After discovering a very serious flaw with the alternator in some 5,000 heavy-duty Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana passenger and cargo vans, American manufacturer GM announced the recall of the affected models, as well as a halt in production and sales of the vans until a proper fix for the fault is found.
The alternator issue seems to be pretty serious, as it can cause a fire in the engine compartment. GM is advising (they use the "we are urging" phrase) all retail and fleet customers to stop driving the vans, park them outside away from buildings and other vehicles and, if possible, disconnect both battery cables.
Vehicles affected by the recall and stop sale fall are in the following ranges of Vehicle Identification Numbers (last eight digits shown):
“The Stop Sale and production halt are measures being taken to assure customer safety until we have a repair procedure,” said Jeff Boyer, GM executive director of Safety and Interiors.
According to GM, about 1,400 AC Delco aftermarket parts also are affected by the recall. The affected part numbers are: 15200110; 15288861; 15263859 and 15847291.
"Customers who had a heavy duty alternator replaced in February or March in a 2005-2010 heavy-duty Express or Savana van or other 2005-2009 GM truck or SUV also are being urged to check their repair order receipts to determine if a suspect part was involved," GM says.
"If it was, or the part used is unknown, they are urged to stop driving their vehicles, park them away from buildings and other vehicles and, if possible, disconnect both battery cables."
- 2010 Chevrolet Express 2500/3500 - VIN from A1129327 to A1142523
- 2010 GMC Savana 2500/3500 - VIN from A1128784 to A1901915
“The Stop Sale and production halt are measures being taken to assure customer safety until we have a repair procedure,” said Jeff Boyer, GM executive director of Safety and Interiors.
According to GM, about 1,400 AC Delco aftermarket parts also are affected by the recall. The affected part numbers are: 15200110; 15288861; 15263859 and 15847291.
"Customers who had a heavy duty alternator replaced in February or March in a 2005-2010 heavy-duty Express or Savana van or other 2005-2009 GM truck or SUV also are being urged to check their repair order receipts to determine if a suspect part was involved," GM says.
"If it was, or the part used is unknown, they are urged to stop driving their vehicles, park them away from buildings and other vehicles and, if possible, disconnect both battery cables."