General Motors Sedans Added to U.S. Engine-fire Investigation

WASHINGTON December 5, 2002; Rip Watson writing for Bloomberg News reports that about 2.3 million General Motors Corp. sedans are being examined more closely for possible causes of engine fires that have drawn more than 650 complaints, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

The safety administration is expanding a probe, started in June, to include Oldsmobile Cutlass and 98 models; the Buick Riviera; and 1996-2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlos with 3.8-liter engines. General Motors spokesman James Schell said his company, the biggest automaker, would cooperate.

The investigation is among two broadened probes and six new reviews covering at least 2 million vehicles made by Ford Motor Co., DaimerChryslerAG, Honda Motor Co. and other automakers. Honda spokesman Art Garner and Chrysler spokeswoman Angela Spencer Ford said the companies are cooperating. The other automakers didn't immediately comment.

The NHTSA said fires can result if engines backfire during startup. The General Motors inquiry also includes Buick LeSabre, Park Avenue and Regal sedans, as well as Pontiac Grand Prix and Bonneville cars.

Another expanded probe covers more than 260,000 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokees, whose hoods can open unexpectedly because of faulty latches.

The NHTSA releases a monthly report on new investigations based on consumer complaints and accident and insurance reports.