NHTSA to investigate GM SUV fires

[mbukukanyau]

I want a 2009 Tahoe LTZ, becouse of bluetooth

[montrealvue]

Troll posts always brighten my day ...Thanks for your ignorance VCDJ!

Google vehicle fires and investigations and you'll see GM isn't the only one to have had a couple safety issues.

[Geotpf]

Originally Posted by jkennedy293

The fact that these both occured while the trucks were in garages when this occured may indicate some help from an external source. I think some item(s) inside the garage found themselves under the vehicle, and probably near the exhaust. The items overheated and caught fire. I know it doesn't seem likely, but given the data so far, awfully probable.

Maybe, but those faulty cruise control switches found in many Ford products (specifically F150s, but they were used in everything from Tauruses to SUVs) caused fires that would frequently start after the vehicle was parked for hours or days, so such is not unprecedented.

[tkrelston]

Early last summer there was a semi that had ditched its trailer full of
900s outside of Springfield, Missouri. One of the vehicles had caught
fire and burned on the trailer. Hopefully GM didn't buy Ford's
notorious cruise controls!

[vanshmack]

I was just gonna make a Ford wisecrack. "Ignition switch by Ford?" Seriously though, my 07 Tahoe (2/2006 build) has been nearly flawless. Besides a bad oil pressure sender and the stupid rear door window moulding (all fixed under warranty), this car has been outstanding. Hearing about fires is scary, but with only 2 out of 400,000, I won't freak...YET.

[Hurricane]

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

Remember ... according to the automakers, they don't have 'fires' ... they have 'thermal events'.

Hahaha!

[HoosierRon]

Originally Posted by TruckMan

Beside the obvious subjective things that everybody will have a difference of opinion on, the full size SUVs offer much more value and performance for their cost, especially since they're priced so close together. So, besides personal opinons on styling and comfort, why would anybody buy the Acadia over a Tahoe/Yukon? A couple of MPG?

Tahoes are for sissy yanks. If you want real towing power and a man-sized truck, and don't care about a couple of MPG, get a real truck.


Seriously, when was the last time you towed more than 4,500 pounds (Acadia's capacity) but less than 6,500 pounds (the capacity of half of the Tahoe models)? And when was the last time you had 7 people plus luggage in your Tahoe?

Now how often do you put $75 worth of Venezuelan gasoline in your Tahoe? Yes, that is why people buy Acadias.

[VCDJ]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

Tahoes are for sissy yanks. If you want real towing power and a man-sized truck, and don't care about a couple of MPG, get a real truck.


Seriously, when was the last time you towed more than 4,500 pounds (Acadia's capacity) but less than 6,500 pounds (the capacity of half of the Tahoe models)? And when was the last time you had 7 people plus luggage in your Tahoe?

Now how often do you put $75 worth of Venezuelan gasoline in your Tahoe? Yes, that is why people buy Acadias.

haha i agree with you

[AMERICA 123]

Originally Posted by WalterBellhaven

Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- The government is investigating reports of engine fires in General Motors' full-size sport utility vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it has received two reports of fires on 2007 model year Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs.

Of course we need a little non GM data for perspective. NOTE: ALL ARE STILL OPEN
From the same ;

JANUARY 2008 MONTHLY DEFECT INVESTIGATION REPORT

A.) ENGINEERING ANALYSIS
Action# MMY Subject Date Opened Date Closed

EA06-020 2004-2005 TOYOTA SIENNA WITH POWER REAR DOOR UNEXPECTED CLOSING OF POWER LIFTGATE 01-DEC-2006
EA07-003 2006-2007 DODGE DURANGO SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG FAILURE 14-FEB-2007

EA07-005 2005-2007 NISSAN 350Z WHEEL FAILURE 03-APR-2007
EA07-007 2006-2007 JEEP COMMANDER ENGINE STALL 27-APR-2007
EA07-011 MY 2002 - 2003 MINI COOPER ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE 14-AUG-2007
EA07-012 MY 2003- 2005 LAND ROVER, RANGE ROVER FRONT DIFFERENTIAL/DRIVESHAFT FAILURE 14-AUG-2007

