Bulletin No.: 14234A
Date: September 2014

Recall Bulletin

PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL
SUBJECT: Transmission Turbine Shaft Fracture
MODELS:

2012 Chevrolet Sonic
With 6 Speed Automatic Transmission (Model 6T30 - RPO MH9)
And 1.8L Engine (RPO LUW)

The parts information section in this bulletin has been revised due to recent Service Information
procedure updates. As a result, part number 92139090 and 11516382 were removed from the
part list since it is not necessary to remove the control arms from the frame. The quantities for
part numbers 11517996, 13208672, and 11611963 were adjusted from quantity 1 to quantity 2
to account for disassembly on both sides of the vehicle. Part number 24231666 was adjusted
from quantity 1 to quantity 3. Part number 13231667 (quantity 2) was also added for the steering
gear bolts. Please discard all copies of bulletin 14234.
It is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle or any new or used item
of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by this notification under a sale or lease
until the defect or noncompliance is remedied.
All involved vehicles that are in dealer inventory must be held and not delivered to customers,
dealer traded, or used for demonstration purposes until the repair contained in this bulletin has
been performed on the vehicle.
CONDITION
General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain
2012 model year Chevrolet Sonic vehicles equipped with a 6 Speed Automatic Transmission
and 1.8L Four Cylinder Engine. These vehicles may have a condition in which the transmission
turbine shaft may fracture. If this occurs while in first or second gear, there will be no effect on
performance but no upshift to third through sixth gears will occur. If the fracture occurs while in
third through sixth gears, the vehicle will coast until it slows enough for a downshift to first or
second gear to occur, increasing the risk of a crash. In both instances, a MIL (Malfunction
Indicator Lamp) may illuminate and all of the forward gears may become inoperative if operated
in this manner for a long period of time (minutes or hours). The engine will continue to run and
all power accessories will remain functional.
CORRECTION
Dealers are to replace the transmission turbine shaft.
Copyright 2014 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

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September 2014

Bulletin No.: 14234A

VEHICLES INVOLVED
All involved vehicles are identified by Vehicle Identification Number on the Investigate Vehicle
History screen in GM Global Warranty Management system. Dealership service personnel
should always check this site to confirm vehicle involvement prior to beginning any required
inspections and/or repairs. It is important to routinely use this tool to verify eligibility because
not all similar vehicles may be involved regardless of description or option content.
For dealers with involved vehicles, a listing with involved vehicles containing the complete
vehicle identification number, customer name, and address information has been prepared and
will be provided to US and Canadian dealers through the GM GlobalConnect Recall Reports.
Dealers will not have a report available if they have no involved vehicles currently assigned.
The listing may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle
Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose other
than follow-up necessary to complete this recall is a violation of law in several
states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the followup necessary to complete this recall.
PART INFORMATION
Parts required to complete this recall are to be obtained from General Motors Customer Care
and Aftersales (GMCC&A). Please refer to your “involved vehicles listing” before ordering parts.
Normal orders should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. In an emergency
situation, parts should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.
When determining which parts will be necessary to complete this recall, assess the vehicle
symptoms and/or condition of the turbine shaft. In the majority of cases, none of the symptoms
above will be exhibited and the turbine shaft will not be broken/fractured so it will only be
necessary to replace the turbine shaft using everything in Parts List # 1*. In some instances
where the turbine shaft has broken/fractured, the vehicle will display the symptoms described
above and additional components may have been damaged due to the related debris so it will
be necessary to replace the turbine shaft using everything in Parts List # 2**.
Parts List # 1*
*For Typical Shaft Replacement – No Symptoms Above and Turbine Shaft Not Broken/Fractured

Part Number
24231698
24231696
24269583
88861037 US /
19264717 CA
12346290 - US
10953464 - CA
95017768
95017769
11517996
13208672
11611642
11589277
11570514

Description
RING,TURB SHF RET
SHAFT,TURB
SEAL KIT, A/TRNS SERV
FLUID,A/TRNS DEXRON VI
1QT US / 1L Canada (9 Req’d US or Canada)
Coolant, Engine (Dex-Cool)
(1 Gallon Container in US / 4 L Container in Canada)
GASKET, EXH FRT PIPE
GASKET, EXH MUFFLER
NUT, FRT LWR CONT ARM BALL STUD
NUT, WHEEL DRIVE SHAFT
BOLT, TRANS MT STRUT BRKT
BOLT, HFH, TRANS MT STRUT
BOLT, TRANS MT

