GM Recalling 135,000 SUVs Because of Bad Jacks

General Motors is recalling 135,000 Buick Encore GX and Chevrolet Trailblazer models because the vehicles jacks can break if they aren’t positioned properly. So far, GM has had 21 reports of the jacks breaking. The concern is that if the jack breaks while supporting the vehicle, the person working on the vehicle could be hurt.

GM Vehicles That Are Affected

The recall affects 79,404 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer crossovers. The recall also involves 55,996 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX models. The non-GX models are not included in the recall. GM informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the “vehicles are equipped with an emergency jack that, if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner’s manual, could fracture and fail to support the vehicle.”

According to GM, “If the jack fractures while under load, the vehicle could collapse, potentially injuring people near or under the vehicle.” GM claims that the plastic jack is fine, if it is positioned exactly as it is supposed to be according to the owner’s manual. However, the jack could fracture if the driver positions it incorrectly.

In a NHTSA report it says that a GM test driver reported a broken jack during a durability test on a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Another GM engineer also reported a problem. GM opened an investigation on April 20, 2021. GM analyzed the jack and confirmed that it failed because the user mispositioned the jack. GM’s investigation identified 21 field claims alleging that this jack failed in the field. According to GM, “Although the jack is sufficiently robust when used appropriately and per the included instructions, failures can still occur due to customer usage.”

How GM Will Fix the Problem

Once the recall is underway, dealers will replace the recalled jack with a metal jack with a different design. Undelivered vehicles will have the plastic jack removed prior to delivery and owners will be given a replacement metal jack as soon as one is available.

GM is expected to start notifying owners on July 26th,2021. Dealers will replace the jacks free of charge. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM’s number for this recall is A212335470.

If for any reason an owner has trouble before the recall is completed, DO NOT USE THE PLASTIC JACK. Instead, GM recommends owners contact the Chevrolet Roadside Assistance Center at 1-800-243-8872 or the Buick Roadside Assistance Center at 1800-252-1112.

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