B.) PRELIMINARY EVALUATIONS
Action# MMY Subject Date Opened Date Closed

PE07-045 2005 AND 2006 BMW 5 SERIES, 7 SERIES AND X3 VEHICLES BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION 04-SEP-2007 04-JAN-2008
PE07-048 SEVAS S-10 AFTERMARKET WHEELS WHEEL FAILURE 21-SEP-2007 23-JAN-2008
PE07-052 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE 19-OCT-2007
PE07-053 1998-2003 NEW FLYER 40/60 FOOT ARTICULATED BUSES INTERIOR FIRES 29-OCT-2007
PE07-054 2003-2008 C2 THOMAS BUILT BUSES EMERGENCY DOOR HANDLE FAILURE 09-NOV-2007
PE07-055 1998 - 1999 MODEL YEAR FLEETWOOD BOUNDER GASOLINE FUEL LINE LEAK 14-NOV-2007
PE07-056 2006 HYOSUNG GV650 MOTORCYCLES FUEL LEAK 14-NOV-2007
PE07-057 2005-2007 F-250 & F-350 SUPER DUTY 4X4 VEHICLES VIOLENT FRONT END OSCILLATION 15-NOV-2007
PE07-058 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED AND FREESTYLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE 16-NOV-2007

C.) RECALL QUERY
Action# MMY Subject Date Opened Date Closed

RQ07-002 2002 WINNEBAGO RIALTA,VISTA ENGINE COOLING FAN BLADE FRACTURE 05-SEP-07 04-JAN-08
RQ07-003 2000-2007 MY ACTERRA & 2002-2007 MY M2 BUSINESS CLASS FRONT WHEEL SEPARATIONS 05-DEC-07

C1.) PETITIONS
Action# MMY Subject Date Opened Date Closed

DP08-001 MY 2006 AND 2007 TOYOTA TACOMA PICKUP TRUCKS SUDDEN AND UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION 31-JAN-2008. (Story begins 2006/2007)


DEFINITIONS - IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE :

1.) Preliminary Evaluation (PE):
Initial phase of a NHTSA investigation, a PE is prompted after a review of consumer complaints and/or manufacturer service bulletins suggest a safety defect may exist.
The results of a PE determine whether the investigation will be upgraded to an Engineering Analysis or closed. Most PEs are resolved within four months.

2.) Engineering Analysis (EA):
Second and final phase of a NHTSA investigation, an EA is undertaken if data from a PE indicate further examination of a potential safety defect is warranted. The results
of an EA determine whether a safety recall should be initiated or the investigation should be closed. Most EAs are resolved within one year.

3.) Recall Query (RQ)
NHTSA monitors recalls to ensure that the scope, completion rate, and remedy are adequate. If recall adequacy comes into question, an RQ is opened to determine if the
scope of the recall should be expanded or an adjustment in existing remedies is required.

3b.) Defect or Recall Petition (DP or RP):
NHTSA may be petitioned to investigate an alleged safety defect or whether a manufacturer has successfully carried out the requirements of a recall. If the petition is granted, NHTSA opens an appropriate investigation. If the petition is denied, the reasons for denial are published in the Federal Register

[CadiEldo67]

It almost makes me wonder why a 2006 model wouldn't be put under investigation as well, they basically have the engine as a carryover, right? Unless it was something in the 2007 model year, that was addressed in 2008, and is finished now.

[lightbrotha2004]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

Tahoes are for sissy yanks. If you want real towing power and a man-sized truck, and don't care about a couple of MPG, get a real truck.


Seriously, when was the last time you towed more than 4,500 pounds (Acadia's capacity) but less than 6,500 pounds (the capacity of half of the Tahoe models)? Never had the pleasure of towing anything. And when was the last time you had 7 people plus luggage in your Tahoe? Well, actually it's more like a Yukon XL and how about carrying that many people daily and all of their junk.

Now how often do you put $75 worth of Venezuelan gasoline in your Tahoe? Actually put in $50 maybe once a week. Our Montana minivan actually burns more gas than our truck does. Between $20-$50 every other day.
Yes, that is why people buy Acadias.

So umm yeah people buy Acadias and I'm not bashing them because I like them but for some families they are not practical as is with mine when there are at least four 6' plus people in a vehicle at any one time.

[AMERICA 123]

Some more recently added - which is no doubt why the media is picking up on one of GMs involving two vehicles rather than say, something Toyota.

