GM, Chrysler recalling 30,000 vehicles in US

US automakers General Motors and Chrysler Group LLC have announced recalls of their vehicles in the US to address problems pertaining to power steering and faulty windshield wipers.

General Motors is recalling 14,245 Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne cars with V8 engines from the 2010 and 2011 model year to address potential problems with the power steering, while Chrysler is recalling 16,229 Jeep Liberty models over faulty windshield wipers.

The GM recalls comes on the back of reports of two fire incidents in late August that prompted an investigation.

Such contact could cause the cable to wear through the power steering line causing a power steering fluid leak and a loss of power steering. Contact also may wear away the cable protective wrap, conduit and wire insulation, so there is metal-to-metal contact, which could result in battery drain, GM said in a statement.

Owners of these recalled vehicles will receive a letter sent on November 19, 2010 from GM urging the owners to schedule a service appointment as soon as possible.

Chrysler's recall involves certain 2008 model year Jeep Liberty SUVs. Water could get into the windshield wiper motor and stop the wipers, which could reduce a driver's visibility and lead to a crash. Chrysler plans to notify its owners later this month.

So far, GM and Chrysler said no crashes or injuries have been reported in connection with the recalls.

Chrysler said it will replace the windshield wiper motors because faulty wipers could reduce visibility and lead to a crash.