Holden recalls 26,000 Colorado utes and SUVs because they might catch fire

HOLDEN has stopped delivery of its Colorado ute and SUV and is trying to contact 26,000 owners across Australia because the cars could catch fire.

Carsguide 7924m - Holden Colorado Storm Picture: Supplied

HOLDEN is recalling more than 26,000 examples of its Colorado ute and family SUV — almost every one sold in the past 18 months — because they may catch fire.

Holden has issued a “stop delivery” notice to dealers and is urging Colorado owners to bring their cars in for rectification work after five customers experienced “thermal incidents”.

The models affected were made between September 2013 and January 2015.

The latest safety bulletin makes Holden the most recalled car brand so far this year; last year Holden had the equal highest number of recalls with Jeep, with each issuing a record 14 notices.

Safety bulletin ... Holden Colorado utes and SUVs are being recalled. Photo: Supplied.

According to the Federal Government’s recalls website, “there is a risk that (a) cable insulation may melt or catch fire, which may pose a risk of injury to the vehicle occupants and other road users”.

A statement from Holden said an alternator cable “may have been assembled so it makes contact with a steel bracket on the battery tray”.

Under certain driving conditions, Holden says, movement of the engine may cause the cable to rub through the insulation.

“This may cause a short circuit. If the short circuit creates sufficient heat, there is a risk that the cable insulation may melt or potentially catch fire,” the Holden statement said.

Fire warning ... Colorado drivers may notice smoke under the bonnet. Photo: Supplied.

Holden says drivers of affected may notice a battery warning light on the instrument cluster or “in more serious cases a small amount of smoke may be emitted from the engine bay area”.

The safety alert for the Thailand-made Colorado ute is the fifth Holden recall so far this year.

Earlier this month Holden issued a recall for the Korean-made Captiva family SUV because certain models could lurch forward if the key was left in the ignition.

Jeep and Nissan have issued four recalls so far this year while Honda, Hyundai, Mazda and Suzuki have issued three recalls over the same period.

Market leader Toyota has only issued two recalls so far this year.

This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling