General Motors Steering Defect Class Action

1. Overview of GM Steering Class Action

A class action (Case 1:13-cv-00437-LJO-GSA)  has been filed alleging widespread steering problems on GM vehicles.  It alleges problems in:

• 2009 through 2012 GMC Acadia,
• 2009 through 2012 Buick Enclave, or
• 2009 through 2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles.

The complaint alleges that even where Defendants (GM) agree to address consumer complaints of power steering being nonresponsive and/or completely failing, Defendants merely replace the defective rack and pinion, power steering pump, bushings, or steering gear with the same defective components.

2. Nature of Problem

The complaint says

“The class steering systems, equipped in all Class Vehicles, include the steering wheel, steering column, rack and pinion, steering pump, steering gear, steering gear bushings, and grommet at bottom, maneuvering the vehicle begins with the steering wheel, which is attached to the steering column.  From the steering column, the driver’s rotational input from the steering wheel is converted to linear motion through the rack and pinion.  A power steering pump employs hydraulic pressure to force directional movement with less action required by the driver. Clearly, the steering system is a very sophisticated system of interdependent components that are critical to the movement, direction and control of the vehicle.

The company  began to bring vehicles with the steering systems installed to the market. Unfortunately, these steering systems were plagued with numerous defects.  Dating back to 2008, if not before, Defendants were aware of the defects of the steering system. Defendants, however, failed and refused to disclose these known defects to consumers. As a result of this failure, Plaintiff and Class Members have been damaged.

3.  The Steering Defect Poses An Unreasonable Safety Hazard

Class Vehicles have habitually suffered steering system failure while in traffic, creating a very serious safety hazard. These failures often result in the steering wheel locking, loss of power steering while in motion, knocking, bumping, or grinding noises while turning, steering wheel instability, and steering wheel failure.