Repair And Fix it

To protect their consumers, vehicle manufacturers will recall any vehicle model that puts a consumers safety at risk. Due to safety belt buckle problems, steering knuckle problems and possible electrical shorts, Buick has recalled several vehicles to correct problems in their late-model cars. Under recall, needed repairs are completed free of charge.

2009 Buick Lucerne

On June 4, 2010, General Motors Corporation started a recall to correct an electrical system malfunction in 1,365,070 2009 Buick Lucernes. Under the recall, a fuse is added to the cars control circuit harness to reduce the risk of a electrical short on the printed circuit board.

Because additional problems concerning the heated washer fluid modules (HWFS) were reported after the electrical problems were corrected, dealers are also permanently disabling and removing the HWFS. The degree of damage around the modules varied from vehicle to vehicle. Some modules experienced slight melting while others had extensive melting of the plastic around the HWFS fluid chamber. An insert is being will be attached to the owners manual to indicate that the feature has been disabled and removed from the vehicle.

Buick

866-608-8080

Recall ID 10V240000 - electrical system

2007 Buick Lacrosse

Dorman Products Inc. is recalling 979 steering knuckles used in certain 2007 Buick Lacrosse cars. The steering knuckle parts being recalled are Dorman part P/NOS. 697-902 and 697-903. Both parts were sold under Dormans "OE Solutions" brand name. Due to a design defect, the steering knuckle in the HUB area could break and result in a loss of steering control. Dorman will replace the defective parts free of charge and reimburse for all labor charges. The recall began on February 23, 2009. Dorman can be contacted directly.

Dorman

800-523-2492

Recall ID 09E005000 -Steering

2009 Buick Enclave

General Motors is recalling 207,210 Buick Enclaves due to possible safely belt buckle restrictions. When the second row seat is returned to an upright position, the side trim may block the safely belt buckle from completely springing upwards. Applying force to return the second row seat to an upward position may result in the red release button being partially pressed. When pressed, the seat occupants will not be properly restrained. Under the recall, dealers are adjusting the second row side trim shields. Any damaged safety belt buckles will be replaced free of charge. The safety recall began on August 18, 2010. Buick may be called directly for information.

Buick

866-608-8080

Recall ID 10V3750000 - Seat Belt

In 1966, the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act gave the Department of Transportations National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) authority over safety-related auto defect recalls. NHTSA is charged with investigating consumer complaints regarding auto defects and managing the recall process when defects pose safety hazards or when part of the vehicle doesnt comply with federal safety standards.

Recall Initiation

Many recalls are initiated voluntarily by the manufacturer, after the manufacturer discovers through its own testing or consumer complaints that a safety defect exists. Other times, recalls dont happen until the NHTSA gets involved to investigate. If a manufacturer does not recall the defective vehicles willingly, NHTSA may obtain a court order requiring that the manufacturer recall the affected vehicles.

Notification Letters

Whichever way a recall is initiated, the manufacturer must attempt to notify registered vehicle owners of the safety defect and offer to repair the problem at no charge. Recall notification letters must be sent by first-class mail and are required to describe the defect and the safety risk posed by the problem and describe the offer for free repair including when the remedy will be available and an approximation of how long repairs will take.

Examples of Safety-Related Auto Defects

Safety-related auto defects are ones that pose risk of injury to owners of many or all of a certain vehicle make, model or equipment design. Examples include steering component defects that could result in a driver losing control of the vehicle, sticky accelerator controls that could cause a crash and wiring system problems that could result in a fire.

If you own a Jeep and learn that the vehicle has a manufacturers recall by searching the recall list from the Jeep.com website or receiving a letter, then you should make plans to have the issue taken care of as soon as possible. This is especially important if the issue is safety related. Knowing the proper procedure and options involved in dealing with a recall on your Jeep will help you get back on the road worry-free much sooner.

Contact Jeep Dealer

The first thing youll need to do when you learn of a recall on your Jeep is to contact your local dealer, according to the Jeep website. Even if the vehicle wasnt bought at that Jeep dealership it is acceptable to return it there since the manufacturer will be paying for the services.

Set up an appointment at your earliest convenience and bring the car down along with any information you have received about the recall.

Check For Manual Addendum

Often the letter that goes out from the manufacturer to the consumer will include an addendum for the owners manual. This may be a set of notes or instructions that address something the manufacturer didnt realize when the manual was originally published. Typically it has to do with the recall issue.

If your letter has one of these addendums, fold it up and put it inside your owners manual in the vehicle. Online recall notices will likely have the same information that you can print out.

Already Paid

If you had trouble with your Jeep because of the recall issue before the recall was sent out and had to pay for a repair, then you are likely entitled to a reimbursement from the manufacturer.

You will need proof of payment such as a receipt for the repairs, then send it to the Chrysler Recall Center, according to the Jeep website. Keep a copy for yourself.

Dealer Cant Or Wont Fix Free

If the Jeep dealership you take your vehicle to does not fix the recall issue in a reasonable time or claims it cant or wont do the repair without charging, then you should notify the manufacturer, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. The manufacturer requires all dealers to fix recalls without charge.

If you are still not satisfied with the results, write a complaint to the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission.

Limits On Recalls

The manufacturer does not cover recalls after the vehicle is 10 years old. The 10-year period begins when the Jeep is sold new for the first time, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.