GM recalling all Cruzes over fire risk
 

Fluids trapped under engine may ignite in popular Chevy compacts

David Shepardson & Melissa Burden - DETROITNEWS - June 25, 2012

General Motors Co. is recalling all 475,000 Chevrolet Cruze compacts, from the first off the line in 2009 through May 31, after reports of engine fires. It's a setback for the Detroit automaker looking to boost sales of fuel-efficient compact cars.

The recall includes 413,418 2011-12 Cruzes in the United States, 61,299 in Canada, and 701 in Israel. Detroit-based GM will modify the engine shield, which will help prevent liquids from being trapped in the engine compartment, where a fire could start and spread.

GM spokesman Alan Adler said Friday the automaker has received reports of about 30 fires in Cruze models — linked to improper oil changes and other fluids that were trapped in the engine.

No injuries, crashes or deaths have been reported in connection with the fires.

The Cruze is a key vehicle for GM. It was the Detroit automaker's best-selling car in 2011 and the second best-selling compact in the U.S. last year. Sales, however, have slowed since Japanese automakers have returned to the market at full strength after natural disasters last year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in March opened a preliminary investigation into the 2011 Cruze after receiving two reports of engine fires that destroyed the vehicles. It later added the 2012 Cruze to its investigation.

Dave Sullivan, manager of product analysis for AutoPacific Inc., said the recall shouldn't be a big issue for GM, as long as repairs happen in a timely manner for Cruze owners... [Read More]

Re: GM recalling all Cruzes over fire risk
 

Are we talking about the underbody aerodynamic cover under the engine compartment? Now that most vehicles do have them, I've learned of some unintended consequences.

On my 4-day camping trip the weekend, I discovered one morning that a family of rats had created a nest in the engine compartment of our rented Ford Focus while we slept in our tent. The underbody shield provided a huge flat area for them to build their nest. I spent 45 minutes fishing out paper towels, sanitary napkins, leaves and moss, as well as trying to drive the critters out.

Less hassle than the nest that wasps had created under my Jetta wagon on a camping trip about 3 years ago, though.