GM recalls 38,197 cars for battery control defect

(AP) DETROIT - General Motors Co. is recalling 38,197 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, Buick LaCrosse and Buick Regal sedans in the U.S. because a defective battery control module could stall the engine or cause a fire.

Vehicles from the 2012 and 2013 model years equipped with GM’s eAssist hybrid system are affected. Vehicles built after December 2012 are not part of the recall.

GM says some vehicles may have a malfunctioning generator control module that causes a gradual loss of battery power and stalls the engine. If the module overheats, it could cause smoke or fire in the trunk.

GM will notify owners and repair the module for free.

The company knows of two trunk fires related to the issue, which happened in the first 1,000 miles of operation. No injuries have been reported.