Fire Hazard Leads GM to Recall 35,000 Cadillacs

General Motors Corp. said Thursday it is recalling about 35,000 1998 and 1999 Cadillac Sevilles because of an electrical short that could cause an engine compartment fire.

A fire could occur with the engine off and the car key removed, GM said. The auto maker has confirmed seven reports of fires as a result. None has caused injuries.

Most of the cars being recalled are model year 1999 Sevilles, with only 139 cars made in the last month of model year 1998 affected by the problem, GM said. The 1998 cars carry vehicle identification numbers greater than WU934376.

Because the fire could spread, Cadillac strongly recommended that the Sevilles not be parked in an enclosed area such as a garage.