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Late September 2012, General Motors (GM) announced plans to recall over 425,000 Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Saturn vehicles due to a condition that could prevent proper engagement of the transmission PARK position.  This could allow the vehicle to roll-away unattended. 

GM detected this potential condition during analysis of unusually high warranty claims associated with the transmission shift control cable.  During subsequent laboratory analysis, engineers determined that portions of the plastic retention clips that secure the cable to the transmission were fracturing, thus allowing the cable to move abnormally within the retention bracket.  According to GM documents, this condition can cause the transmission shift indicator to falsely indicate the transmission gear position, leading the operator to conclude the transmission is in PARK when it is not.  Further, this condition could allow removal of the ignition key in a non-PARK position.  If the parking brake is not applied or does not hold, the vehicle could roll-away unintended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.    

The recalled vehicles include the 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission.  

For more information please contact Scott King, Automotive / Mechanical Engineer with DJS Associates at rsk@forensicDJS.com or

by phone at 215-659-2010.

, with DJS Associates, Inc., can be reached via email at experts@forensicDJS.com or via phone at 215-659-2010.