Recall - Loss Of Power Steering Assist: Overview
SAFETYBulletin No.: 12221
Date: November 07, 2012
Subject: 12221 Loss of Power Steering Assist
Models:
2005-2006 Chevrolet Malibu, Malibu Maxx
2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Malibu Maxx
2005-2006 Pontiac G6
2008 Pontiac G6
2008 Saturn AURA
Equipped with Electric Power Steering
The vehicles involved in this Product Safety - Special Coverage were originally involved in Special Coverage 10183. Vehicles that have not had the repair performed under Special Coverage 10183 have been transferred to this Product Safety - Special Coverage.
Condition
General Motors of Canada has decided that a defect, which may relate to motor vehicle safety, may exist in certain 2005-2006 model year Chevrolet Malibu, Malibu Maxx; Pontiac G6 vehicles, and 2008 model year Chevrolet Malibu, Malibu Maxx; Pontiac G6; and Saturn AURA vehicles equipped with electric power steering. Some of these vehicles may experience a loss of power steering assist caused by electrical input signals within the steering column assembly. If the power steering assist is lost, a chime will be heard and the Driver Information Centre will display a "Power Steering" warning message. On some vehicles, the Service Vehicle Soon light will also illuminate. The vehicle can still be steered in a safe manner but will require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds or when stopped. Unless a driver compensates for this additional steering effort, loss of power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash.
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.
On 2005 & 2006 model year vehicles, dealers are to replace the steering column. On 2008 model year vehicles, dealers are to replace the power steering motor control module. 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 November 8, 2012 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 November 8, 2012 must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.
Vehicles Involved
All involved vehicles are identified by Vehicle Identification Number on the Applicable Warranties section in GM Global Warranty Management system. Dealership service personnel should always check this site to confirm vehicle involvement prior to beginning any required inspections and/or repairs. It is important to routinely use this tool to verify eligibility because not all similar vehicles may be involved regardless of description or option content.
Parts Information
Parts required to complete this safety - special coverage are to be obtained from General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales (GMCC&A).
Service Procedure
Steering Column Replacement - 2005 and 2006 model year vehicles
1. Remove the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement in SI.
2. Transfer the power steering motor control module to the new steering column.
3. Install the new steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement in SI.
Electric Power Steering Motor Control Module Replacement - 2008 model year vehicles
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.
Courtesy Transportation
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.
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 Notification
General Motors will notify customers of this safety - special coverage on their vehicles (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin).
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 November 30, 2013. 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.
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