GM to recall nearly 250,000 SUVs for potential fire hazard

CHICAGO, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- General Motors (GM) will recall 249,260 sport utility vehicles as an electric short issue in the driver's door could cause overheating and fire, according to a company filing with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The recall notice, reported on Aug. 15 to the NHTSA and now published on the government agency's website, applies to 2006 models of the Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL, and 2006- 2007 models of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, SAAB 9-7x, and Isuzu Ascender vehicles.

NHTSA said the recall only affects the above cars that were originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

GM reported an issue with the driver's door that could lead to a short in the car's circuit board, which could then cause the power locks and windows to become inoperative or overheat.

"Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire," the NHTSA filing noted.

NHTSA said the recall's remedy plan is still being finalized, but that GM would notify Buick, Chevrolet and GMC owners for further action. Isuzu and Saab owners would be notified by Isuzu Motors and Saab Cars North America.