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A Holden Cruze
More than 600 Holden Cruzes in New Zealand are to be recalled after they were found to have had a similar fault to overseas models, making them a potential fire hazard.
Nearly half a million Cruze vehicles in the United States and Canada, as well as some that were exported to Israel, were recalled last week for potential fire risks.
General Motors (GM) on Friday announced a full recall of all Chevrolet Cruzes that were built in North America since production began on the small car in 2010, because of dangers with engine shield under the vehicle.
The recall applied to all Cruzes that were made in their Lordstown, Ohio factory.
In New Zealand, the car sells as a Holden Cruze, and New Zealand models are manufactured in Australia.
Holden New Zealand announced this morning that it would initiate a precautionary recall, although there had been no reported problems here.
It was recalling all Australian-built MY12 and MY13 Cruze models fitted with a 1.4 litre petrol engine.
Holden said a condition had been identified where in some instances, the lower air deflector also known as the belly pan, could catch oil that might drip from the engine if an oil change was not done properly.
"If oil makes contact with hot engine parts such as the exhaust manifold or catalytic converter, a thermal could occur."
Sales and aftersales General Manager Terry McEwan said safety was Holden's first priority.
"We take pride in Holden's high standards and servicing procedures which we believe significantly reduce the risk of improper oil changes and eliminate the risk of a thermal incident," he said.
"When it comes to initiating safety recalls and campaigns we will always err on the side of caution especially when it comes to customer wellbeing and safety. There have been no reported incidents in New Zealand however, we will take action to assure our customers their vehicles are safe."
The recall would affect about 629 Cruze vehicles in New Zealand.
McEwan said Holden would contact customers directly to arrange a free-of-charge rework which involved the modification of the lower air deflector under the engine.
He said it would take about 40 minutes before customers could drive away.
There have been 30 reported cases of fires happening in the United States but there have been no known injuries.