The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·13V173000·Announced 2013-05-06

GM Recalls 2012-2013 Buick and Chevrolet Models for Electrical Fire Risk

General Motors is recalling 42,904 Buick and Chevrolet vehicles because a faulty module may cause battery loss, stalling, or a trunk fire.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall is classified as Severe because the source text explicitly reports the possibility of a fire in the trunk, which constitutes a significant injury/property-damage risk under the rubric.

Plain-English summary

General Motors LLC is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. The recall involves 42,904 vehicles that may have a condition where the Generator Control Module (GCM) does not function properly. This malfunction can lead to a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.

If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall or the vehicle may not start. Additionally, the defect may result in 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. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
BUICK, CHEVROLET LACROSSE, REGAL, MALIBU ECO
Brand
BUICK
Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
Affected units
42,904

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (3)

  • LACROSSE
  • REGAL
  • MALIBU ECO

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.