Recall: 230,000 GM SUVs for electrical door fires

In total, about 480,000 SUVs from 2006-2007 are at risk for window switch fires and short circuits.

General Motors is adding nearly 230,000 more SUVs to an earlier recall to fix electrical issues that can cause fires, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  

The driver's master window switches on 2006-2007 SUVs based on the discontinued Chevrolet Trailblazer can short circuit and cause the locks to function intermittently and even cause the door to melt and catch fire. The 2006-2007 GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Saab 9-7X, Isuzu Ascender are also included, as well as the longer-wheelbase 2006 GMC Envoy XL and Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT. 

In August, GM recalled nearly 250,000 of the same SUVs but had limited the total to vehicles sold or registered in 20 "salt belt" states, including the District of Columbia. Now, GM is recalling all vehicles for these model years, including 193,652 in the United States and an additional 38,000 in Canada, Mexico and other countries. 

If water or other fluids leak into the door switches, the controlling circuit board can corrode and cause a short circuit. Since February 2012, GM said it had received at least 167 reports and 698 warranty claims relating to the faulty door switches. NHTSA said it received 83 owner complaints, including 66 that alleged the window switch melted or burned part of the door. In total, there have been at least 28 fires within the driver's door itself, even when some of the problematic vehicles were switched off. 

Despite issuing the previous recall in August, GM did not fix those SUVs until March 2013. GM dealers will inspect the driver's door module starting in late July and apply a "protective coating" if found not to be defective. If it is, the switches and the module will be replaced. 

Many cars have been at risk of fires originating from driver's side power window switches. In October, Honda recalled more than 268,000 CR-V models for switch fires resulting from water contact or spilled fluids. In that same month, Toyota recalled 7.43 million cars for the same problem, making it the largest single vehicle recall in 16 years.

autos.msn.com