Quantity/Vehicle
1
1
1
9
1
1
1
2
2
3
1
3

Page 3
11611963
13231667

September 2014
WASHER, WHEEL DRIVE SHAFT
BOLT, S/GR

Bulletin No.: 14234A
2
2

Parts List # 2**

**Only Used if Broken/Fractured Shaft if Found.
*** 9 quarts/liters of transmission fluid are allowed for the standard repair. In the event of a
broken/fractured turbine shaft, an additional 5 – 8 quarts/liters of transmission fluid are allowed for the
required flushing and flow testing the transmission oil cooler and lines.

Part Number
24231788
24231689
24259910
24231686
24231691
24231692
24261225
24231694
24231695
24231698
24231648
24258876
24231660
24230752
24231665
24237521
24231696
24261228
24231666
24231668
24231699
24231700
24231669
24231725
24231726
24231727
24231742
24231743
24269583
88861037 US /
19264717 CA
12346290 - US
10953464 - CA
95017768
95017769
11517996
13208672
11611642
11589277
11570514

Description
HUB, OUTPUT CARRIER TRFER DRV GR
RING, INPUT SHF SPD SEN RELUCTOR RING RET
PISTON, 3-5-REV CLU
SPRING, 3-5-REV CLU PSTN RET
PLATE,3-5 REV CLU
PLATE,3-5 REV CLU (3 required per repair)
PLATE, 3-5-REV CLU (W/FRICT MATL)
PLATE, 3-5-REV CLU BKG
SPRING, 3-5-REV CLU BKG PLT RET
RING,TURB SHF RET
HOUSING,3-5-REV & 4-5-6 CLU
SPRING, 4-5-6 CLU PSTN RET
DAM, 4-5-6 CLU PSTN
RING, 4-5-6 CLU DAM RET
PLATE, 4-5-6 CLU (WAVED)
PLATE, 4-5-6 CLU APPLY
SHAFT,TURB
PLATE,4-5-6 CLU KIT (Contains 4 Friction Plates)
PLATE, 4-5-6 CLU (3 required per repair)
PLATE, 4-5-6 CLU BKG
BEARING,REACTION SUN GR THR
HUB, REACTION CARRIER
RING, 4-5-6 CLU BKG PLT RET
BEARING, INPUT CARR THR
BEARING, INPUT SUN GR THR
GEAR, INPUT SUN
BEARING, INPUT SUN GR THR
BEARING, OUTPUT CARRIER THR
SEAL KIT, A/TRNS SERV
FLUID,A/TRNS DEXRON VI
1QT US / 1L Canada (14 - 17 Req’d US or Canada)
Coolant, Engine (Dex-Cool)
(1 Gallon Container in US / 4 L Container in Canada)
GASKET, EXH FRT PIPE
GASKET, EXH MUFFLER
NUT, FRT LWR CONT ARM BALL STUD
NUT, WHEEL DRIVE SHAFT
BOLT, TRANS MT STRUT BRKT
BOLT, HFH, TRANS MT STRUT
BOLT, TRANS MT

Quantity/Vehicle
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
14 – 17***
1
1
1
2
2
3
1
3

