GM Recalls 196K Hummers; Faulty Fans May Cause Fires | Birmingham, Michigan Patch

Auto manufacturer General Motors has recalled almost 250,000 vehicles in two recent announcements (h/t David Shepardson). Hummers account for most of the total, with 196,000 units including the 2006-2010 H3 and 2009-2010 H3T.

No major accidents or crashes have been reported yet; however, three minor burns were caused by the same problem.

The recall focuses on a ventilation fan control mechanism that can overheat of the heater or air conditioner is used for an extended amount of time and melt nearby plastic parts, according to the Associated Press.

GM says the recall covers about 165,000 Hummers in the United States.

Dealers will replace the faulty module at no cost to owners.

The second recall includes approximately 50,000 Chevrolet Sparks from the 2014 and 2015 model years, along with the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic.

GM ended its iconic Hummer brand in 2010 after a deal to sell the brand to a Chinese company collapsed. This can cause the radio display to go blank and disable safety warnings including a key left in the ignition or that the driver has not fastened a seat belt. “In addition to the vehicle chime malfunction, the radio may not turn off. This could drain the battery and possibly prevent the vehicle from starting”.

“In certain vehicles with base radios and OnStar, the radio software may cause the radio to lock up in the OnStar Turn-by-Turn Directions mode”.

The company said it knows of no crashes or injuries related to the issue.