GM warns owners of recalled SUVs to park outside because of fire risk
As part of a big recall of almost 200,000 cars – including Chevrolets, Buicks, GMCs, Isuzus and Saabs – General Motors is warning the owners to park outside because an electrical glitch in the driver’s side door might cause the vehicle to catch on fire.
The recall of 193,652 vehicles includes the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL and 2006-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, SAAB 9-7x, and Isuzu Ascender vehicles.
GM said it knows of six fires and one injury caused by the problem among this group of cars. Previously, it recalled 249,000 similar models for the same problem. The original safety recall covered 20 states and the District of Columbia. Now, all states are covered.
Altogether, there have been 58 reported fires and 11 injuries.
The problem results when road salt, rainwater and other liquids enter the driver’s door electronic module and cause corrosion that creates a short in the circuit board. Such a short circuit interferes with the function of the power door lock and power window switches. It could also cause overheating, leading to a fire.
“As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made,” GM said in a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Dealers will test the driver’s door module of each vehicle. If the module is functioning properly, a protective coating will be applied to prevent corrosion. If the module is not functioning properly, it will be replaced.
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A third-generation Angeleno, Jerry Hirsch covered the automotive industry for the Los Angeles Times. He wrote frequently about consumer and safety issues in the car business and the relationship between the auto industry and the state and national economies. He has a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He left The Times in 2015.
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