An Indianapolis woman is encouraging all automobile owners to make sure recalls have been fixed on their vehicles after her 2006 Trailblazer bursts into flames.
Michelle Shelter contacted Call 6 Investigator Kara Kenney when her vehicle caught fire shortly after removing her 9 month old baby from her car seat. After investigation, it was discovered that her 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer had been recalled along with over 300,000 other Trailblazers across the United States. The problem — fluid may enter the driver door module, causing a short that can cause overheating, melting, smoke, or fire.
A document from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows 742 complaints to General Motors and the federal government about the door problem, including 80 fires and/or crashes, and four reported injuries of smoke inhalation or burns.
Alan Adler, spokesman for GM, said the manufacturer sent recall notices to Michelle Shetler’s home on four separate occasions. Unfortunately, recall notices are often overlooked or owners fail to get the problem fixed.
Starting February 18, 2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will require that all automobile manufacturers use a distinctive label on mailings that notify owners of recalled vehicles and/or equipment. The safety group introduced the requirement to help owners instantly distinguish important notices from other mail and prevent consumers from mistakenly discarding the safety notices.