GM Recalls SUVs for Fire Risk

2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer SS (Credit: © General Motors)

GM is on the recall pathway yet again, this time because of a potential fire risk in certain SUV models. A variety of midsize 2005 through 2007 vehicles can develop a short in the switch for the power windows, thanks to fluid penetrating the master switch module, which can in turn lead to corrosion buildup and eventually spark a fire. The issue is serious enough that GM is telling owners of the effected vehicles to not drive them until the problem is fixed.

Owners might experience the window switch intermittently working, including the windows going up or down without any input from the driver. The problem can also generate a burning smell and could eventually overheat the module to the point that it combusts. The problems can happen even when the vehicle is parked and turned off, so GM is requesting that until the SUVs are fixed they be parked well away from any structures.

The specific models that have been recalled are the 2006 through 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, Buick Rainier and GMC Envoy, plus the 2005 through 2007 Saab 9-7X and the 2006 through 2007 Isuzu Ascender. The number of recalled units totals 184,611. Owners who already took their SUV in for a recall fix previously will need to swing by a dealer again to ensure a new module is applied, if needed, or risk a vehicle fire.

The automaker is already informing dealers of the recall fix procedure and will soon send out letters to vehicle owners. Adding to the bad news is the fact that the new window switch modules won’t be ready to install in vehicles until the fall, making the SUVs essentially worthless to owners in the meantime.