U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said Friday on its website that it is investigating inaccurate fuel gauges on 865,000 General Motors Co. SUVs, according to Detnews.
The Federal regulator said it had opened a preliminary investigation into 865,000 of the most popular SUVs built by GM, including 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Saab 9-7, after consumers complained about incidents of inaccurate and random fuel level readings while driving.
NHTSA said it has received 668 complaints of the issue, including 58 reports, in which consumers said that vehicle stalled when it ran out of gas, even though the gauge indicated that fuel remained.
The faulty fuel gauge even allegedly led to a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.
NHTSA also said they received most complaints last year, indicating an apparent increasing trend.
GM spokesman Alan Adler said that GM is cooperating with NHTSA in the investigation.
