GM Issues 4th Recall For Leaky Valve Covers Gaskets - Over 1300 Car Fires So Far

General Motors Co. said Tuesday it is recalling 1.41 million cars worldwide for fire risks linked to drops of oil on the exhaust manifold — the fourth time since 2008 the automaker has recalled vehicles for the issue.

The Detroit automaker said it is recalling the 1997-2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue and 1997-2004 Buick Regal "because drops of oil may be deposited on the hot exhaust manifold through hard braking, which can cause engine compartment fires. GM is working on a remedy. The company is aware of post-repair fires in some vehicles but no crashes or fatalities. There have been 19 reported minor injuries over the last six years."

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TheSteve - 10/27/2015 4:34:17 PM

+2 Boost

I might appear a tad over-sensitive about such matters, but at what point between 1 and 1,300 car fires does a car manufacturer conclude "we have a serious problem here, and we need to issue an urgent recall to resolve it"? I'm thinking it would be *WELL* short of 1,300... but that's just me.

Yonder7 - 10/27/2015 4:52:44 PM

+3 Boost

Those are GM right? then they are cover by the government so they can wait even longer if they like, they won't be punished.

xjug1987a - 10/27/2015 5:52:04 PM

+1 Boost

GM has really got to get their S*$# together on the quality issues. This is really ridiculous all these recalls. I have a 2013 ATS 3.6 Premium that had about a $49K Sticker. Its a really nice car but its been recalled I think 5 times, maybe 6 I've lost count. I'm glad I didn't buy it, but leased it. I've had the dash taken off at least 2X maybe 3X for AC issues too. In a few years it'll be a rattle trap... really too bad but I'm going back to Mercedes....

MrEE - 10/27/2015 6:54:39 PM

+1 Boost

^ consistent with CR survey results and recent slip in Cadillac overall reliability on the list. Note MB is in the same bottom group.

TomM - 10/27/2015 9:41:30 PM

-3 Boost

This is actually the FOURTH time they are recalling the cars for this problem. And all of these cars are over 11 years old as well. And in that time - developing oil leaks is something you would expect - that they drop oil onto the exhaust manifold is the problem. Fixing oil leaks in older cars is problematical - they might just have to come up with a way to protect the manifold instead.

However - Toyota still leads in recalls over the last 10 years based on recalls per car sold. Even with all those ignition switch problems - GM is not close. THe problem is - the manufacturers are now running scared and are likely to err on the side of recalling a car quickly - rather than wait to find a solution.

mre30 - 10/28/2015 11:01:31 AM

-6 Boost

Whew, at least GM didn't cheat on their diesel emissions software! Then there would really have been penalties and problems.

randy3023 - 10/28/2015 12:25:59 PM

0 Boost

1,384 FIRES.

GM, you SUCK.

vdiv - 10/28/2015 5:15:00 PM

+1 Boost

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtUVQei3nX4