Buick recalls handful of Encore SUVs for steering-wheel issue

General Motors is recalling 144 Buick Encore crossovers built between Dec. 9 and Dec. 28, 2012 that are equipped with a heated steering wheel. GM says the wheel fastener may not have been properly installed, which could cause the wheel to come loose while driving.

The problem happened when a GM plant in Korea had a parts shortage, which led to the Encore being fitted with the upgraded wheel sometime after they’d left the assembly line. The wheels were not properly fastened on those cars.

A stop-delivery order was sent to dealers on March 21.

General Motors will contact owners and make repairs free of charge, beginning April 12. Owners can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 888-327-4236 or contact Buick’s customer service at 800-521-7300.

By Jake Lingeman