Buick and Chevrolet SUVs are being recalled over issues with spare tire jacks that could increase the risk of personal injury. According to General Motors, the issue impacts all units of the 2020 through 2022 Buick Encore GX SUVs and the 2021 and 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUVs.
The issue was discovered while a GM engineer tested the jack for durability in March 2021. Because of a positioning problem during testing, the jack fractured. Following this incident, the firm identified at least 21 reports of car owners experiencing similar jack fractures.
Jacks May Break, Exposing Person Under The Car To Serious Personal Injury Risks
News outlets have reported that the impacted vehicles come with spare tire jacks that can break while in use. This means that, if not used properly, the jack may fail to secure the vehicle while a person is underneath, attempting to change a tire or perform another fix. Considering this scenario can lead to severe injuries, GM is recalling all vehicles fitted with the defective jack.
Officials estimate that nearly 150,000 vehicles were fitted with the defective item.
GM Struggling To Produce Enough Replacement Jacks
Buick and Chevrolet dealers will begin replacing defective jacks with improved versions once GM has enough replacement parts available. Unfortunately, the automaker told news outlets that as of mid-June, the firm still didn’t have enough improved jacks to ensure all vehicle owners are properly protected. As a matter of fact, shortage in replacement parts will also impact new vehicles associated with the recall, which will be sold without an emergency jack.
GM said that once more jacks are available, replacements will be provided to current and future owners.
In order to avoid personal injury until the firm can produce enough replacements, the automaker is urging impacted car owners to call roadside assistance in an emergency instead of trying to use the spare tire jacks.
If you own one of the recalled vehicles and would like to know more about the recall, follow this link.
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