General Motors has just announced the recall of all 413,418 units of the 2011 and pre-May 2012 model year Chevrolet Cruze compact sedans due to a serious engine fire risk.
Since identified and modified by GM for vehicles distributed after May, Cruze sedans have been under some heat recently as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) red flagged the vehicle after receiving many reports of fire from near-new Cruze vehicles.
According to a statement from GM, "Improper engine oil change procedures on these vehicles can result in the spilling or dripping of oil. If oil contacts hot engine or exhaust system surfaces, and the engine shield, the shield may ignite and burn, resulting in a possible engine compartment fire."
A considerable concern over the fire risk is how quickly and easily an incident can occur. According to one complaint filed to the NHTSA, "The 2011 Chevy Cruze was driven by our daughter. She was driving 35 mph when she noticed smoke coming out of the hood. She pulled over and in a matter of minutes the car was in flames."
At this time, it is unclear how many vehicles have ignited due to "improper oil changes." However, Chevrolet announced that the affected vehicles will be called in for an engine shield modification that requires 30-minutes time.All recalls will be address free of charge.
BM Vice President of Global Quality Alicia Boler-Davis promsied, "The most important thing for our customers to know is that we are proacticvely working to assure the Cruze is the safe and durable car they purchased."
News of the major recall was announced just days after the American automaker had received its best-ever J.D. Power's Initial Quality ranking.
