Chevy recalls Sonics for fire risk

General Motors has announced that it will recall a small number of Chevrolet Sonics for a potential fire risk.

Affected are about 1,558 model-year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Sonics in the U.S. and another about 100 in Canada.

The problem is that faulty fuel-tank strap welds could allow the strap bracket to separate, causing the fuel tank to rest on the exhaust pipe or plastic fuel-tank shield. If the fuel-tank shield and fuel-filler neck do not support the fuel tank, it may then separate from the vehicle.

If that happens and the tank is punctured or in the presence of an ignition source, a fire may occur.

GM said motorists experiencing the problem may hear a rattling or scraping noise.

GM said the problem was discovered at the GM Orion plant that makes Sonic for North America. It said there have been no customer complaints, crashes, injuries or fires resulting from the problem and that most of the vehicles still are in dealer stock.

Dealers will inspect the bracket straps and make any necessary repairs.

Owners can call Chevrolet at 866-694-6546 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236, or go to www.safercar.gov.