GM Recalls Crossovers Over Worry Lift Gates May Fall

General Motors is recalling about 686,000 midsize crossover utility vehicles made between 2007 and 2012 because their rear lift gates could fall off and injure people.

The recall covers about 94,000 additional vehicles outside the U.S.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, the vehicles are equipped with power lift gates that are supported by gas struts when they are open. The struts may prematurely wear and the open lift gate may suddenly fall.

The affected models are 2008 through 2012 model-year Buick Enclaves and GMC Acadias, 2009 through 2012 model-year Chevrolet Traverses and 2007 through 2010 model-year Saturn Outlooks.

GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power lift gate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent the rapid closing of the lift gate, free of charge.

The automaker has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 and Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM’s number for this recall is 15240.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.