Holden mulls Cruze action over fires

GM HOLDEN is assessing the potential for engine compartment fires in Cruze sedans sold in Australia following a recall by its Chevrolet counterpart in North America.

The Australian branch of General Motors says no such fires have been reported in Cruze locally, but nevertheless it has launched an investigation into whether Holden should follow suit and modify an engine heat shield as a precaution.

GM Holden senior product communications manager Kate Lonsdale told GoAuto that Holden was aware of the North American investigation and recall of Cruze.

“We are not aware of any cases of engine compartment fires in Australia or New Zealand related to the condition being investigated in North America,” she said.

“We are currently assessing if this condition could affect our Holden Cruze vehicles.

“Safety is our first priority and we will contact our customers directly with any further information on this matter.” America’s road safety watchdog, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it was aware of 28 fires involving Cruze.

On Friday, GM North America recalled 413,418 Chevrolet Cruzes built at the company’s Lordstown plant in Ohio between September 2010 and May this year.

In a statement announcing the recall, GM said improper oil-change procedures could result in oil being spilled on the heat shield, potentially resulting in an engine compartment fire.

As well, hydraulic fluid might spill from a worn clutch in manual models and contact a hot engine shield.

The heat shield repair is said to take 30 minutes at Chevrolet dealerships.

So far, Holden has sold 88,000 Cruze sedans and hatchbacks in Australia. Initially, the car was imported from GM Korea after it was launched in 2009, but switched to Australian production in March 2011.