Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center ® has become aware that for the third time in seven years, General Motors (GM) is recalling cars that can leak oil and catch fire, in some instances damaging garages and homes.
The recall, which covers 1.4 million vehicles dating back to model year 1997, is needed because repairs from the first two recalls didn’t resolve this issue. It has been reported that more than 1,300 cars caught fire after they were fixed by GM dealerships.
In the previous recalls from 2008 and 2009, GM told owners to park their cars outside until repairs could be made since most of the fires happened shortly after drivers turned off the engines.
U.S. safety regulators became aware of the fires in early 2007 and GM has since reported 19 minor related injuries. In 2008, a GM spokeswoman said the cars were responsible for 267 fires, including at least 17 that burned structures.
Over time, a valve cover gasket can degrade, allowing oil to seep out. Under hard braking, oil drops can fall onto the exhaust manifold and catch fire. Flames can spread to a plastic spark plug wire channel and the rest of the engine.
GM has indicated that it has yet to come up with a final fix in the most recent recall. However, the company will use state registration databases in an effort to track down the owners. Apparently, the 1,300 fires were discovered when GM began investigating whether to recall some 2004 models.
If you have a question regarding your General Motors Automobile, you should call the experienced lemon law attorneys at Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center ®. Our lemon law attorneys will take time to talk to you about your rights and will let you know if they can help. Visit www.YOURLEMONLAWRIGHTS.com or call 1-800-US-LEMON to submit your information to see if we can help.