GM to recall 231,000 vehicles with fire hazard

WASHINGTON, June 18 (UPI) -- General Motors said it would recall 231,000 model year 2006-07 vehicles due to a short in the driver's door that could spontaneously cause a fire.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the model year 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL and the 2006-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, SAAB 9-7x and Isuzu Ascender vehicles were involved in the recall.

The NHTSA said 193,652 vehicles were to be recalled in the United States. The Detroit News on Sunday said the number also included 3,546 vehicles in Canada, 4,876 in Mexico and 30,000 overseas.

The total number of vehicles recalled in the United States, however, is 443,000, as this is the second recall for the same problem.

The first recall was issued in August 2012. The current recall is scheduled to begin July 24, 2013.

A short in the electrical system that operates the power door lock and power windows can cause those systems to malfunction, NHTSA said. Furthermore, the short could cause a fire, even while the vehicle is parked, the regulator said Monday.

Vehicle owners were advised to park outside until the electrical system can be fixed.

GM will replace malfunctioning systems free of charge. After an inspection, if the system is working, dealers will apply a protective coating as a safety precaution.

Concerned Buick owners were instructed to call 800-521-7300 for information. Chevrolet owners were advised to call 866-694-6546. GMC owners were given 866-996-9463 as the number to call. Isuzu owners are to call 800-255-6727 for information and SAAB owners were directed to call 855-880-0808.