Product Safety - Hood Panel Adhesive Bond (Export Vehicles)

General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2007-2008 model year Cadillac STS-V export vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the adhesive bond between the inner and outer panels of the hood may not be to GM's specification. If a vehicle is driven at its maximum sustained speed (250 km/h), the outer panel may fracture and separate from the inner panel. Portions of the panel could strike a following vehicle and cause injury or property damage.

Dealers are to replace the hood and repaint the hood and fenders.

Involved are certain 2007-2008 model year Cadillac STS-V export vehicles listed below.

Important: Dealers are to confirm vehicle eligibility prior to beginning repairs by using the GM Vehicle Inquiry System (GMVIS).

For dealers with involved vehicles, a listing with involved vehicles containing the complete vehicle identification number, customer name, and address information has been prepared and will be sent directly to dealers. Dealers will not have a report available if they have no involved vehicles currently assigned.

The listing may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose other than follow-up necessary to complete this recall is a violation of law in several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the follow-up necessary to complete this recall.

Parts required to complete this recall are to be obtained from General Motors Service and Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please refer to your "involved vehicles listing" before ordering parts. Normal orders should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. In an emergency situation, parts should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.

Caution: When a hood hold open device is being removed or installed, provide alternate support to avoid the possibility of damage to the vehicle or personal injury.

1. Remove the hood assembly from the vehicle. Refer to Hood Replacement in SI.
2. Install a new hood assembly. Refer to Hood Replacement in SI.

Caution: Exposure to isocyanates during paint preparation and application processes can cause severe breathing problems. Read and follow all of the instructions from the manufacturers of painting materials, equipment, and protective gear.

Important: All paint finish repairs of rigid exterior surfaces must meet GM standards. Refer to the latest revision of the GM Approved Refinish Materials book to identify the paint systems you may use that have been engineered to meet GM standards. The GM Approved Refinish Materials book supplies all approved products, including volatile organic compound (VOC) compliant regulations recommended by the individual manufacturer, and detailed procedures for materials used in their paint system.

The latest version of the GM Approved Refinish Materials booklet is located on the Goodwrench website at www.gmgoodwrench.com. Use the service parts identification label to identify the type of paint technology, paint codes, trim level, and any special order paint colors on the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label.
3. Prepare and paint the new hood assembly. Blend the paint to the top of the front fenders. Refer to the SI and GM Goodwrench website for paint and body repair information.

Submit a Product Recall Claim with the information indicated below:

Refer to the General Motors WINS Claims Processing Manual for details on Product Recall Claim Submission.

Letters will be sent to known owners of record located within areas covered by the US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. For owners outside these areas, dealers should notify customers using the attached sample letter.

All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this recall must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this recall bulletin before customers take possession of these vehicles.

Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.

Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. A copy of the customer letter is provided in this bulletin for your use in contacting customers. Recall follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.

In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

Dear General Motors Customer:

General Motors has decided that a defect that relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2007 and 2008 model year Cadillac STS-V export vehicles. As a result, GM is conducting a safety recall. We apologize for this inconvenience. However, we are concerned about your safety and continued satisfaction with our products.

Important: 

Why is your vehicle being recalled? Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the adhesive bond between the inner and outer panels of the hood may not be to GM's specification. If a vehicle is driven at its maximum sustained speed (250 km/h), the outer panel may fracture and separate from the inner panel. Portions of the panel could strike a following vehicle and cause injury or property damage.

What will we do? Your GM dealer will replace the hood and repaint the hood and fenders. This service will be performed for you at no charge . Because of service scheduling requirements, it is likely that your dealer will need your vehicle longer than the actual service correction time of approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.

What should you do? You should contact your GM dealer to arrange a service appointment as soon as possible. Bring the enclosed customer reply form with you when you visit your dealer. The form identifies the repairs required. If you no longer own this vehicle, please let us know by completing the form and mailing it back to us.

Scott Lawson

General Director,

Customer and Relationship Services

Enclosure

08025