According to the safety watchdog, the problem, if any, might affect 865,000 vehicles from more badges in the GM lineup: 2005 - 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x.
The NHTSA received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading. In 58 of those cases, the engines stalled as a result of the inaccurate indication of fuel availability. One crash might have been cause by this problem, as one vehicle ran out of gas and stalled while exiting an interstate. The car was rear-ended, but no mention of casualties were made.
“Consumers have reported incidents of inaccurate and random fuel level reading while driving, resulting in the vehicle running out of fuel and causing vehicle stall with no restart,” the NHTSA says in a statement.
As a result, the NHTSA opened an investigation to “assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.” According to the NHTSA, the complaints seem to have picked up speed in the past year, pointing to an increasing risk for the drivers.
The American manufacturer which produced the models says it has received the notification sent by the NHTSA, but is still waiting for the detailed questions that will give the government agency a better understanding of the possible problem. More details on the subject will probably surface over the next period. Stay tuned for the decision to be made by the NHTSA
Google News