General Motors, in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is recalling 11,915 Chevrolet Impalas in the U.S. and Canada due to a risk of engine compartment fires, stemming from an issue with the vehicle’s power steering system, report news sources.
The power steering hoses on certain models of the 2012 Impala are placed too close to the sedan’s catalytic converters, according to the NHTSA. The hose may melt due to high heat from the catalytic converter, causing the flammable hydraulic steering fluid to ignite. The affected vehicles were built between April 19 and July 29, 2011.
GM said Friday that the automaker is unaware of any reports of problems or injuries due to the faulty power steering system.
GM will notify owners of the Impalas that are subject to recall. Owners will be instructed to take the sedan to a local dealership where the vehicle will be inspected and, if necessary, repaired at no cost to the owner.
I hope that no vehicle owners or their passengers have been harmed as a result of the faulty power steering system. As a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, I encourage owners to take their vehicles in to be inspected as soon as they receive notification from GM.