GMC, Chevrolet Natural Gas Van Recall Issued Due to Explosion Risk

General Motors is recalling thousands of natural gas GMC and Chevrolet vans, after the manufacturer received complaints that suggest the vehicles may be prone to leak natural gas, posing a fire and explosion risk if an ignition source is present. 

A GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express recall was announced by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on September 16, after at least 30 warranty claims were reported involving problems where a CNG high pressure regulator was leaking natural gas into the atmosphere.

GM became aware of the first incident in March, after a fleet van was found to be leaking natural gas. After several additional reports were received of leaking regulators, an investigation concluded that the high incidence rate was associated with a prior recall in 2013, when GMC replaced the solenoid on the regulators.

The engineering analysis determined the leaks were attributed to the reassembly of the regulators, the machining of the regulators, and the manufacturing of the internal diaphragm assembly.

In the event the natural gas van regulators allow a leak, it could cause a sudden explosion or fire outburst if the proper ignition source is available. After the complete analysis, GMC determined a safety risk does exist and is now announcing a recall to replace the high pressure regulators.

The recall includes 2011 through 2014 Chevrolet Express compressed natural gas vans, which were manufactured from September 10, 2010 to April 28, 2014, and GMC Savana CNG vehicles manufactured from May 23, 2011 through April 21, 2014. GMC anticipates all vehicles within the recalled date ranges to be affected by the recall.

GMC has not released an official notification date but is preparing to warn owners and dealers of the issue and instructions on how to have the high pressure regulators replaced for free at certified dealers. Customers with further questions concerning the recall should contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 and reference the recall number 14321.