Posts Tagged ‘electrical fire’

GM Sedans Equipped with eAssist Could Experience Trunk Fires

Wednesday, May 8th, 2013

General Motors have announced a recall for over 38,000 Chevrolet and Buick sedans equipped with its “eAssist” mild hybrid system. According to GM overheating of the circuit boards in the Generator Control Module (GCM) could result in loss of battery charge, the illumination of the engine malfunction indicator light, and in extreme cases, a fire in the trunk. Two trunk fires have already been reported as a result of the issue. (more…)

Dodge Challenger Dangerous Electrical Problem

Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013

Chrysler is recalling certain 2013 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured in December 2012 and January 2013 and equipped with a V6 engine. Some of these vehicles could experience an electrical short circuit between the starter motor B+ cable assembly electrical terminal and the starter solenoid. (more…)

Subaru Puddle Light Problem

Wednesday, January 9th, 2013

Subaru is recalling certain 2010-2011 Legacy, 2010-2011 Outback, 2006-2012 Tribeca, and 2009-2012 Forester vehicles equipped with accessory puddle lights. According to Subaru, moisture could get into the circuit board (more…)

Toyota Driver Window Switch Problem

Wednesday, October 10th, 2012

Toyota will be notifying approximately 2.5 million owners of certain 2007-2009 model vehicles of a problem with the power window switch in the drivers side door. According to Toyota, an incorrect window switch lubricant was used which could result in the switch components to wear unevenly. Drivers may notice the switch feeling “sticky”, and if they try to use a commercial lubricant to fix the problem, the switch could melt, possibly causing a fire. Dealerships will require about one hour to inspect the switch and apply a special fluorine grease. Owners wanting more information about the problem can call Toyota’s customer service center at 800-331-4331. The vehicles involved in this recall include:

  • 2007-2008 Yaris
  • 2007-2009 RAV4
  • 2007-2009 Tundra
  • 2007-2009 Camry
  • 2007-2009 Camry Hybrid
  • 2008-2009 Scion XD
  • 2008-2009 Scion XA
  • 2008-2009 Sequoia
  • 2008 Highlander
  • 2008 Highlander Hybrid
  • 2009 Corolla
  • 2009 Matrix

Honda CR-V Door Switch Fire Hazard

Tuesday, October 9th, 2012

Honda will be contacting owners of certain 2002-2006 Honda CR-V crossover SUV’s because of a problem with the driver side power window switch. Honda said that moisture getting in to the drivers door could cause damage to the master power switch causing it to overheat and possibly ignite. There have not been any accidents or injuries related to the problem, but five inside door fires have already been reported. Honda is asking owners to park their vehicles outside until the problem is fixed, because a fire could start even when the ignition is off. Owners wanting more information may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

Defective Window Switch Investigation Expands

Friday, June 22nd, 2012

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is expanding an investigation into defective power window switches in some Toyota and GM vehicles. Both investigation began in February after vehicle owners reported intermittent power windows, the smell of smoke, and in rare occasions fires. If the investigation leads to a recall, approximately 1.4 million Toyota and 342,000 GM vehicles could be involved. The vehicles under investigation includes:

  • 2007-2009 Toyota Camry
  • 2007-2009 Toyota Yaris
  • 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUVs
  • 2006-2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SUVs

The NHTSA said that it also will evaluate other GM vehicles with the same underpinnings. They include:

  • Buick Rainier
  • GMC Envoy
  • Isuzu Ascender
  • Saab 9-7X SUVs

Fire Investigation Adds 2012 Chevy Cruze

Monday, May 28th, 2012

A recent investigation into engine fires in some 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles has been widened to include some 2012 models. The investigation was open last March after complaints of engine fires was reported in two 2011 Chevy Cruze vehicles, but additional reports of fires in some 2012 vehicles has lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to include the newer models. According to the investigation reports, the probe is focusing on electrical wiring and the transmission control module. If the probe leads to a recall, over 370,000 vehicles could be involved.

BMW Turbo Engine Fire Problem

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

BMW has announced a recall that will affect certain vehicles equipped with 8 or 12 cylinder turbocharged engines. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump could overheat and smolder, and could eventually lead to a fire in the engine compartment. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417. The vehicles involved in this recall include:

Fire Warning For BMW Vehicles

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

BMW has announced a recall that will affect certain 2004-2010 model year vehicles. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable may have not been installed properly to the trunk floor panel. If the connection loosens, the increased electrical resistance could cause the cable connection to overheat, and could cause a fire. BMW is advising owners to park their vehicles outside until the problem has been fixed, because overheating could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. The models involved in the recall include:

Owners can contact BMW Customer Relations and Services at 1-800-525-7417 for more information about the problem.

NHTSA Investigates GM Door Fires

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating certain GM vehicles after receiving twelve complaints of smoke and fire from the inside of doors of some Trail Blazer mid-size sport utility vehicles. The complaints are similar to consumer reports that lead the NHTSA to open an investigation into some 2007 Camry, Camry Solara and Rav4 vehicles, earlier this month. The NHTSA will be focusing on whether window switches on the GM and Toyota vehicles were manufactured by the same supplier. The investigation could affect up to 310,000, 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazers. According to the safety administration, the Buick Rainer, Saab 9-7x, and the GMC Envoy share the same parts at the Trail Blazer, but these vehicle are not part of the investigation yet