General Motors Again Recalling Over 331K Trucks for Engine Fire Risk

Staff Writer

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General Motors has issued a recall for over 331,000 diesel pickup trucks in the U.S. for the second time after reports of short circuiting engine block heater cords that can cause fires, the Associated Press reported.

The recall includes some Chevrolet Silverado trucks, from 2017 through 2019, and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 trucks with 6.6-liter diesel engines and the engine block heater cords, which are optional.

For more reporting from the Associated Press, see below:

General Motors Recall — General Motors has recalled more than 331,000 diesel pickup trucks in the U.S. for a second time because the engine block heater cords can short circuit and cause fires. This April 26, 2017 file photo... Steve Helber/AP Photo

GM said in documents posted Thursday by U.S. safety regulators that shorts can develop in the heater cord or terminals that connect the cable to the block heater. Coolant can leak from the block heater and come in contact with the cable terminals, possibly causing a fire. The heaters are used to keep the block warm in extreme cold temperatures.

GM said it has reports of 24 fires potentially caused by the problem from Dec. 3, 2019 through May 28. The company says it's not aware of any injuries. Those vehicles were fixed in a 2019 recall for the same problem.

Dealers will disable the block heaters and cords. Owners are to get notification letters starting Aug. 16. Replacement block heaters and cords will be offered through a separate customer service campaign.