2.5 million vehicles face recall

This article is the archived version of a report that appeared in July 2009 Consumer Reports magazine.

Three major carmakers have announced recalls of more than 2.5 million vehicles for problems such as oil leaks that could lead to engine fires and frame corrosion that could lead to a crash.

General Motors is recalling 1,497,516 midsized and large cars because oil leakage could increase a risk of fire in the engine compartment. The models are the 1997-2003 Buick Regal; 1998-2003 Chevrolet Lumina, Monte Carlo, and Impala; 1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue; and 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. The vehicles are equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine.

The automaker found that oil might be deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking and be ignited. Dealers will install a part to fix the problem.

Hyundai Motors has recalled more than 430,000 vehicles originally sold in Northeastern and Midwestern states that use substantial amounts of road salt during the winter. The road salt might cause corrosion of critical metal structures that affect car stability and control.

One recalled group includes 175,765 Sonatas from the 2001-2004 model years, and XG300 and XG350 vehicles from 2001-2004. A similar problem affects Santa Fe vehicles with model years 2001-2003. A recall has been posted for 170,610 smaller sedans: the 2001-2003 Elantra and the 2003 Tiburon, also sold in the same regions. Hyundai is also recalling 531,894 vehicles across a range of categories for a faulty brake light switch. The models involved are the 2006-2007 Accent, Entourage, and Sonata; 2007 Azera, Elantra, and Santa Fe; 2005-2007 Tucson; and 2007-2008 Veracruz.

Chrysler has recalled 42,469 Jeep Liberty vehicles from the 2002-2003 model years sold in the Northeast and Midwest for a corrosion problem.