(July 6, 2011) A class action lawsuit was filed in Detroit last week alleging General Motors fixed defective spindle rods in the police version of the 2007 and 2008 model Chevrolet Impalas, but did not offer to correct the problem in 423,000 Impala models sold to civilian owners.

The faulty rear spindle rods misalign the rear wheels, causing tires to wear out prematurely, the suit says.

GM issued recall bulletins in June and July 2008 for the police vehicles, and instructed dealers to replace the spindle rods, realign the wheels and replace the tires. The automaker also told dealers to reimburse police departments that had paid for repairs.

Automotive News reports that Donna Trusky, of Blakely, Pa., the sole plaintiff in the suit, bought an Impala in February 2008 and had to get her tires replaced after driving 6,000 miles, the suit says. The Chevrolet dealership where she bought the vehicle paid to have the tires replaced and paid for a front-end realignment, but Trusky wasn't informed of the issue with the rear spindle rods.

There were about 12,500 Impala police cars made in 2007 and an additional 11,300 built in 2008, GM said.

A GM spokeswoman, Carolyn Normandin, told The Detroit News the police version of the Impala was different from the civilian model. It has a special electrical system and special suspension system, Normandin said.

The lawsuit included 16 online complaints from Impala owners illustrating that other drivers have experienced defective rear spindle rods.

Scources: The Detroit News, Automotive News