Bulletin No.: 13125
Date: May 2013

Program Bulletin

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM
SUBJECT:

Front and Rear Door Handles May Stick or Bind

MODELS:

2013 Buick LaCrosse, Regal, Verano
2013 Cadillac SRX
2013 Chevrolet Cruze, Malibu
Equipped with Keyless Entry Feature (ATH)

CONDITION
On certain 2013 model year Buick LaCrosse, Regal, Verano; Cadillac SRX; and Chevrolet
Cruze and Malibu vehicles, equipped with the keyless entry feature (ATH), there may be an
interference condition between the outside door handle and the door handle bracket assembly.
This could cause the outside door handle to stick or bind in the open position when the door is
opened from outside of the vehicle. If this occurs, the door may bounce back when attempting
to close it. If the door does not latch, a warning chime will sound and a warning message in the
instrument cluster will illuminate. Tapping on the outside door handle or closing the door with
higher effort should free the door handle and allow it to latch.
CORRECTION
Dealers are to inspect and modify the front and rear outside door handles.
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, or
sent directly to export dealers. Dealers will not have a report available if they have no involved
vehicles currently assigned.
Copyright 2013 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

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Bulletin No.: 13125

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 program is a violation of law in several
states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the
follow-up necessary to complete this program.
PART INFORMATION
No parts are required for this program.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Note: Perform the service procedure on ALL vehicle doors.

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1.

Remove the cover cap that conceals the screw (1) from the inside edge of the door using a
small flat-bladed tool.

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Note: The door outside handle (2) must now be secured in the pulled position.
2.

Pull on the door handle (2) and hold it in the full open position.

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Bulletin No.: 13125

Caution: USE HAND TOOL ONLY. DO NOT TURN THE SCREW PAST 7 ROTATIONS
TOTAL; this will break the door handle bracket.
3.

While holding handle (2) in the full open position, using a manual 20 Torx, loosen the screw
(1) 7 full turns. The handle (2) will stay in the full open position without being held.

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4.

Remove the bezel with cylinder / cover and blank cylinder (1) from the door. If the lock
cylinder or bezel can NOT be removed, continue loosening the screw one full turn at a time
until the lock cylinder or bezel is removed.

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5.

Slide the door handle rearward releasing it from the door handle bracket.

6.

Open the door handle fully.

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7.

Measure the leg of the door handle as shown. Ensure the thickness is between 5.7 mm
(0.224 in) and 5.9 mm (0.232 in).

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 If the thickness is between 5.7 mm (0.224 in) and 5.9 mm (0.232 in), the door handle leg
does NOT require modification. Proceed to step 8.
Note: Removing too much material may create a rattle condition. The final thickness should be
5.7 mm (0.224 in).
 If the thickness is greater than 5.9 mm (0.232 in), use a flat file or fine grade sand paper
to remove material from the area identified by the arrows. Remove an equal amount
from both sides of the door handle leg. The final thickness should be 5.7 mm (0.224 in).
Proceed to step 8 after removing the appropriate amount of material from the door
handle.

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Bulletin No.: 13125

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8.

Install the door handle (1) to the door (2) as follows:
8.1 Insert the door handle into the door handle pocket.
8.2 Slide the door handle forward securing it into the door handle bracket.

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Bulletin No.: 13125

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Note: Handle will snap back to flush condition. Turn the fastener in the clockwise (right)
direction until proper torque is reached.
9.

Install the bezel with cylinder / cover and blank cylinder (1) in the door.

10. Hold the bezel or cover flush to the door sheet metal and turn the cylinder clamp screw (2)
until proper torque is reached. Tighten the screw to 3.5 Nm (31 lb in).

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11. Install the cover cap that conceals the screw (1) to the inside edge of the door.
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.

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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
V2826

Inspect All Door Handles

Labor
Time
0.6

Add: File/Sand Door Handle(s)

0.1-0.4

Description

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION – For US and Canada
General Motors will notify customers of this program on their vehicle (see copy of customer
letter included with this bulletin).
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION – For Export
Letters will be sent to known owners of record located within areas covered by the US National
Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. For owners outside these areas, dealers should notify
customers using the attached sample letter.
DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this program must be held and
inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this program bulletin before customers take
possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this program 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 involved vehicle 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. Program 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 program enters your vehicle inventory, or is in
your facility for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the program
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

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Bulletin No.: 13125
June 2013

Dear General Motors Customer:
We have learned that on your 2013 model year Buick LaCrosse, Regal, or Verano, Cadillac
SRX, Chevrolet Cruze or Malibu, equipped with the keyless entry feature, there may be an
interference condition between the outside door handle and the door handle bracket assembly.
This could cause the outside door handle to stick or bind in the open position when the door is
opened from outside of the vehicle. If this occurs, the door may bounce back when attempting
to close it. If the door does not latch, a warning chime will sound and a warning message in the
instrument cluster will illuminate. Tapping on the outside door handle or closing the door with
higher effort should free the door handle and allow it to latch.
Your satisfaction with your GM vehicle is very important to us, so we are announcing a program
to prevent this condition or, if it has occurred, to fix it.
What We Will Do: Your GM dealer will inspect and, if necessary, modify the front and rear
outside door handles. This service will be performed for you at no charge.
What You Should Do: To limit any possible inconvenience, we recommend that you contact
your dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for this repair.
If you have any questions or concerns that your dealer is unable to resolve, please contact the
appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below.
Division

Number

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

1-800-521-7300
1-800-458-8006
1-800-222-1020
65-6267-1752
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Text Telephones
(TTY)
1-800-832-8425
1-800-833-2622
1-800-833-2438

Courtesy Transportation: If your vehicle is within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, your
dealer may provide you with shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation while
your vehicle is at the dealership for this repair. Please refer to your Owner Manual and your
dealer for details on Courtesy Transportation.
We sincerely regret any inconvenience or concern that this situation may cause you. We want
you to know that we will do our best, throughout your ownership experience, to ensure that your
GM vehicle provides you many miles of enjoyable driving.
Jim Moloney
General Director,
Customer and Relationship Services
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