GM Recalls Over 1 Million Cars Due to Engine Fire

April 2009

General Motors (GM) has recalled almost 1.5 million passenger sedans due to the risk of an engine fire, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced. The recall affects certain Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile and Pontiac mid- and full-size passenger sedans manufactured between 1997 and 2003.

The following cars are included in the recall:

• 1997-2003 Buick Regals
• 1998-2003 Chevrolet Luminas, Monte Carlos and Impalas
• 1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigues
• 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix

The vehicles' engines can leak oil onto the exhaust manifold during hard braking. The manifold can get very hot, and oil that runs below the manifold's heat shield could ignite and spread to plastic channels that hold spark plug wires. GM recommends changing the bracket that holds spark plug wires, which will be done free of charge.

Owners and dealers affected by the recall will be notified by letter next month. GM announced a similar recall in 2008 that affected over 200,000 cars.