DETROIT – General Motors is recalling nearly 60,000 Chevy Malibu midsize cars, including hundreds sold in Canada, to fix window defrosters that may not work and power seat wiring that can catch fire.
The largest of the recalls covers more than 44,000 Malibus from the 2014 model year, including about 1,000 sold in Canada.
GM says a computer that runs the ventilation system can revert to the previous setting even if a driver sets the controls to defrost. If that happens, the driver won’t be able to clear the windshield to see where they’re going. The problem happens when the cars are started.
Get weekly money news
GM dealers will reprogram the computer at no cost to customers. The company says it doesn’t know of any crashes or injuries from the problem.
The recall includes 42,696 Malibus in the U.S., with another 1,034 in Canada and 676 in Mexico.
GM also is recalling nearly 15,000 Malibus in North America from the 2013 model year because wiring beneath the seats can catch fire. Transport Canada says only 13 of the cars are in Canada.
The company says wires in cars with eight-way power front seats can rub against the seat frames. This can wear away the insulation and cause a short circuit that can cause sparking or a fire. The problem also can make the seats move unintentionally, and cause melted wires and smoke, GM said.
The company says it’s aware of two unattended fires that went out on their own. It knows of no crashes or injuries.
GM says dealers will inspect the seat wiring and repair it if needed, at no cost to customers.
Comments