GM, Chrysler, Nissan launch recalls

General Motors is recalling 13,780 of its 2010 and 2011 Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS vehicles because of a risk of fire caused by a steering fluid leak.

Nissan is recalling 605,000 of its cars for issues with the steering column and batteries. Meanwhile, Chrysler is recalling 16,000 Jeep Liberty SUVs that have a faulty windshield-wiper system.

The steering fluid leak in the Buick Lucerne and the Cadillac DTS vehicles is caused by either the starter or alternator cable touching the steering return line and causing the steering line to wear through. The steering fluid could leak onto hot engine parts and ignite, causing a fire.

The GM vehicles in question are equipped with V8 engines. Owners of vehicles affected by the recall can take their cars to a dealership to have the lines secured or rerouted to prevent contact free of charge.

Nissan

Nissan will recall 303,000 Frontier pickup trucks and 283,000 Xterra SUVs because of a steering-column flaw caused by corrosion that could limit the movement of the lower joint and crack the steering shaft.

The company is also recalling 18,500 Sentra cars for a battery defect. The defect is in the vehicle's positive cable terminal and can cause difficulty when starting the car or stalling at low speeds.

The recall affects vehicles made between 2001 and 2010. There have not been any accidents or injuries as a result of the defect, according to Nissan.

Nissan will begin notifying owners of vehicles affected by the recall in December. These owners can take their vehicles to a dealership, where the faulty parts will be replaced free of charge.

Chrysler

Chrysler is recalling its 2008 Jeep Liberty SUVs because water could get into the windshield-wiper motor and cause the wipers to stop working.

Owners of vehicles affected by the recall can take their vehicles to a dealership, where the windshield-wiper motor will be replaced free of charge.

By Brad Constant