Recall: 2013 Cadillac SRX for loose wheel nuts

A total of 18,871 crossovers with 18-inch wheels are affected.

General Motors is recalling 18,871 Cadillac SRX crossovers to fix wheel nuts that loosen over time, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

On 2013 SRX vehicles with 18-inch wheels, the lug nuts could loosen and cause a "creaking, rattling or grinding noise" in the wheel area. In addition, drivers may feel steering vibrations and the wheel studs could break, all of which could contribute to a crash, GM said. 

In October 2012, GM said it found loose wheel nuts on two of its engineering vehicles and later received four related warranty claims. In March and April, GM received six more reports of loose nuts. Some of the nuts were torqued at the lower acceptable range and loosened due to what GM described as a "rarely occurring rotor dimensional characteristic" – i.e., the bolts were misshapen.  

Dealers will rotate the tires and reinstall the same wheel nuts, replacing any if needed, starting June 3. Cadillac owners can contact GM at 1-800-521-7300 for more information.

In June 2011, GM recalled 50,500 SRXs from the 2011 model year to reprogram the passenger's airbag sensor. In March, 24,752 SRXs from 2013 were recalled to fix transmission software that could place the car in the wrong gear.

autos.msn.com