Chevrolet, GMC Pickup Truck Recall Issued Over Engine Fire Risk

Roughly 370,000 GMC and Chevrolet pickup trucks from the 2014 model year are being recalled, after reports of at least eight engine fires that may have been caused by an electrical glitch.  

The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup truck recall was announced by General Motors Inc., on January 10, indicating that defective software in certain model vehicles that may cause the exhaust components to overheat, potentially increase the risk of a vehicle fire.

The recall includes 2014 model year Silverado and Sierra trucks with the 4.3-liter and 5.3-liter engines. Owners of these vehicles should be aware if their “check engine light” or “engine power reduced” light are activated on the dash as this could be warning the vehicles may have faulty software.

General Motors indicates that at least eight incidents of engine fires have occurred in areas experiencing extremely low temperatures. However, the problems have not been definitively identified as a contributing factor.

Owners are being encouraged not to leave their vehicles unattended while running idle, as this is when the reports of fire have occurred.

Roughly 303,000 affected trucks were sold in the United States and another 67,000 were sold in Canada and Mexico.

General Motors plans to send official recall letters to all known dealers and owners by January 16, with instructions to contact their local dealer for a free software repair that is anticipated to only take 20 minutes. Owners with further questions may contact General Motors Recall Communications at 313-319-8486 or email them at alal.adler@gm.com.