DETROIT, MI - General Motors is recalling 1.4 million cars due to a potential oil leak that can lead to engine fires. The recall covers the 1997-2004 Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick Regal; the 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala; the 1998 and 1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue and the 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, the Associated Press reports. All have 3.8-liter,...
DETROIT, MI - General Motors is recalling 1.4 million cars due to a potential oil leak that can lead to engine fires.
The recall covers the 1997-2004 Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick Regal; the 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala; the 1998 and 1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue and the 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, the Associated Press reports. All have 3.8-liter, V-6 engines.
It is at least the third time in seven years GM is recalling cars due to the issue, which has caused damage to home and garages in some cases. There have been about 1,300 fires since the cars were last fixed.
In previous recalls, the company advised drivers to park the cars outside, though it is not immediately clear if that applies to the latest recall.
The issue involves a valve gasket cover that can wear out over time and cause oil to leak. If the oil leaks on to an exhaust manifold, it can catch fire. The fire can then spread on to a plastic spark plug wire channel and across the rest of the engine.
GM first recalled 200,000 cars in 2007 related to the issue, and then recalled another 1.5 million vehicles in 2008. GM said in 2008 there had been 267 fires and 17 structures damaged by fire, the AP reports. At least 19 minor injuries were reported.
In the previous recalls, dealers fixed the spark plug wire channel, but documents filed with the government do not indicate a fix of the oil leak, the AP reports. GM is currently using state registration databases to find owners of the affected cars.