GM has issued a recall of certain 2012 model year Chevrolet Sonics, due to a failure in the windshield wiping system.
It is believed that 44,668 Sonics, manufactured between May 5, 2011 and February 24, 2012, are affected. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the windshield wiper washer hose on the Sonic has the potential to separate from the washer fluid reservoir. If this happens, the driver will be unable to get fluid to the windshield, causing dangerous disruptions in visibility.
At the end of last month, GM Product Investigations was informed of an unusually high number of warranty reports involving the hoses. The department launched an investigation that found that the disconnection was caused by an unsuitable lubricant being used during the subcompact car's assembly.
The decision to issue a recall was made on August 14. On that date, GM began notifying dealers; and it expects to begin sending notification letters to owners on September 7.
All potentially affected vehicles are still covered under warranty.
The Sonic is the only subcompact manufactured in America, and is Chevy's attempt to win consumers away from foreign competitors like the Mini and the Fiat 500. Much of the car brand's $545 million investment in the General Motors Orion Assembly Center in Orion, Michigan revolved around the model. Chevy credits its Sonic venture with the creation or retention of 1,800 jobs.
The current generation of Sonic went into production in 2011. It is sold round the world, though it is marketed as the Chevy Aveo in Europe and elsewhere.
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