And here we thought that recalls were left behind in 2010. How silly of us. 2011 is barely a month old and we already have our first recall of the year.

Taking in the honor is General Motors->ke1024 who is recalling 26,751 SUVs and trucks from its 2011 model line-up. According to GM, the problem concerns a defect in the rear-axle cross pins, which were not heated properly and, as a result, could fracture and get displaced within the rear axle, creating an interference condition and, eventually, causing the rear axle to lock. This, in turn, could affect the driver’s ability to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning.

Affected GM models of the recall include the 2011MY Cadillac Escalade->ke245, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche->ke470, Colorado->ke1193, Silverado->ke1787, Suburban->ke263, Tahoe->ke472, GMC Canyon->ke1781, Sierra->ke241, Yukon->ke266 and Yukon XL vehicles.

As is the case with all recalls, General Motors has instructed their dealerships to install a new rear axle cross pin to any affected vehicle at no cost to the owner. As expected, GM's dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge, with the safety recall to begin before the end of the month.

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