Given the price of gas these days, it really helps to have an accurate fuel gauge on your vehicle. It certainly doesn’t help to have a gauge that gives inaccurate or completely random readings. But enough GM drivers have complained to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about this problem for the agency to open an investigation.

According to the The Detroit News, NHTSA’s investigation encompasses 865,00 GM SUVs, inculding the 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Saab 9-7.

NHTSA’s biggest concern is that the inaccurate fuel gauge readings have caused a number of drivers to stall out for lack of fuel, in spite of the info displayed on their dashboard.

From DetroitNews.com:

One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind. NHTSA also said the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.

A spokesman for GM says the car maker is cooperating with NHTSA.

NHTSA investigating 865,000 GM SUVs for stalling, running out of fuel [Detroit News]

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