July 11, 2014. The interim letter for the 2011-2014 model years were distributed on July 11, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14187.
Mar 17, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat mounted side impact air bag (SIAB) wiring harnesses may result in the SIAB and seat belt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Failure of the side impact air bags and seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash increase the risk of injury to the driver and front seat occupant.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2014. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14030. Note: Vehicles repaired as part of Customer Satisfaction Campaign 10085 and special coverage 10335 have already had the subject condition repaired and therefore are not included in the safety recall.
Apr 9, 2012
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, BUICK ENCLAVE, AND GMC ACADIA VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, WYOMING AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. SNOW OR ICE BUILDUP ON THE WINDSHIELD OR ON THE WIPER MAY RESTRICT THE MOVEMENT OF THE WIPER ARM, CAUSING THE WIPER ARM TO LOOSEN AND CAUSE THE WIPER TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE WIPER ARM NUTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2012.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2EA20002 · Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
Opened Aug 31, 2020 · Closed Aug 30, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts; Seat Belts:front; Seat Belts:front:anchorage
On August 31, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) EA20002, as an upgrade of Recall Query (RQ) RQ19003. This investigation, related to recall 14V-266, was opened to investigate instances of detachment of the flexible steel seat belt anchor cable attached to the outboard side of the front seats in vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The subject vehicles included model year (MY) 2009 through 2014 GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Chevrolet Traverse SUVs as well as MY 2009 through 2010 Saturn Outlook SUVs. These vehicles were previously repaired for this defect under recall 14V-266. The subject vehicle population is approximately 1.3 million vehicles. Special Coverage N192219480, issued in June 2019, addressed the subject defect in vehicles that previously received the recall remedy repair for subject recall 14V-266. The Special Coverage allows for component replacement for 12 years or 180,000 miles from the initial sale date, whichever comes first. Special Coverage N192219480 instructed service technicians to inspect the driver’s seat belt anchor cable for any damage to the protective sleeve and if damage was observed, the cable was replaced with a new sleeve as well as a new closeout piece that relocated the cable to mitigate the subject condition. In view of the Special Coverage conducted by General Motors, the high detectability of the subject failure, and the low rate of occurrence, this Engineering Analysis is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov. Please see the attached document “EA20-002 Detailed Closing Summary” for more a detailed closing resume summary.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Seat Belts:front:anchorage
On August 31, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) EA20002, as an upgrade of Recall Query (RQ) RQ19003. This investigation, related to recall 14V-266, was opened to investigate instances of detachment of the flexible steel seat belt anchor cable attached to the outboard side of the front seats in vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The subject vehicles included model year (MY) 2009 through 2014 GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Chevrolet Traverse SUVs as well as MY 2009 through 2010 Saturn Outlook SUVs. These vehicles were previously repaired for this defect under recall 14V-266. The subject vehicle population is approximately 1.3 million vehicles. Special Coverage N192219480, issued in June 2019, addressed the subject defect in vehicles that previously received the recall remedy repair for subject recall 14V-266. The Special Coverage allows for component replacement for 12 years or 180,000 miles from the initial sale date, whichever comes first. Special Coverage N192219480 instructed service technicians to inspect the driver’s seat belt anchor cable for any damage to the protective sleeve and if damage was observed, the cable was replaced with a new sleeve as well as a new closeout piece that relocated the cable to mitigate the subject condition. In view of the Special Coverage conducted by General Motors, the high detectability of the subject failure, and the low rate of occurrence, this Engineering Analysis is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov. Please see the attached document “EA20-002 Detailed Closing Summary” for more a detailed closing resume summary.
Seat Belts:front
On August 31, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) EA20002, as an upgrade of Recall Query (RQ) RQ19003. This investigation, related to recall 14V-266, was opened to investigate instances of detachment of the flexible steel seat belt anchor cable attached to the outboard side of the front seats in vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The subject vehicles included model year (MY) 2009 through 2014 GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Chevrolet Traverse SUVs as well as MY 2009 through 2010 Saturn Outlook SUVs. These vehicles were previously repaired for this defect under recall 14V-266. The subject vehicle population is approximately 1.3 million vehicles. Special Coverage N192219480, issued in June 2019, addressed the subject defect in vehicles that previously received the recall remedy repair for subject recall 14V-266. The Special Coverage allows for component replacement for 12 years or 180,000 miles from the initial sale date, whichever comes first. Special Coverage N192219480 instructed service technicians to inspect the driver’s seat belt anchor cable for any damage to the protective sleeve and if damage was observed, the cable was replaced with a new sleeve as well as a new closeout piece that relocated the cable to mitigate the subject condition. In view of the Special Coverage conducted by General Motors, the high detectability of the subject failure, and the low rate of occurrence, this Engineering Analysis is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov. Please see the attached document “EA20-002 Detailed Closing Summary” for more a detailed closing resume summary.
