General Motors is recalling certain units of the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze over an issue that prevents the proper aiming of headlights.
The defect:Â the headlight assemblies are not marked with a three-digit identifier code used to properly aim the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment.”
GM tells us that the headlamps are properly aimed by the GM assembly facility, and that the missing sticker may be necessary if headlamp aim is affected by a crash or other incident, which would require the headlamps to be aimed in servicing. What’s missing from the lamps, specifically, is the code VOR (Visual Optics Right) on the top of the lamp, and that the lamps function normally and can actually be aimed normally as well.
The hazards:Â without the identification code, the headlights may be improperly aimed during service, reducing nighttime visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Affected vehicles: 2016 Chevrolet Cruze LT and Premier manufactured November 5, 2015, to May 26, 2016. The recall applies to the all-new 2016 Chevy Cruze (D2 platform), rather than the outgoing 2016 Cruze Limited.
Number of vehicles affected: 32,913 vehicles (United States figure).
The fix: GM will mail owners instructions and adhesive labels containing the correct code to install on their headlight assemblies. Owners may also bring the vehicle to a GM dealership for any assistance with applying the label, free of charge.
Owners should: customers looking to find out if their vehicle is included in this Chevrolet Spark, Sonic and Trax recall should visit recalls.gm.com. There, owners will be able to enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see any open recalls as well as customer satisfaction programs. If the vehicle is part of the recall, customers should take it to a Chevrolet dealer.
Owners can also contact Chevrolet customer service with questions by using the following information.
Contacts:
- Chevrolet Customer Service: 1-800-222-1020
- GM Recall Number: 50190
- NHTSA Toll Free: 1-888-327-4236
- NHTSA (TTY): 1-800-424-9153
- NHTSA Website: www.safecar.gov
- NHTSA Recall Number: 16V498000
Comments
I’m sure it’s an easy fix.
In the meantime, though, I’m picturing a bunch of Cruzes driving around, looking like an automotive version of the late, great Marty Feldman. (“Eye-gor” in Young Frankenstein.)
It applies to the “all-new” 2016 Cruze, we have already done a bunch, the recall came out a month ago.
Yup, it indeed applies to the all-new Cruze. Though you’re right that the recall has been out for a while (since June), it was only published by NHTSA today (July 29, 2016).