The electronic controller for the lithium ion battery can short circuit and burn on E-assist GM cars.
GM is recalling 43,000 model-year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with the so-called E-assist mild hybrid system because of fires.
GM had previously performed a service action on the vehicles, contending there was no chance of fires. At least two fires subsequently occurred, and NHTSA inquiries about a number of complaints prompted GM to reopen the defect investigation, leading to the recalls.
These E-assist cars have a Generator Control Module for the 0.5 kWh battery that can short circuit and burn. The safety defect causes a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light. If the hybrid continues to be driven, the engine may stall or it may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.
GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge, as required by U.S. safety regulations. GM does not have a notification schedule yet. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM’s recall campaign number is 13136. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to www.safercar.gov about NHTSA recall 13V-173.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, publisher (kzhw@aol.com), is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
Zino is at home on test tracks, knows his way around U.S. Congressional hearing rooms, auto company headquarters, plant floors, as well as industry research and development labs where the real mobility work is done. He can quote from court decisions, refer to instrumented road tests, analyze financial results, and profile executive personalities and corporate cultures.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
