GM Recalls Vans

GM recalls 5,000 vans for potential engine fires



Sales halted; owners advised to stop driving until fix is found


Chrissie Thompson


Automotive News
March 27, 2010 - 10:51 am EST

DETROIT -- General Motors Co. is recalling about 5,000 heavy-duty vans and stopping production and sales because of alternators that could cause engine fires.

The recall, announced just before midnight Friday, affects some 2010 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana 2500, 3500 and 4500 Series built in February or March. Light-duty versions use a different alternator.

GM says that until it has a fix for the alternators, customers should stop driving the vans; park them outside, away from buildings or other vehicles; and disconnect both battery cables if possible.

Few of the vans are owned by retail customers.

“It's in the teens,” GM spokesman Alan Adler said. “We're calling the customers we know who have them.”

About 1,300 of the vans are in fleets, and GM's stop-sale order prevents people from renting them. Many vans are still on dealer lots or are awaiting export.

GM builds the vans in Wentzville, Mo., where 60 percent of the production is typically devoted to heavy-duty models.