GM Recalls 20,000 Cadillacs

General Motors has issued a recall of more than 20,000 Cadillacs to replace the vehicles' glove boxes, which could pose an increased risk of leg injuries to unbelted front-seat passengers.

The recall affects approximately 20,224 Cadillac CTS all-wheel-drive and CTS-V vehicles from the 2009 and 2010 model years.

GM dealers will replace the entire glove compartment assembly free of charge. In some cases, dealers also will replace the structure behind the dashboard.

Crash testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that the glove boxes in the aforementioned Cadillac models pose a risk of injury to the femurs or thigh bones of unbelted small passengers, according to GM spokesman Alan Adler. He emphasized that "it's not an issue" for passengers who wear their safety belts.

"The potential pool of people that could be injured is quite small," Adler told IndustryWeek.

GM urges all motorists to wear safety belts, Adler added.

The recall is expected to begin on or before Oct. 20. Customers can call the automaker at (866) 982-2339 for more information.