General Motors Co is recalling 473,841 Chevrolet, Pontiac and Saturn sedans to repair a a transmission shift cable problem that could lead the cars to roll when the drivers think they are in park according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The recall concerns a problem in autos with four-speed automatic transmissions on 2007-2010 Saturn Aura models, and 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 models.
The report states that tabs on the transmission shift cable may fracture and separate. This could cause a discrepancy between the actual position of the transmission and the apparent position of the shift lever and the vehicles could roll when thought to be in park.
NHTSA Recall Info:
Vehicle Make / Model / Model Year(s):
CHEVROLET / MALIBU / 2008-2010
PONTIAC / G6 / 2008-2010
SATURN / AURA / 2007-2010
Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
Mfr’s Report Date: SEP 18, 2012
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V460000
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Potential Number of Units Affected: 426,240
Summary: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.
Consequence: If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to ‘PARK’ and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in ‘PARK.’ The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. GM has not provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Notes: General Motors safety recall number 12106. Customers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to www.safercar.gov.