General Motors to recall 14,245 cars to fix power steering fluid leak

General Motors (GM) yesterday said that it will recall 14,245 Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne cars because of a potential a power steering fluid leak that could cause a loss of steering or an engine fire

GM is recalling 14,245 Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne cars with V8 engines from the 2010 and 2011 model year because the vehicles can have a starter or alternator cable that comes in contact with the power steering return line, said the Detroit-based car maker in a statement.

GM said that such contact could cause the cable to wear through the power steering line causing a power steering fluid leak and a loss of power steering.

Contact also may wear away the cable protective wrap, conduit and wire insulation, so there is metal-to-metal contact, which could result in battery drain.

According to GM, if the exposed battery cable separates from the power-steering line, there could be enough sparks for a hole to be melted in the line and if the power steering fluid contacts hot metal parts of the engine, there could be a fire.

GM said that it is aware of four fires but no injuries associated with this problem and said that it will inform its customers next week and dealers will inspect harness routing and correct as needed to eliminate contact with the power steering line.