2010 Cadillac SRX Recalled for Fire Hazard

Just the Facts:

• Cadillac is recalling 4,000 2010 SRXs due to a potential fire hazard.
• A damaged power steering line could leak flammable fluid onto engine parts.
• There has been one report to date of a related engine fire.

WASHINGTON — Cadillac is recalling 3,996 2010 SRXs equipped with 2.8-liter or 3.0-liter engines because of a problem with the power steering pressure line that could lead to an engine compartment fire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and General Motors.

GM said the majority of the affected vehicles are in the U.S., with 341 exported to China.

"Some of these vehicles have a condition in which processing of the crimp during manufacture of the power steering pressure line may have damaged the line," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "If the line was damaged, a power steering fluid leak may develop. If there is a sufficient amount of fluid loss, the driver will hear noise from the power steering pump and increased effort may be required for steering.

"If power steering fluid sprays onto hot engine parts, an engine compartment fire could occur."

In other documentation filed with the federal government, GM said a product investigation engineer in the U.S. was dispatched on August 4 to inspect a 2010 SRX that had a reported fire. The affected part is provided by a Korean supplier, it noted. The documentation was signed by M. Carmen Benavides, GM director of product investigations and safety regulations.

In a statement on Thursday, GM said "the issue is believed to exist in only two or three of the recalled vehicles." It said the fire in the SRX was in an "unattended" vehicle. "There have been no related crashes or injuries," according to the statement.

Cadillac dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the power steering line in recalled SRX crossovers. Cadillac told NHTSA it has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners can contact Cadillac at 866-982-2339.

Inside Line says: If you own the aforementioned SRX, have it checked out with your dealer ASAP. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent