Recalls for 2011 Chevrolet Captiva

DEFECT #1 - STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID

Posted on: 2011-12-20
Description
General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 chevrolet captiva vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through april 21, 2011.  Driving the vehicle with the transmission in manual mode and in first gear causes the engine and power steering pump to operate at higher speed than is typical.  Increased pump speed generates heat that is transferred to the power steering fluid and can result in power steering fluid temperatures that approach the power steering pump reservoir¿s melting point.  

Consequence
After prolonged exposure to elevated fluid temperatures, the reservoir may leak.  Leaking fluid, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.  

Corrective Action
Gm will notify owners and dealers will replace the power steering fluid cooler with an improved version, free of charge.  An advisory letter to customers, along with instructions, will be mailed in january 2012.  When parts become available, gm will send another letter asking customer to take their vehicle to a gm dealer to have the repairs performed.  Gm anticipates parts will be available in march 2012.  Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.  

Notes
Gm's recall number is 11333.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .