The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·13V105000·Announced 2013-03-28

General Motors Recalls 2013 Buick Encore for Steering Wheel Fastener Defect

General Motors is recalling 2013 Buick Encore vehicles with heated steering wheels because the fastener may not be properly installed, risking the wheel separating from the column.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (steering wheel separation) that could lead to loss of steering and a crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

General Motors LLC is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured between December 9, 2012, and December 28, 2012. The recall applies specifically to vehicles equipped with a heated steering wheel. The defect involves the steering wheel fastener, which may not have been properly installed during production.

If the steering wheel separates from the steering column while driving, the driver could lose the ability to steer, increasing the risk of a crash. General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and make any necessary repairs on the steering wheel at no charge to the customer. The safety recall began on May 21, 2013.

Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300 for more information. This is General Motors campaign number 13098. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.safercar.gov.

The recalled product

Product
BUICK ENCORE
Brand
BUICK
Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
Category
Vehicle — Steering System
Hazard
Affected units
144

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • ENCORE

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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