GM is recalling approximately 213,000 certain model-year 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse and  Buick Regal sedans, and model-year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu sedans due to an issue with the rear suspension toe links. In vehicles located in states affected by cold winter weather conditions, the rear toe links may have received excessive electrocoating to protect against corrosion, which may become brittle over time and break away when contacted by road debris. Corrosion could accumulate on the toe link and eventually cause it to fracture,  reducing the driver’s ability to control the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

The recalled vehicles have been sold or registered in any of the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Parts for the repair are not currently available. GM mailed an interim notification to owners on Feb 15 and will send a second notification when parts become available, currently estimated to be in late March. Owners can call Buick at 800-521-7300, Chevrolet at 800-222-1020 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236 to learn more.

To resolve the issue, dealers will replace both the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners.

Vehicle manufacturers are legally required to repair any recalled issues or replace the defective part for free under the Highway Safety Act of 1970. If the dealership refuses to fix the problem or attempts to charge you for the repair, contact the manufacturer immediately.

Lemon Law Group Partners can assist car owners if they encounter any problems during the recall process with the manufacturer. Our attorneys deal directly with the manufacturer on the client’s behalf to quickly resolve the problem. In many cases, the attorneys get paid directly from the manufacturer so the client does not have to pay any attorneys’ fees to obtain legal counsel. For more information and a free consultation call 888-668-8581.