General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) is recalling more than 40,000 vehicles, involving five models, from 2007 to 2009, due to concerns of possible fuel leaks that would cause fire.
In a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) said the vehicles “have a condition in which the plastic supply or return port on the fuel pump module may crack, which could cause a fuel leak.”
The models of vehicles with the plastic fuel pump module include Chevrolet Cobalt (2007-2009), Chevrolet Equinox (2007), Pontiac G5 (2007-2009), Pontiac Torrent (2007), and Saturn Ion (2007). According to GM, these vehicles were sold, or registered, in the states of Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Texas.
GM said it would send notifications to all of the owners of the vehicles regarding the recall, and the company would replace the plastic fuel pumps without cost.
The car manufacturer previously recalled 473, 841 Chevrolet Malibus, Pontiac G6s and Saturn Aura models from model years 2007 to 2010, with four-speed automatic transmissions.
General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) recalled the vehicles after reports of four accidents, due to malfunctions in the gear shifter, wherein the cars moved, even if the cars were in the “park” position. No injuries were reported related to the accidents. The company notified the owners of the involved vehicles, and offered to repair the problem free of charge.
The company also recalled 6,475 Chevy Sonic subcompacts globally, due to a faulty turn signal bulb. Dealers were notified to reprogram the turn signals that were incorrectly calibrated. According to GM, the cars were built in its plant in Orion, Michigan between May 29 and August 29.
On the other hand, General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) and Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) are working together in developing 9 and 10 speed automatic transmissions for fuel efficiency. GM is leading the design of the 9-speed gearbox for front wheel drive vehicles, while Ford is leading the development of the 10-speed transmissions, for rear wheel drive vehicles.
The United States government mandated the auto industry to develop fuel efficient vehicles by 2025, with a corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) of 54.5 miles per gallon.
