Thousands of police vehicles to be recalled due to fire risk

HOUSTON – General Motors has informed the federal government, it intends to recall nearly 50,000 Chevrolet Tahoes, intended for police use, because of fire risk.

The recall affects 2010-2014 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV (police pursuit vehicles). Hundreds are in use across dozens of police departments in the Houston area.

"Losing 30 vehicles out of fleet for any department is going to be huge," Deputy Roy Guinn with Harris County Constable's Office, Pct.5,  said.

Guinn stressed, that his department is prepared is to deal with such events, and police service will not be affected.

"We have reserve vehicles," Guinn said.

Guinn's department department has 30 Tahoes. The Houston Police Department has more than 100 in use.

The recall, which applies only to police models, not for sale new to the general public, has yet to be officially issued, so down time for the vehicles remains a question mark.

The potential fire risk exists in the specialized model's upgraded engine cooling fan motor assembly.

It is does not appear, Monday,  that there had been any reports of injuries due to the issue.

Police cars are typically in service 24 hours a day in bigger departments,  so multiple shifts of officers or deputies could be affected by the down time necessary to make repairs.

Customers are directed to check VIN for recall information at recalls.gm.com, for more.