General Motors is planning a recall of more than 150,000 new Chevy Cruze sedans for potential steering and transmission problems. The automaker says the move is a proactive measure, not one motivated by any consumer complaints. This is the second time in two months that the 2011 Cruze sedans have been called back to GM dealers in order to address product defects.

In April, GM pulled more than 2,100 Cruze sedans off the road to check for defective installation in steering wheel columns. That recall was motivated by the report of an incident in which a Cruze's steering wheel had spontaneously released from the assembly while a car was in motion. No injuries resulted from the incident.

GM says this second Cruze recall does not stem from owner dissatisfaction. Neither the car company nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has documented any accidents or complaints due to the latest defects.

The first recall problem centers on the steering in 2011 Cruze sedans. General Motors has revealed nothing more detailed about the cars' exact difficulties other than it involves the covers surrounding the cars' steering shafts.

Along with the steering recall, over 120,000 car owners who drive automatic transmission versions of the Cruze will also get defect notices concerning the installation of transmission shift linkage systems. Both steering and transmission problems can be fixed simultaneously during the same recall appointment.

GM's recall announcement comes at a time when its new Chevrolet Cruze has become a top-seller for GM. The recalls will involve no inspection or repair costs for car owners. General Motors has not confirmed a specific date when the 2011 Chevy Cruze recall will actually begin.

GM is quick to note that the recall is a proactive step. Although it is a good to see an automaker taking action in the interests of consumer safety, it is important to note that all companies that manufacture and sell products to the public owe consumers a duty to make certain their products are free from dangerous defects. When a manufacturer's dangerous or defective product causes a personal injury, that manufacturer can face a product liability lawsuit filed on behalf of the people who were injured.

Source: Torque News, "GM recalls the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze for steering, trans issues," Patrick Rall, 5/5/2011