The Economy

GM Recalls 20,000 Cadillacs

Sept. 21, 2010

Automaker will replace glove compartment assemblies in some Cadillacs from 2009 and 2010 model years.

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.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.