GM Recalls some Cruze Models for Brake Problems

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on October 18, 2013

General Motors recently announced that they are recalling nearly 300,000 Chevrolet Cruze automobiles to fix a potential problem with the brakes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that GM is voluntarily issuing the recall for 292,879 Cruze cars from the 2011 and 2012 model years. The recalled cars are equipped with turbocharged 1.4-liter gasoline motors, six-speed automatic transmissions and an electric vacuum pump, which provides supplemental vacuum for brake assist, when needed.

According to GM, the potential problem involves the electric vacuum pump, which may not activate when needed. GM reports that when the pump is not activated, the driver could experience an unexpected reduction in braking power or a complete loss of brake assist. If this should occur, the driver would have exert extra force to stop the car and/or need a greater distance than anticipated to bring the car to a stop. In either case, drivers could rear-end another vehicle or collide with a stationary object.

GM began their investigation into the brake problems last year, when a field product report was issued for a brake performance complaint in July 2012. Their investigation found "27 potentially related reports with allegations of low-speed crashes and no injuries in driveways and parking lots on the subject vehicles."

GM has not yet announced the schedule for the recall, but owners will be notified about when to bring their Cruze model into a dealership to have a microswitch in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly replaced at no charge. Owners of 2011 and 2012 Chevrolet Cruze models affected by the recall can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 for more information.

Fortunately, no one has been seriously injured in an accident caused by the defective brakes on the recalled models. However, it’s easy to see how this problem could increase the likelihood of rear-end collisions with other vehicles, as well as collisions with trees, fences and other stationary objects often found in parking lots and driveways. If you have been injured by a defective product and would like to speak with an Orlando personal injury attorney with decades of experience and success with product liability cases, call 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) today and schedule a free consultation with James O. Cunningham. He has been helping people injured by faulty and recalled products since 1977 and excels at providing the best possible outcome for each client.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.