General Motors (GM) is recalling 258,000 vehicles in the United States and Canada due to electrical malfunctioning that could pose a fire hazard. The affected vehicles include the Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender, and SAAB 9-7x model years 2006-2007. Specifically, the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL are also included. Of the 258,000 recalled vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that approximately 249,260 are located within the United States. The affected vehicles were originally sold or are currently registered in the District of Columbia, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. For consumer reference, the NHTSA Campaign ID number is 12V406000.
The safety issue arises in areas where chemicals or salt are used to clear the roads during winter. Fluid may seep into the driver’s door, corroding the power-window and door-switch circuit boards. This may result in a short circuit within the driver’s door, causing the Driver’s Master Power Window switch and door lock controls to break. The switches may occasionally malfunction, or they may cease to work entirely. Overheating may result, potentially melting the components within the driver’s door. This can cause strange odors, smoke, and possible fire hazards. Fire hazards increase the risk of consumer injury.
The affected vehicles were built on the GMT 360 and GMT 370 platforms. An NHTSA investigation of door fire concerns began in February of 2012. As of June 2012, there were 28 reports of fire due to electrical malfunctioning within the driver’s door. No incidents of consumer injury have been reported. General Motors no longer manufactures any of the affected vehicles.
Although a notification schedule has yet to be established, and General Motors is still finalizing a remedy plan, it has been stated that the power-window switches will be replaced free of charge. GM spokesman Alan Adler also stated in an e-mail that General Motors will conduct free repairs for all consumers, regardless of which state they live in. Owners will be receiving letters in regards to when they may schedule an appointment for the repair.
General Motors will notify owners of the affected Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles. Buick consumers may contact the owner center toll-free at 1-800-521-7300. Chevrolet consumers may contact the owner center toll-free at 1-866-694-6546, and GMC owners may contact their center toll-free at 1-866-996-9463. Isuzu Motors will notify owners of the affected Isuzu vehicles, and consumers may contact customer service toll-free at 1-800-255-6727. SAAB Cars North America will notify SAAB consumers, and owners may contact SAAB customer service toll-free at 1-855-880-0808. All concerned consumers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 or visit the safercar.gov website for more information.
