GM to recall 475K Cruze cars over risk of engine fire
ASSOCIATED PRESS June 22, 2012 12:24PM
FILE - In this Feb. 19, 2012 file photo, a line of 2012 Chevrolet Cruze sedans sit at a dealership in the south Denver suburb of Englewood, Colo. The risk of engine fires is forcing General Motors to recall its Chevrolet Cruze compact cars. GM says the fires happen when fluids drip onto a plastic shield below the engine and ignite. GM knows of 30 fires caused by the problem. No injuries have been reported. The recall covers cars built from September 2010 through May 2012. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
Updated: June 22, 2012 12:32PM
DETROIT — The risk of engine fires is forcing General Motors to recall 475,000 Chevrolet Cruze compact cars.
GM said Friday that the fires can ignite when fluids drip onto a plastic shield below the engine. GM knows of 30 fires caused by the problem. No injuries have been reported.
Dealers will cut the shield to let the fluid drain to the pavement. GM says most of the fires were caused by spills during oil changes that weren’t cleaned properly. Cruzes with worn-out manual transmissions also can leak fluid.
The recall covers cars built from September of 2010 through May of 2012.
The Cruze is key because it has improved GM’s small-car sales. The company has a history of poor-performing compacts.
