GM Recalls 231,000 More SUVs Due To Risk Of Car Fires

In August, 2012, General Motors Co. issued a recall on 249,000 SUVs because of a risk of car fires caused by circuit board shorts. Now, the company has added 231,000 SUVs to the recall list.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requested the recall after it received reports that fluids could leak in the driver's door module, causing corrosion. That corrosion can cause the circuit board to short and overheat, which can lead to smoke or, in the worst cases, fire. Power door locks and windows can also become inoperative.

According to the NHTSA, the fires can occur "even while the vehicle[s are] not in use." GM and the NHTSA recommend that owners of the recalled vehicles park their cars outside of their homes until they have been inspected.

The following cars are included in both recalls:

• Buick Rainier (2006-2007)
• Chevrolet Trailblazer (2206-2007)
• Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT (2006)
• GMC Envoy (2006-2007)
• GMC Envoy XL (2006)
• Isuzu Ascender (2006-2007)
• Saab 9-7X (2006-2007)

Approximately 443,000 of the 480,000 vehicle recalls involve vehicles in the United States. If you have one of these vehicles, you should receive a call from General Motors after the recall begins on July 24, 2013. If you have any questions about the recalls, contact an authorized GM dealer. Defective door modules will be replaced by the company free of charge.

There have been a significant number of vehicle recalls in the last few weeks. Are our vehicles safe? Do the electric systems pose too many car fire risks? What do you think?