General Motors has found itself in a somewhat embarrassing situation as the Detroit-based automaker revealed that some examples of its newly launched 2012 Chevrolet Sonic subcompact model might be missing an inner or outer front brake pad.
The automaker said it became aware of the problem on November 29 when a customer brought a 2012 Sonic into a dealership complaining about noises coming from the brakes. The company noted that here are no known crashes or injuries related to the issue.
GM has now issued a formal recall that involves 4,873 Sonic models built from June 2, 2011, through November 21, 2011, of which 4,296 were sold to U.S. customers and 577 to Canadian buyers.
In a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), GM said that a missing pad could result in reduced brake system performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
The company will notify owners and have its dealers inspect the front brakes for a missing inner or outer pad.
"If a brake pad is missing, dealers will install new inner and outer pads, a new brake caliper, and a new rotor. This service will be performed free of charge," GM said in a statement.
The safety recall on the 2012 Sonic is expected to begin on or before January 14, 2012.
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