WASHINGTON, D.C. --- General Motors is recalling 1.49 million vehicles because of a potential condition in which drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking. 

If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. This increases the risk of an engine compartment fire. 

The recall involves MY 1997-2003 Buick Regals; MY 1998-2003 Chevrolet Luminas, Monte Carlos and Impalas; MY 1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigues; and MY 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8L V6 naturally aspirated engine. The total number of vehicles involved is 1,497,516. 

Dealers will remove the spark plug wire retention channel at the front of the engine and install two new spark plug wire retainers free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in May.

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