WASHINGTON About 740,600 GM cars are being recalled for bright headlight reflections that can cause glare or distract other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The recall affects certain 2010-17 GMC Terrain compact crossovers, and comes after the NHTSA denied GM’s request to avoid fixing the problem earlier this month.
GM petitioned NHTSA in 2019 after determining the vehicles do not fully comply with FMVSS 108, which governs automotive lighting, signalling, and reflective devices.
Oncoming or surrounding vehicles or Terrain drivers are not affected by the noncompliance, GM claims.
The automaker told NHTSA it was aware of one customer inquiry in the US and Canada, but no crashes or injuries.
In its response to GM, NHTSA stated that “certain weather conditions such as snow and fog may cause veiling glare to other motorists.”
GM said in a safety recall report submitted after its denial that “Light reflected from the headlamp housing can be projected 80 degrees outboard and 45 degrees upward from the lamp’s forward-center axis. Light emitted from this single point on each lamp may exceed maximum designated “federal standard
The headlamp assembly is made in Battle Creek, Mich.
The report says the affected vehicles are older generation, and the current generation starts with the 2018 model year.
A fix is in the works.
Notifications began March 8. Owners will be notified starting April 23.
NHTSA has been contacted for comment.