General Motors is recalling 38,197 eAssist-equipped vehicles for a faulty circuit board that could lead to a fire in the trunk in the worst case scenario.
The recall affects 2012 and 2013 model year Chevrolet Malibu Ecos, Buick LaCrosses, and Buick Regals equipped with eAssist and sold in the U.S. Vehicles being recalled were all built before December 2012.
According to GM, a malfunctioning generator control module can slowly drain the battery, leading to an indicator on the dash. If the indicator is ignored, the engine could stall, and in some cases, a burning or melting odor, smoke, and in rare instances, a fire in the trunk.
GM did confirm that the issue is not related to the eAssist battery pack and that the smoke and fire hazard is a result of an overheating control board. So far one trunk fire has been reported, but no injuries are known related to the issue.
Those with affected vehicles will be able to go to the dealership where it will check the generator control module to ensure that it’s operating properly.
