Recalls: GM recalls 38,197 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, Buick LaCrosse and Regal eAssists for faulty generator module

General Motors issued a recall for 38,197 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, Buick LaCrosse and Regal sedans made in the 2012 and 2013 year with eAssist due to a potential malfunction with the generator control module.

The result is a gradual loss of battery charge and illumination of the fault light. Resultantly, the engine may stall or in worst case scenario, could start a fire in the trunk.

The modules are prone to overheating though were noted to be entirely separate from the battery itself.

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General Motors reports that no accidents or injuries have been reported, though one trunk fire has been documented.

For full details, check out the press release after the jump.

GM Recalls Certain Sedans for Circuit Board Screening

DETROIT – General Motors is recalling 38,197 Chevrolet Malibu Eco and Buick LaCrosse and Regal sedans from the 2012 and 2013 model year sold in the United States and equipped with eAssist to screen the generator control module for proper operation.

Some of these vehicles may have a condition in which the generator control module may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of a malfunction indicator light. If these warnings are ignored, the engine may stall. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and, in rare instances, a fire in the trunk.

The issue is the potential overheating of the circuit boards in the generator control module, but it does not involve the eAssist battery.

GM is aware of generator control board incidents, most of which have occurred within first 1,000 miles of operation. Vehicles built after December 2012 are not part of the recall.

GM knows of one trunk fire but no injuries or crashes related to this condition.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

– By: Chris Chin