A Chevy Sonic, apparently without front brakes
General Motors Co, has issued a recall of over 4000 of their current year Chevy Sonic subcompacts, because there is a possibility that they might be missing inner, or outer front brake pads. This recall is in effect for both Canadian and US vehicles as their internal research shows that between 20 and 30 vehicles were sold with missing brake pads. The issue was discovered during some routine maintenance on a rental fleet car.
Several questions arise. Firstly, what kind of terrible driver would take a car out for the delivery test drive, and not notice that a brand new car is not braking properly? Secondly, how bad are the normal brakes, for there to be so little difference between a car fitted with all the required mechanics, and one that is missing parts?
Third, quality control at GM’s plant in Orion Township, Michigan? This isn’t just a “oops, we goofed…” kinda mistake, it’s something that is essential if you want to stop in time and frankly, this does not restore any confidence in a company that is trying with all its might to impress and coax customers into buying American cars again. And lastly, but not least, whenever a new car is purchased, the dealer charges for “preparing and delivering” the vehicle, this fee is usually around 1500$ and covers stuff like removing the plastic seat and body panel factory covers, cleaning the vehicle and a little something called a freaking mechanical inspection apparently made by Mr.Magoo.