1.) EA08004 NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
PONTIAC / VIBE 2003-2004
TOYOTA / COROLLA 2003-2004
TOYOTA / COROLLA MATRIX 2003-2004
Manufacturer:GENERALMOTORCORP.<+TOYOTA=NUMMI>
Component :
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Date Investigation Opened : February 5, 2008
***************************
2.) NHTSA Action Number : PE08004 NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
NISSAN / ARMADA 2004-2005
NISSAN / QUEST 2004-2005
Manufacturer : NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Component :
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Date Investigation Opened : January 25, 2008
****************************
3.) NHTSA Action Number : PE08006 NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
MITSUBISHI / ENDEAVOR 2006
Manufacturer : MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Component :
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY
Date Investigation Opened : January 29, 2008
*****************************
4.) NHTSA Action Number : PE08008 NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
VOLKSWAGEN / PASSAT 2002-2003
Manufacturer : VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Component :
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
Date Investigation Opened : January 31, 2008

Bottomline: IMO SAME **** JUST ANOTHER DAY, -SO SINCE THE BEST STORY LIKE THIS WOULD BE ABOUT THE TOYOTA TACOMA AND COROLLA AND MATRIX SIMULTANEOUSLY SCREWING UP - GOTTA GO FOR SOMETHING FRESH ON GM -TO DEFLECT FROM TOYOTA.

[camaro_freak]

curious the Matrix had issues but the Vibe did not.. aren't they build on the same assembly line?

I agree though, seems the "investigation is looking into much more than a few GM products". Defintely a pick on GM mentality going on here!

[AMERICA 123]

ITEM ONE THAT NEEDS PROTECTION - DEFLECTION.


NHTSA Action Number : EA08004 NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
PONTIAC / VIBE 2003-2004
TOYOTA / COROLLA 2003-2004
TOYOTA / COROLLA MATRIX 2003-2004

Manufacturer : GENERAL MOTORS CORP. ???? < So I guess this means NUMMI COUNTS ONLY FOR GM for unit volume ??>

Component :
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Date Investigation Opened : February 5, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open Summary:

THE PONTIAC VIBE VEHICLES ARE MANUFACTURED BY NEW UNITED MOTOR MANUFACTURING, INC. (NUMMI) IN FREMONT, CALIFORNIA. NUMMI IS A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN GENERAL MOTORS AND TOYOTA.

TOYOTA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR RESPONDING TO THIS NHTSA INVESTIGATION.
TOYOTA REPORTS THAT ITS EVALUATION IS INCOMPLETE AT THIS TIME, HOWEVER; TOYOTA HAS IDENTIFIED TWO ISSUES THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SIDE WINDOW GLASS BREAKING.
IN ITS JANUARY 11, 2008 LETTER TO ODI, TOYOTA STATED THAT "A MAJORITY OF THE REPORTS INCLUDED IN THIS RESPONSE ARE MOST LIKELY RELATED TO THE LOOSENING OF THE WINDOW REGULATOR BOLTS." THE SECOND ISSUE IS, "LESS PREDOMINANTLY, INTERFERENCE OF THE SIDE WINDOW GLASS WITH THE DOOR CHECK LINK...."

ODI HAS RECEIVED 46 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER POWER FRONT WINDOW SHATTERED, AND/OR THE WINDOW MAKES A POPPING/CLICKING NOISE DURING OPERATION. A LOOSENING OF THE WINDOW REGULATOR BOLTS MAY PRODUCE A POPPING NOISE WHILE OPERATING THE WINDOW. THE POWER WINDOW SYSTEM IN THE PONTIAC VIBE VEHICLES IS ALSO USED IN THE TOYOTA COROLLA AND THE TOYOTA COROLLA MATRIX.

TOYOTA IDENTIFIED 203 COMPLAINTS FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-2004 PONTIAC VIBE; AND, 254 COMPLAINTS FOR MY 2003-2004 TOYOTA COROLLA AND TOYOTA COROLLA MATRIX ALLEGING THAT THE SIDE FRONT POWER WINDOW SHATTERED AND/OR MADE A POPPING/CLICKING NOISE DURING OPERATION.
TOYOTA IS STILL MONITORING AND EVALUATING THIS ISSUE. ODI OPENS THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE.
*****************************************
ITEM TWO THAT REALLY NEEDS COVER AND DEFLECTION.....
Then there is the 170 complaints on file for the 2006-2007 Tacoma - the vast majority of which although under many component categories are all about the same acceleration/throttle/cruise control problem/experience .

[HoosierRon]

Originally Posted by lightbrotha2004

So umm yeah people buy Acadias and I'm not bashing them because I like them but for some families they are not practical as is with mine when there are at least four 6' plus people in a vehicle at any one time.

Wouldn't it make much more sense to buy a fuel efficient vehicle to use 358 days per year, and rent a Tahoe (or an RV) for your 7 day vacation? I realize some people think that is a bad idea, but at the end of the day, it strikes me as very wasteful to buy a gas guzzler so that a family of four can go on a vacation in comfort. But tis is America. Buy all the foreign oil you want.

And don't 6' tall people fit in the second row of an Acadia? I'm 6'3", and I did not have any problem getting in an Outlook.