General Motors is recalling 38,197 Chevrolet Malibu Eco and Buick LaCrosse and Regal sedans from the 2012 and 2013 model year sold in the United States and equipped with eAssist to screen the generator control module for proper operation.
Some of these vehicles may have a condition in which the generator control module may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of a malfunction indicator light. If these warnings are ignored, the engine may stall. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and, in rare instances, a fire in the trunk.
The issue is the potential overheating of the circuit boards in the generator control module, but it does not involve the eAssist battery.
GM is aware of generator control board incidents, most of which have occurred within first 1,000 miles of operation. Vehicles built after December 2012 are not part of the recall.
GM knows of one trunk fire but no injuries or crashes related to this condition.
