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GM natural gas-powered vans recalled due to possible leak

General Motors is recalling almost 3,200 of its compressed-natural-gas powered utility vans because of possible leaks. GM and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a notice last week saying that 3,196 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana CNG vans are on recall, though no accidents have been reported due to the possible issue. The recall is specifically for vans for model years ranging from 2011 to 2014. The recall stems from a potential leak from the compressed natural gas high-pressure regulator, and such a leak could cause a fire or explosion. GM will replace the vehicles' high-pressure regulator in order to fix the problem, will do it free of charge and is instructing owners to contact Chevrolet or GMC customer service to arrange for the parts replacement. Utility vehicle makers like General Motors have pushed for fleet sales of CNG-powered vans and trucks for the past few years and have touted them for their cheaper refueling costs relative to standard gasoline, not to mention the fact that natural gas can be readily sourced from throughout North America (thanks, fracking). According to CNGPrices.com, compressed natural gas sells for about $2.22 a gallon, on average, while the AAA is pegging the average price of gas at $3.34 a gallon. NHTSA has posted information on the recall here. Featured Gallery News Source: NHTSA via Reuters Green Chevrolet GM GMC Natural Gas Vehicles CNG gmc savana

Fullsize GM SUVs have a problem that's making owners sick

Some fullsize SUV owners are getting sick, thanks to a buffeting and vibration problem in 2015 model year examples of the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and GMC Yukon. According to owners' complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the issue can vary from an annoying vibration inside the cabin to an experience so severe that it leads to dizziness and headaches. General Motors is aware of the complaints, but the fix isn't so simple. According to spokesperson Tom Wilkinson to Autoblog, the company "has been tracking this issue for a while." The problem has a fairly low incidence rate, but when it does occur the issue can be "uncomfortable and annoying for owners." There's no precise cause for the issue, Wilkinson claims, and in some cases, simply balancing the tires or changing the door seals can make it go away. However, not all of the fixes are so simple. AutoGuide dug deep into the problem and discovered a GM preliminary information bulletin that advised dealers to remove the headliner and to check the roof's bonds to the bows that go across the vehicle. However, that document included a note that the solution might not entirely eliminate things. According to AutoGuide, adding Dynamat insulation to the roof sometimes helped the problem. A GM spokesperson also told AutoGuide the company fixed the problem at the end of the 2015 model year, and didn't go into any more detail. This roof issue seems linked to some of the worst droning in these SUVs. According to one complaint from a 2015 Suburban owner to NHTSA: "Roof will not remain attached to the roof bows. This causes the buffeting similar to a window being down when all are up. The results span from annoying to painful." A 2015 Yukon owner claims to have another alleged cause for the problem in a NHTSA complaint from February 2015. This person brought their SUV to the dealer seven times over the course of four weeks for vibrations. The dealer replaced the driveshaft, suspension components, and more, but nothing worked. According to an engineer to the service adviser: "In an effort to prevent roll overs, they designed the frame and body mounts too stiff. There are 40 engineers working on issues, they have no solutions that work across the board." Wilkinson told Autoblog that GM is working with customers on an individual basis to rectify things. Since these are newer vehicles, dealers should also fix the problem under warranty.

Chevy Silverado Realtree Edition calls to your inner woodsman

Hunters and woodsmen, this could be your next pickup truck. It's a special-edition Silverado, done up with the camo specialists at Realtree. This truck packs all the off-road equipment you could want, and boasts a special appearance package to set it apart from ordinary citified pickups. The Realtree edition is based on the 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 in LTZ trim with a crew cab and the Z71 package. It's all blacked out, from the bodywork and Bowtie emblems to the side steps and 20-inch wheels with their all-terrain tires. It features Realtree logos and camouflage graphics inside and out, and since it comes with the Z71 pack, it also features monotube shocks, a locking rear diff, an underbody shield, and hill-decent control. This special edition results from a decade-long partnership between Chevrolet and Realtree, but stops short of a full camo treatment. For that, you may want to scope out the Special Ops edition recently confirmed for production after its debut at SEMA (alongside another Realtree show truck). Outdoorsy types, however, may very well be more attracted to this Realtree special, which could prove just the foil GM needs to the Ram Mossy Oak Edition. It launches in the spring, just in time for hunting season – though you'll still need to fit your own gun rack. Related Video: CHEVROLET INTRODUCES SILVERADO REALTREE® EDITION HERE'S THE STORY Chevrolet today introduced the 2016 Silverado Realtree® Edition – an outdoors-inspired special edition that leverages the strength, versatility and personalization possibilities of the Silverado and distinguishes it with camo graphics from Realtree, the world's leading camouflage brand. It's the latest and strongest example of a decade-long partnership between Chevrolet and Realtree. PRODUCT DETAILS The new Realtree® Edition package is offered on Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71 crew cab models and includes exterior camo graphics and the Realtree logo embroidered on the front-seat headrests. Additionally, interior attributes feature the Realtree camo logo and graphics. The Silverado Realtree® edition also includes special blackout trim, black bow ties, off-road assist steps and black 20" wheels with all-terrain tires. Also included is the legendary Z71 off-road package featuring Rancho monotube shocks, Hill Decent Control, an underbody shield and the G80 auto locking rear differential.