GM Recalling 1.4 Million Older Cars Due To Fire Risk

Oct 29, 2015 11:01 AM EDT | John Nassivera

General Motors announced Tuesday that it will recall 1.4 million cars due to an issue that can start a fire.

The cars, which date back to the 1997 model year, can leak oil and catch fire, which can cause damage to garages and homes, according to the Associated Press.

The recall is GM's third in seven years involving the issue, as repairs from the first two recalls didn't work. The automaker said that over 1,300 cars caught fire after they were fixed by dealers.

The first two recalls, which were issued in 2007 and 2009, covered 1.1 million of the cars in the new recall, CNN Money reported.  Models covered in the new recall include the 1997-2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina, 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue and 1997-2004 Buick Regal.

GM spokesman Alan Adler said that about 85 percent of the fires happened when the car was shut off.

About 1.3 million of the recalled cars are in the U.S., while the rest are in Canada, Mexico and exports, CNBC noted.

The company said that the oil leaked onto a hot manifold in the engine after "hard braking."

"GM is working on a remedy. The company is aware of post-repair fires in some vehicles but no crashes or fatalities. There have been 19 reported minor injuries over the last six years," GM said in a statement.

The automaker will have dealers repair the vehicles, free of charge.

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