GM Recalls Chevy, Pontiac and Saturn Models for Engine Fires

Regional recalls are criticized for leaving defective cars on the road.

General Motors Is Recalling 53,000 model year 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt And Saturn Ion vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Arizona And Nevada for potential engine fires.

It is also recalling 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5 And Saturn Ion cars originally sold in or currently registered in the states Of Arizona, California, Florida, and Nevada And Texas.

GM says that the plastic supply or return port on the modular reservoir assembly of the fuel pump may crack. If either of these ports develops a crack, fuel will leak from the area. If the crack becomes large enough, fuel may be observed dripping onto the ground and vehicle performance may be affected. GM said in the presence of an ignition source, it could result in a fire.

Critics of such regional recalls maintain  that since a safety related defect exists, all existing vehicles should be repaired so that the relocation of the car and/or a subsequent owner change does not leave a dangerous condition on the road.

Dealers will replace the fuel pump module free of charge. Special coverage will be implemented in the same period for model year 2006 vehicles registered in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas; and model year 2007 vehicles registered in: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee.

GM has not yet provided an owner notification schedule, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Owners may contact Chevrolet At 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-972-8876,  Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or “The Owner Center” at www.gmownercenter.com. This is GM recall number 090226.

Owners May Also Contact The NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline At 1-888-327-4236  or go to http://www.safercar.gov.