GM Recalls 2016-2017 Chevrolet Suburban SUVs Over Mirror Safety Concern

Understanding the Safety Issue

General Motors has identified a potential safety hazard in certain Chevrolet Suburban full-size SUVs manufactured during the 2016-2017 model years. The vehicles in question were incorrectly equipped with a convex (curved) right-hand side mirror rather than the specified flat/non-convex mirror required for proper distance perception.

Why Convex Mirrors Pose a Risk

Unlike flat mirrors that provide accurate distance representation, convex mirrors create a slight fish-eye effect that:

• Makes objects appear smaller than they actually are
• Creates the illusion that vehicles are further away than reality
• May cause drivers to misjudge safe merging or lane change timing

This distortion effect significantly increases the risk of side-impact collisions, particularly during highway driving or when changing lanes in heavy traffic conditions.

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Official Recall Remediation

GM has authorized the following corrective actions to be performed at no cost to vehicle owners:

• Replacement of convex right-side mirror with proper flat mirror assembly
• Addition of a new informational page to the owner's manual supplement
• Inclusion of official customer notification documentation

What Suburban Owners Should Do

If you own a 2016-2017 Chevrolet Suburban, follow these steps immediately:

1. Verify Your Vehicle's Status

Check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through these official channels:

• GM Customer Service: 800-222-1020
• NHTSA Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236
• Online Database: Visit safercar.gov for instant VIN lookup

2. Schedule Prompt Repairs

Once confirmed, contact your local Chevrolet dealership's service department to:

• Schedule mirror replacement appointment
• Verify parts availability (some dealers may need to order the correct mirror)
• Request a loaner vehicle if repair will take more than a day
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Understanding Your Rights

As a vehicle owner affected by this safety recall, you should be aware of several important consumer protections:

Recall Repair Guarantees

• All recall-related repairs must be performed free of charge
• The fix should take no more than 1-2 hours of service time
• Dealers cannot legally charge diagnostic fees for recall work

Alternative Transportation Options

If your dealer cannot complete the repair within one business day, you may qualify for:

• Complimentary rental vehicle (policy varies by dealership)
• Reimbursement for third-party rental expenses (requires pre-approval)
• Ride-sharing service credits in some markets
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Technical Details for Automotive Professionals

For mechanics and automotive technicians handling this recall, these are the key specifications:

Mirror Replacement Specifications

Service Procedure Overview

1. Remove interior door panel (if required for access)
2. Disconnect electrical connectors for mirror heating/defogging
3. Remove three mounting bolts
4. Install new flat mirror assembly
5. Test all mirror functions before reassembly

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Comparing Mirror Types: Safety Implications

This recall highlights the important differences between mirror types in automotive applications:

Flat Mirrors (Standard)

• Provide accurate distance perception
• Minimal distortion of objects
• Required by most countries for driver-side mirrors

Convex Mirrors (Commonly Passenger Side)

• Offer wider field of view
• Cause approximately 10-15% size reduction of reflected objects
• Typically include "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear" warning

Additional Safety Recommendations

While waiting for your recall repair appointment, consider these safety precautions:

Compensating for Convex Mirror Distortion

• Add 1-2 seconds to your visual distance estimates when changing lanes
• Use your rearview mirror more frequently to cross-verify distances
• Consider temporarily adjusting your mirror outward slightly to reduce blind spots

Enhanced Safety Checks

• Perform more frequent shoulder checks before lane changes
• Increase following distance in heavy traffic conditions
• Be extra cautious when merging onto highways

Historical Context of Mirror-Related Recalls

This Suburban recall follows a pattern of mirror-related safety actions across the automotive industry:

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Notable Past Mirror Recalls

• 2014: Ford F-150 mirror vibration issues
• 2018: Toyota Camry mirror detachment concerns
• 2020: Tesla Model 3 mirror visibility complaints

Industry analysts note that mirror-related recalls have decreased approximately 37% since 2015 due to improved manufacturing quality controls and more rigorous pre-delivery inspections.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the mirror replacement take?

Most dealerships can complete the repair in under two hours, though you may need to leave your vehicle for half a day depending on their service schedule.

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Can I install the correct mirror myself?

While technically possible, DIY repairs may void certain warranty protections. We strongly recommend having the work performed by a certified Chevrolet technician.

What if I already replaced my mirror with an aftermarket unit?

Contact your dealer - GM may still cover the cost if you provide receipts showing you addressed the safety concern before the official recall announcement.

Does this affect other GM vehicles?

Currently, only specific 2016-2017 Suburban models are included, though similar GMT K2XX platform vehicles (Tahoe, Yukon) use different mirror assemblies.

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