Seat Belts
On August 31, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) EA20002, as an upgrade of Recall Query (RQ) RQ19003. This investigation, related to recall 14V-266, was opened to investigate instances of detachment of the flexible steel seat belt anchor cable attached to the outboard side of the front seats in vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The subject vehicles included model year (MY) 2009 through 2014 GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Chevrolet Traverse SUVs as well as MY 2009 through 2010 Saturn Outlook SUVs. These vehicles were previously repaired for this defect under recall 14V-266. The subject vehicle population is approximately 1.3 million vehicles. Special Coverage N192219480, issued in June 2019, addressed the subject defect in vehicles that previously received the recall remedy repair for subject recall 14V-266. The Special Coverage allows for component replacement for 12 years or 180,000 miles from the initial sale date, whichever comes first. Special Coverage N192219480 instructed service technicians to inspect the driver’s seat belt anchor cable for any damage to the protective sleeve and if damage was observed, the cable was replaced with a new sleeve as well as a new closeout piece that relocated the cable to mitigate the subject condition. In view of the Special Coverage conducted by General Motors, the high detectability of the subject failure, and the low rate of occurrence, this Engineering Analysis is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov. Please see the attached document “EA20-002 Detailed Closing Summary” for more a detailed closing resume summary.
RQ19003 · Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
Opened May 28, 2019 · Closed Aug 31, 2020
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front; Seat Belts:front:anchorage; Seat Belts:pretensioner
On May 19, 2014, General Motors LLC (GM) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it would conduct Safety Recall 14V266 to address fatigue and separation of the flexible steel cable that connects the front outboard seat belts to the seat-mounted belt pre-tensioner in 1.4 million model year (MY) 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook, 2009-2014 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse (Lambda Platform) vehicles.The remedy was to inspect for signs of damage and replace pre-tensioner anchor cables as needed. Re-work was conducted to relocate the pre-tensioner anchor cable out of the occupant entry path. ODI has subsequently received four (4) Vehicle Owners Questionnaires (VOQ) reporting anchor cable separations with no apparent warning in covered vehicles after the Recall 14V266 remedy had been applied.ODI opened RQ19-003 to assess the effectiveness of the actions GM took in Recall 14V266 and review the full warranty and complaint data related to seat belt anchor cable separations and replacements. ODI continues to receive occasional cable failure complaints both for the subject vehicles and other GM models and model years that have also been previously recalled addressing this condition.Although the cable separation complaint rate is very low, over the past three years ODI has received two (2) additional VOQ?s citing belt cable separations for Lambda platform vehicles outside the scope of recall 14V266, (11217092, 11118075) and complaints for other GM models covered in a number of similar Safety Recalls:* 15V269, 2011-12 Chevrolet Malibu (11181115, 11288168); * 16V209, 2014-15 Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500 (11254364, 10935183, 10953851, 11025376, 11282043, 11288701, 11309884); and * 16V518 2014-16 Caprice Police Pursuit, SS (10905644, 10990669, 11340893).ODI's review of GM's data confirms the low potential failure rate for the vehicles covered by recall 14V266. However, ODI believes that complainants may not recognize accumulating cable fatigue damage from the visual cues available in routine vehicle use.ODI is upgrading RQ19-003 to an Engineering Analysis to more closely assess seat belt conditions and strength levels in the field. This work will include the collection of seat belt samples from a wider range of recalled and peer vehicles for detailed analysis and testing.The ODI reports (VOQs) associated with this RQ19-003 can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under the following reference numbers: 11144704, 11076704, 11185619, 11151922, 11164011, 10967518, 11113486, 11115648
Additional source detail variants (3)
Seat Belts:front:anchorage
On May 19, 2014, General Motors LLC (GM) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it would conduct Safety Recall 14V266 to address fatigue and separation of the flexible steel cable that connects the front outboard seat belts to the seat-mounted belt pre-tensioner in 1.4 million model year (MY) 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook, 2009-2014 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse (Lambda Platform) vehicles.The remedy was to inspect for signs of damage and replace pre-tensioner anchor cables as needed. Re-work was conducted to relocate the pre-tensioner anchor cable out of the occupant entry path. ODI has subsequently received four (4) Vehicle Owners Questionnaires (VOQ) reporting anchor cable separations with no apparent warning in covered vehicles after the Recall 14V266 remedy had been applied.ODI opened RQ19-003 to assess the effectiveness of the actions GM took in Recall 14V266 and review the full warranty and complaint data related to seat belt anchor cable separations and replacements. ODI continues to receive occasional cable failure complaints both for the subject vehicles and other GM models and model years that have also been previously recalled addressing this condition.Although the cable separation complaint rate is very low, over the past three years ODI has received two (2) additional VOQ?s citing belt cable separations for Lambda platform vehicles outside the scope of recall 14V266, (11217092, 11118075) and complaints for other GM models covered in a number of similar Safety Recalls:* 15V269, 2011-12 Chevrolet Malibu (11181115, 11288168); * 16V209, 2014-15 Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500 (11254364, 10935183, 10953851, 11025376, 11282043, 11288701, 11309884); and * 16V518 2014-16 Caprice Police Pursuit, SS (10905644, 10990669, 11340893).ODI's review of GM's data confirms the low potential failure rate for the vehicles covered by recall 14V266. However, ODI believes that complainants may not recognize accumulating cable fatigue damage from the visual cues available in routine vehicle use.ODI is upgrading RQ19-003 to an Engineering Analysis to more closely assess seat belt conditions and strength levels in the field. This work will include the collection of seat belt samples from a wider range of recalled and peer vehicles for detailed analysis and testing.The ODI reports (VOQs) associated with this RQ19-003 can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under the following reference numbers: 11144704, 11076704, 11185619, 11151922, 11164011, 10967518, 11113486, 11115648
Seat Belts:front
On May 19, 2014, General Motors LLC (GM) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it would conduct Safety Recall 14V266 to address fatigue and separation of the flexible steel cable that connects the front outboard seat belts to the seat-mounted belt pre-tensioner in 1.4 million model year (MY) 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook, 2009-2014 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse (Lambda Platform) vehicles.The remedy was to inspect for signs of damage and replace pre-tensioner anchor cables as needed. Re-work was conducted to relocate the pre-tensioner anchor cable out of the occupant entry path. ODI has subsequently received four (4) Vehicle Owners Questionnaires (VOQ) reporting anchor cable separations with no apparent warning in covered vehicles after the Recall 14V266 remedy had been applied.ODI opened RQ19-003 to assess the effectiveness of the actions GM took in Recall 14V266 and review the full warranty and complaint data related to seat belt anchor cable separations and replacements. ODI continues to receive occasional cable failure complaints both for the subject vehicles and other GM models and model years that have also been previously recalled addressing this condition.Although the cable separation complaint rate is very low, over the past three years ODI has received two (2) additional VOQ?s citing belt cable separations for Lambda platform vehicles outside the scope of recall 14V266, (11217092, 11118075) and complaints for other GM models covered in a number of similar Safety Recalls:* 15V269, 2011-12 Chevrolet Malibu (11181115, 11288168); * 16V209, 2014-15 Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500 (11254364, 10935183, 10953851, 11025376, 11282043, 11288701, 11309884); and * 16V518 2014-16 Caprice Police Pursuit, SS (10905644, 10990669, 11340893).ODI's review of GM's data confirms the low potential failure rate for the vehicles covered by recall 14V266. However, ODI believes that complainants may not recognize accumulating cable fatigue damage from the visual cues available in routine vehicle use.ODI is upgrading RQ19-003 to an Engineering Analysis to more closely assess seat belt conditions and strength levels in the field. This work will include the collection of seat belt samples from a wider range of recalled and peer vehicles for detailed analysis and testing.The ODI reports (VOQs) associated with this RQ19-003 can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under the following reference numbers: 11144704, 11076704, 11185619, 11151922, 11164011, 10967518, 11113486, 11115648
Seat Belts:pretensioner
On May 19, 2014, General Motors LLC (GM) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it would conduct Safety Recall 14V266 to address fatigue and separation of the flexible steel cable that connects the front outboard seat belts to the seat-mounted belt pre-tensioner in 1.4 million model year (MY) 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook, 2009-2014 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse (Lambda Platform) vehicles.The remedy was to inspect for signs of damage and replace pre-tensioner anchor cables as needed. Re-work was conducted to relocate the pre-tensioner anchor cable out of the occupant entry path. ODI has subsequently received four (4) Vehicle Owners Questionnaires (VOQ) reporting anchor cable separations with no apparent warning in covered vehicles after the Recall 14V266 remedy had been applied.ODI opened RQ19-003 to assess the effectiveness of the actions GM took in Recall 14V266 and review the full warranty and complaint data related to seat belt anchor cable separations and replacements. ODI continues to receive occasional cable failure complaints both for the subject vehicles and other GM models and model years that have also been previously recalled addressing this condition.Although the cable separation complaint rate is very low, over the past three years ODI has received two (2) additional VOQ?s citing belt cable separations for Lambda platform vehicles outside the scope of recall 14V266, (11217092, 11118075) and complaints for other GM models covered in a number of similar Safety Recalls:* 15V269, 2011-12 Chevrolet Malibu (11181115, 11288168); * 16V209, 2014-15 Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500 (11254364, 10935183, 10953851, 11025376, 11282043, 11288701, 11309884); and * 16V518 2014-16 Caprice Police Pursuit, SS (10905644, 10990669, 11340893).ODI's review of GM's data confirms the low potential failure rate for the vehicles covered by recall 14V266. However, ODI believes that complainants may not recognize accumulating cable fatigue damage from the visual cues available in routine vehicle use.ODI is upgrading RQ19-003 to an Engineering Analysis to more closely assess seat belt conditions and strength levels in the field. This work will include the collection of seat belt samples from a wider range of recalled and peer vehicles for detailed analysis and testing.The ODI reports (VOQs) associated with this RQ19-003 can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under the following reference numbers: 11144704, 11076704, 11185619, 11151922, 11164011, 10967518, 11113486, 11115648