AAA Media Release

AAA is encouraging General Motors to work with independent repair shops to improve timeliness of recalls.

General Motors’ steps to change its corporate culture and take responsibility for failing their customers are essential. However, with more than 20

million vehicles recalled this year, General Motors (GM) CEO Mary Barra’s congressional testimony related to the status of recall

repairs was very disturbing. Millions of motorists remain at risk, yet GM has only shipped 400,000 parts for recalled vehicles. GM must take

steps to ensure the millions of motorists who own unsafe vehicles understand the severity of the issue and the need to have their

vehicle fixed. The volume of recent recalls may result in a “so-what” attitude among many consumers who have not experienced problems with

their vehicle.

With only 4,300 GM dealers in the U.S. tasked with making millions of warranty repairs, these critical safety repairs could be significantly

backlogged. With an issue like this, days delayed can equal lives lost. Independent repair shops number in excess of 80,000 in the U.S.

and many consumers already turn to them to assist with vehicle

maintenance and repair needs. GM could look to work with the

independent repair network for some of the simpler recalls, thus

allowing GM dealers to focus on the more critical recall work.”