General Motors Recalling 313,000 Vehicles to Fix Fluid Leak in U.S.

General Motors Corp. said Friday it was recalling about 313,000 passenger cars and crossover vehicles to fix a fluid leak that could lead to the driver losing control of the vehicle.

The recall involves 275,936 vehicles in the United States, including the 2005-2007 Cadillac CTS and STS sedans, 2005-2007 Cadillac SRX crossovers, and 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice and the 2007 Saturn Sky convertibles. About 38,000 additional vehicles are under recall in Mexico, Canada, the Middle East and Asia, GM said.

GM said the seal on the rear axle pinion, which provides power to the wheels, does not meet all specifications and could leak fluid. GM spokeswoman Carolyn Markey said the leak could lead to the drivewheel jamming up and locking while the vehicle is being driven, possibly causing the driver to lose control.

There has been one crash reported in which the rear wheels locked because of the leak and hit another car. In a separate incident, a driver reported an injury after moving around in the car as the vehicle lost control.

Markey said there have been “a higher than normal” number of warranty claims because of the problem.

The recall is expected to begin in February 2008 and dealers will replace the pinion seal free of charge.

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