As we mentioned back in April, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration had launched an investigation into the cause of fires in two Chevy Cruze vehicles. Today, General Motors announced a recall of more than 475,000 Cruze cars for safety modifications intended to prevent engine fires.

The recall affects 413,418 Cruzes (model years 2011 and 2012) in the U.S., with the bulk of the remaining recalled vehicles located in Canada.

Recalled vehicles will receive tweaks to the engine shield that should help prevent flammable liquids from being trapped in the engine compartment.

If oil or hydraulic fluid were to drip or spill into the compartment and become trapped there, it could ignite and cause a fire.

GM says the repairs should take about 30 minutes to complete at the dealership and will be performed free of charge.

Notices are expected to go out around July 11, but since there are no new parts involved in the fix, GM is encouraging affected drivers to contact their dealership at their earliest convenience.

Last year, GM recalled around 150,000 Cruzes over steering issues.

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.