GM SUV fires probed

GM SUV fires probed

WASHINGTON — The government is investigating reports of engine fires in General Motors’ full-size sport utility vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a posting on its Web site that it has received two reports of fires on 2007 model year Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs. Both reports allege that the vehicles were parked in a home garage with the engine shut off when the fires occurred, causing significant property damage.

The investigation, which also includes the 2007 GMC Yukon SUV, involves about 423,000 SUVs.

Ford issues SUV recall

WASHINGTON — Ford Motor Co. said Monday it was recalling more than 180,000 sport utility vehicles and vans in two separate recalls to fix interior door handles and faulty fuel hoses.

The larger of the two recalls involves nearly 124,000 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs from the 2007-2008 model years. The Dearborn, Mich.-based automaker said the spring system in the inside door handles could break.

The problem could prevent the door handles from returning to a closed position, but the latches work properly, said Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood. However, in a side crash, there could be a risk of the door latch opening because of the problems, he said.

Associated Press