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September 2014

11611963
13231667

Bulletin No.: 14234A

WASHER, WHEEL DRIVE SHAFT
BOLT, S/GR

2
2

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Remove the transmission from the vehicle. Refer to Transmission Replacement
(With 1.6L or 1.8L Engine) in SI.
2. Inspect the condition of the turbine shaft and perform a turbine shaft replacement as
instructed below.
TURBINE SHAFT IS NOT OBVIOUSLY BROKEN/FRACTURED:
If the turbine shaft is not obviously broken/fractured, perform a turbine shaft
replacement by following SI procedures to replace all of the parts listed in
Parts List # 1 above. In these instances, it is not necessary to flush and flow
test the transmission oil cooler and lines as recommended in Transmission
Replacement in SI because there should not be any related debris in the
transmission if the shaft has not broken/fractured. For additional instruction,
refer to 3-5-Reverse and 4-5-6 Clutch Housing Disassemble (6T30) to
remove the turbine shaft from the clutch housing and 3-5-Reverse and 4-5-6
Clutch Housing Assemble (6T30) procedures in SI.
Important: To ensure proper alignment/installation of the low/reverse and 12-3-4 clutch components during reassembly, carefully review Low and
Reverse Clutch Assembly and Low and Reverse Clutch Plate Installation and
Low and Reverse and 1-2-3-4 Clutch Housing, and 1-2-3-4 Clutch Plate
Installation procedures in SI. Also note the photos below that show proper
alignment of the (543) Low and Reverse Clutch Assembly to prevent incorrect
installation and transmission damage. It is also recommended that GM
technicians log on to https://www.centerlearning.com/ and view a related
training video that is found at the 40 minute mark of 10214.07D July 2014
Emerging Issues Seminar by following this path: Resources>> Video on
Demand>> Enter 10214.07D in the “Search Videos” Field >> Click on the
Magnifying Glass Icon to search for the video. For Canada technicians, this
video can be viewed on the GM Centre of Learning (LMS) web site, which
can be accessed via the Single Sign-on process through Global Connect.
Click on the “Resources” menu option, and then select “Video on Demand,”
“GM Pro – Centre of Learning” and “Service Technical.” The video will be in
the list displayed on the page.
TURBINE SHAFT IS OBVIOUSLY BROKEN/FRACTURED:
In some instances where the turbine shaft is obviously broken/fractured,
perform a turbine shaft replacement and overhaul the 3-5 reverse and 4-5-6
clutch housing by following SI procedures to replace all of the parts listed in
Parts List # 2 above. In these instances, it is also necessary to flush and flow
test the transmission oil cooler and lines. For additional instruction, refer to
Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test, 3-5-Reverse and 4-5-6
Clutch Housing Disassemble (6T30) and 3-5-Reverse and 4-5-6 Clutch
Housing Assemble (6T30) procedures in SI.
Important: To ensure proper alignment/installation of the low/reverse and 12-3-4 clutch components during reassembly, carefully review Low and

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September 2014

Bulletin No.: 14234A

Reverse Clutch Assembly and Low and Reverse Clutch Plate Installation and
Low and Reverse and 1-2-3-4 Clutch Housing, and 1-2-3-4 Clutch Plate
Installation procedures in SI. Also note the photos below that show proper
alignment of the (543) Low and Reverse Clutch Assembly to prevent incorrect
installation and transmission damage. It is also recommended that GM
technicians log on to https://www.centerlearning.com/ and view a related
training video that is found at the 40 minute mark of 10214.07D July 2014
Emerging Issues Seminar by following this path: Resources>> Video on
Demand>> Enter 10214.07D in the “Search Videos” Field >> Click on the
Magnifying Glass Icon to search for the video. For Canada technicians, this
video can be viewed on the GM Centre of Learning (LMS) web site, which
can be accessed via the Single Sign-on process through Global Connect.
Click on the “Resources” menu option, and then select “Video on Demand,”
“GM Pro – Centre of Learning” and “Service Technical.” The video will be in
the list displayed on the page.
Proper Alignment of the (543) Low and Reverse Clutch Assembly (Zoomed In Below)

3961479
Proper Alignment of the (543) Low and Reverse Clutch Assembly (Zoomed Out Below)

3965414

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September 2014

Bulletin No.: 14234A

3. Install the transmission in the vehicle. Refer to Transmission Replacement
(With 1.6L or 1.8L Engine) in SI.
COURTESY TRANSPORTATION – For US and Canada
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer
inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranties. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within
the warranty coverage period and involved in a product program is very important in maintaining
customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle
service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no
charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual
for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.
WARRANTY TRANSACTION INFORMATION
Submit a transaction using the table below. All transactions should be submitted as a ZFAT
transaction type, unless noted otherwise.
Labor
Code
9100640
9100662

