Chevy Recalls Over 100,000 Cruzes

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): CHEVROLET/ CRUZE

2011 Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS LLC Mfr's Report Date: MAY 05, 2011

NHTSA Action Number:N/A Component:POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Potential Number of Units Affected:100,308 Summary:

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 6, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 27, 2011 AND EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102, 'TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT,' AND FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, 'THEFT PROTECTION.' THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE THAT IS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED. IF THE LINKAGE IS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED, THE PRNDL SHIFT LEVER MAY NOT ACCURATELY REFLECT THE POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR. WITH THIS CONDITION, THE DRIVER COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO PARK AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN PARK.

Consequence:

THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER THE DRIVER HAS EXITED THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE FOR CORRECT INSTALLATION AND ADJUST THE SHIFT LINKAGE SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Notes:

GM'S SAFETY RECALL NO. 11142. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://http://www.safercar.gov/ .

2011 Chevy Cruze Turbo: GM's World-Class Compact Sedan

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $21,325 (Base price starts at $16,995)

Major Standard Features: 6-speed transmission; remote keyless entry;16-inch wheels; satellite radio limited subscription; OnStar’s concierge service; rear seat center armrest with integrated cup holders; air condition; tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel; traction control

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 1.4-liter engine/138

Standard Fuel Mileage: 26-city/37-highway

Competition: Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla, VW Jetta.

What’s New:

Not only does Chevy’s compact sedan get a new exterior design, but a new name too. GM has sent the aging Cobalt to car heaven, replacing it with the all-new, world-class Cruze. Unlike the Cobalt, which was available as both a coupe and sedan, the Cruze is currently available as a sedan.

Pros:

Besides a new name, the big change for the conservatively designed compact is its upscale, premium-class, two-tone interior with its sliding front-center armrest. To compliment the interior, the instrument panel features richly detailed instruments that backlit with LED technology. The LED lights provide an ice blue color illumination of the analog instruments. This is the same high-quality designed one can expect to find in the upscale Lexus-like Buick LaCrosse sedan.

In addition to the Honda-like interior fit-and-finish, the new Cruze is outfitted with features typically reserved for higher priced vehicles. In our Cruze, the vehicle was equipped with a 9-speaker audio system, power driver’s seat, rear audible parking sensors and a remote vehicle start system (an ap is available too).

Also leather seats, a nav system, heated front seats, lighted door sill plates, 18-inch wheels and a tricked-out version of the Cruze known as the RS is available. The RS Appearance package enhances the styling by adding rocker moldings, a rear spoiler and fog lights.

Moreover, unlike the vehicle the Cruze replaced, the front seats no longer makes us feel like we’re seated on the floor. The new Cruze's roomy front seats are both supportive and comfortable.