Recall - Loss of Power Steering Assist (Canada Only): Overview
SAFETYBulletin No.: 10413
Date: January 27, 2011
Subject: 10413 - Loss of Power Steering Assist - Replace Electric Power Steering Motor (Canada Only)
Models:
2003-2007 Saturn ION
2006-2010 Chevrolet HHR (Non-Turbo)
The 2004-2007 model year Saturn ION vehicles involved in this Special Coverage were originally involved in Special Coverage 10187. Vehicles that have not had the repair performed under Special Coverage 10187 have been transferred to this Special Coverage.
Condition
General Motors of Canada has decided that a defect, which may relate to motor vehicle safety, may exist in certain 2003-2007 model year Saturn ION and 2006-2010 model year Chevrolet HHR non-turbo vehicles, equipped with electric power steering. Some of these vehicles may have a condition where a sudden loss of power steering assist could occur at any time while driving the vehicle. If the power steering assist is lost, the vehicle can still be steered, however, with greater effort (manual steering). The slower the vehicle is moving, the higher the steering effort. Unless a driver compensates for this additional steering effort, loss of power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash. When the power steering assist is lost, a chime will be heard and the Message Centre will display a "PWR STR" warning message. Typically the next time the vehicle is started, the power steering assist will return and the "PWR STR" message would no longer be displayed.
Special Coverage Adjustment
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 240,000 km, whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.
Dealers are to replace the power steering motor at the request of the customer, whether the above condition is present or not. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.
For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after January 27, 2011, are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to January 27, 2011, must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.
Vehicles Involved
Dealers are to confirm vehicle eligibility prior to beginning repairs by using the Investigate Vehicle History link on the Global Warranty Management application within GlobalConnect. Special Coverage Adjustments are displayed in the Applicable Warranties section.
Parts Information
Parts required to complete this special coverage are to be obtained from General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales (GMCC&A).
Customer Notification
General Motors will notify customers of this special coverage on their vehicles (see copy of customer letter included with this bulletin).
Service Procedure
1. Remove the power steering assist motor. Refer to Power Steering Assist Motor Replacement in SI.
2. Install the new power steering assist motor. Refer to Power Steering Assist Motor Replacement in SI.
Warranty Transaction Information
Submit a transaction using the table below.
* The amount identified in "Net Item" should represent the dollar amount reimbursed to the customer.
Customer Reimbursement
Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the condition described in this bulletin are to be submitted to the dealer prior to or by February 29, 2012. Repairs must have occurred within the 10 years of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, or 240,000 km, whichever occurs first.
When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:
- Proof of ownership at time of repair.
- Original paid receipt confirming the amount of unreimbursed repair expense(s) (including Service Contract deductibles), a description of the repair, and the person or entity performing the repair.
If the work was done by someone other than a GM dealership, the amount of reimbursement will be limited to the amount that the repair would have cost GM to have it completed by a GM dealership.
Courtesy Transporation
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranties. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product program is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.
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