Labor
Description
Time
Turbine Shaft Replacement Using Parts List 1
8.3 *
Turbine Shaft Replacement & Overhaul 3-5 Reverse and 4-5- 10.3 **
6 Clutch Housing Overhaul Using Parts List 2
* Labor Time Includes Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe
Adjustment
** Labor time includes 2.0 hours OLH and Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel
Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment. Also includes time to flush and flow test the
transmission oil cooler and lines in the event of a broken/fractured turbine shaft.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION – For US and Canada
General Motors will notify customers of this recall on their vehicle starting 8/8/2014. However,
the related notification letter will also advise them that the parts required to complete the recall
will not be available until 8/18/2014 as shown in the example letter below.
DEALER RECALL RESPONSIBILITY – For US and Export (US States, Territories,
and Possessions)
It is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle or any new or used item
of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by this notification under a sale or lease
until the defect or noncompliance is remedied.
The US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act provides that each vehicle that is subject
to a recall of this type must be adequately repaired within a reasonable time after the customer
has tendered it for repair. A failure to repair within sixty days after tender of a vehicle is prima
facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time. If the condition is not adequately
repaired within a reasonable time, the customer may be entitled to an identical or reasonably
equivalent vehicle at no charge or to a refund of the purchase price less a reasonable allowance
for depreciation. To avoid having to provide these burdensome remedies, every effort must be

Page 7

September 2014

Bulletin No.: 14234A

made to promptly schedule an appointment with each customer and to repair their vehicle as
soon as possible. In the recall notification letters, customers are told how to contact the US
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration if the recall is not completed within a reasonable
time.
DEALER RECALL RESPONSIBILITY – All
All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this recall must be held and
inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this recall bulletin before customers take
possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall at no charge to customers, regardless of
mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.
Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which
there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer.
Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions
contained in this bulletin. A copy of the customer letter is provided in this bulletin for your use in
contacting customers. Recall follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the
customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.
In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your
dealership for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the recall
correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that
may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the tools,
equipment, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to
your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

We Support
Voluntary Technician
Certification

Page 8

September 2014

Bulletin No.: 14234A

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
August 2014
Dear General Motors Customer:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
General Motors recently announced that your 2012 model year Chevrolet Sonic was involved
in GM recall 14234. This letter is to inform you that parts are expected to be available to repair
your vehicle on August 18, 2014.
General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain
2012 model year Chevrolet Sonic vehicles equipped with a 6 Speed Automatic Transmission
and 1.8L Four Cylinder Engine. As a result, GM is conducting a safety recall. We apologize
for this inconvenience. However, we are concerned about your safety and continued
satisfaction with our products.

IMPORTANT





This notice applies to your 2012 Chevrolet Sonic.
Your vehicle is involved in GM safety recall 14234.
Schedule an appointment with your GM dealer.
This service will be performed for you at no charge.

Why is your
vehicle being
recalled?

Your vehicle may have a condition in which the transmission turbine
shaft may fracture. If this occurs while in first or second gear, there
will be no effect on performance but no upshift to third through sixth
gears will occur. If the fracture occurs while in third through sixth
gears, the vehicle will coast until it slows enough for a downshift to
first or second gear to occur, increasing the risk of a crash. In both
instances, a MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) may illuminate and all
of the forward gears may become inoperative if operated in this
manner for a long period of time (minutes or hours). The engine will
continue to run and all power accessories will remain functional.

What will we
do?

Your GM dealer will replace the transmission turbine shaft. This
service will be performed for you at no charge. Because of service
scheduling requirements, it is likely that your dealer will need your
vehicle longer than the actual service correction time of approximately
10 hours and 20 minutes.

What should
you do?

You should contact your GM dealer to arrange a service
appointment as soon as possible.

Do you have
questions?

If you have questions or concerns that your dealer is unable to
resolve, please contact the appropriate Customer Assistance Center
at the number listed below.

Page 9

September 2014

Division

Number

Chevrolet
Guam
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands

1-800-222-1020
65-6267-1752
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Bulletin No.: 14234A
Text Telephones
(TTY)
1-800-833-2438

If after contacting your dealer and the Customer Assistance Center, you are still not satisfied
we have done our best to remedy this condition without charge and within a reasonable time,
you may wish to write the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590, or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at
1.888.327.4236 (TTY 1.800.424.9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov. The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID Number for this recall is 14V315.
Federal regulation requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a
copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.
Jim Moloney
General Director,
Customer and Relationship Services
14234