GM Recalls Buick And Pontiac

According to Edmund's Inside Line:

General Motors has recalled 207,542 1997-2003 Buick Regal GS and Pontiac Grand Prix GTP models with 3.8-liter supercharged V6 engines over a risk that they could catch fire. The recall includes a strong warning not to park the vehicles "in a garage, carport or other structure" to avoid the risk of fire.

"Certain underhood fires may be caused by drops of engine oil being deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking," says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the recalls summary on its Web site. "If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and, in some instances, spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel." Other documentation adds that "most cases have occurred five to 10 minutes after the vehicle has been turned off."

The NHTSA reports that the problem has caused 267 fires to date and six injuries, five of which are minor. There are no fatalities associated with the problem.

Besides not parking in an enclosed structure, GM also recommends that if owners notice a burning odor, they should have their dealer inspect the vehicle. The company also recommends the use of premium fuel (91 octane or higher) because using lower octane fuel increases underhood temperatures during operation. These precautions are advised "until sufficient parts become available to repair all of the affected vehicles."

The NHTSA also notes that the Regals and Grand Prix in question are safe to drive. "Very few of the fires [about 20 percent of the reported cases] have occurred while the vehicle's engine was running," according to the government watchdog's Web site.

In the meantime, concerned owners can contact Buick at (866) 608-8080 or Pontiac at (800) 620-7668.

What this means to you: If you own any of the aforementioned Buicks or Pontiacs, park them on the street or driveway until you can get them checked by your dealer. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent