Record Breaking Recalls: What GM is Doing to Save Face

General Motors has recalled an astonishing 66 different vehicle models in 2014 alone. In total, around 30 million GM vehicles have been recalled this year. This represents the largest automobile recall year on record, and we're only 8 months into 2014. 

Why GM Owners Shouldn't Be Concerned
While the recalls are seemingly endless, consumers should not be concerned with purchasing a new or used General Motors vehicle. GM is being proactive to remedy past wrongs. While customers are understandably worried, it shouldn’t be too much of a concern. There are plenty of automakers out there who know their vehicles malfunction, and they wait until there is a series of accidents before issuing a recall. 
Today's automobiles are incredibly complex pieces of machinery with numerous components from a diverse group of parts suppliers. Problems are practically inevitable. Thankfully, GM has stepped up to the plate and accepted responsibility for their vehicles' errors in a very public way. Any owners of GM vehicles who need to buy a truck during the process of these extensive recalls should check out the trucking classifieds at etrucking.com.

Why The Vehicles Were Recalled
Nearly half of the GM recalls were due to a faulty ignition switch. These vehicles were summoned in a series of recalls that started in February, and have continued into the summer. While the company does deserve a bit of criticism for delaying the recall process, at least the automaker is owning up to its mistake, even if it is a bit late. The ignition switches on affected vehicles can slide out of the “run” location when the vehicle is moving. This shuts off the engine and disconnects the power from the brakes, steering and sometimes the airbags. In total, 13 Americans have perished in the 54 crashes tied to the faulty ignition switches. Yet GM is taking the problem head on today. 
Other vehicle problems that prompted the recalls include malfunctioning power adjustable seats, faulty power steering, dislodged roof carriers, faulty turn signal bulbs, loose front suspension bolts, dislodged keys, damage to engine block heater power cords, malfunctioning superholds, overheating electrical systems, electrical shorts, unsecured floor mats, gasket leaks, hose failures, disconnected shift cables and more.

GM's Defense
GM vehicles actually perform much better today than they have in the past according to Consumer Reports. The popular magazines state that there is a substantial difference in GM vehicles' quality and performance in the last couple of years compared to those produced immediately after bankruptcy. This shows that GM is making progress over time, even though the massive recalls happened this year. The automaker is now handling problems immediately, before they develop the potential to become serious. This means that the automaker is addressing even the smallest of problems to prevent them from turning into major ones down the road. 

GM's Action Beyond The Recalls 
GM has spun the recalls into a positive by generating new sales out of the bad news. The automaker has offered unique one time deals to drivers who've brought their vehicles in for recalls. The company has also mailed out nearly 2 million letters from Chief Executive Officer, Mary Barra, to the owners of 2.59 million GM vehicles with faulty ignition switches. 
CBC reports that Barra told United States Congress on June 18 that GM's “culture is changing”. GM's willingness to recall vehicles even for minor problems shows their willingness to perform a comprehensive cleanup of their organizational fallibilities. 

The automaker has also launched a website specifically devoted to helping owners of the recalled vehicles. The website provides information about the recalls and offers advice to the owners of affected vehicles to prevent problems.

About the author

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan

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