Cadillac Escalade drivers shouldn't have passengers up front

It seems like every day General Motors is adding to its already extensive list of recalls. This makes 2014 a tough year for the automaker, bringing the total number of safety recalls up to 29.

Today's recall is for the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia full-size crossovers from 2009-2014 and Saturn Outlooks from 2009-2010. It affects 1,339,355 vehicles. The seatbelt cables are said to fatigue and separate over time, resulting in an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash. While it isn't the belts themselves that are to blame, it is a steel cable that links the belt to the chassis. Dealers are being instructed to hold sales of these vehicles, new or used, until the repairs are made.

Chevrolet Malibu models from 2004-2008 and Pontiac G6models from 2005-2008 with the previous generation four-speed automatics are being recalled due to shift cables that can prematurely wear, causing a mismatch of the gear position as shown on the gear shift lever. This directly affects 1,075,102 vehicles.

Cadillac is also being added to the list of recalls with 1,402 Cadillac Escalades and Escalade ESVs from the 2015 model year lineup due to improperly manufactured passenger airbag assemblies. The weld that links the airbag module to the chute, which is then linked to the instrument panel, is said to have not been sufficiently heated, potentially causing a partial deployment upon impact.

GM cancelled the sales of the Escalades in question and contacted 244 customers with the vehicles on the road, warning them that no occupants should sit in the passenger seat until the vehicle is repaired.

Finally, the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra full-size pickups also made the list. While it pertains to only 58 trucks, the issue deals with trucks equipped with the 220-amp generators. Retention clips that attach the fuse block to the body can loosen and can potentially lead to fire. While no injures or crashes have been reported, it would be a good idea to take a look and see if you have a recall notice in your mailbox.

It has been a bumpy road for GM, but we commend them for doing the right thing, now getting recalls out in a timely fashion.

By Brad Wiley