Chris Woodyard

USA TODAY

GM is recalling 303%2C000 pickups

They center on 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra models

A fire can start in the exhaust system in cold weather

General Motors is recalling 303,000 of its new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickup trucks in the U.S. to reprogram software to prevent them from catching on fire.

So far, eight fires have been reported and no injuries. The recall covers trucks with 4.3-liter and 5.3-liter engines.

The recall is a potential embarrassment because the truck is one of the most important vehicles in GM's lineup -- and it was all new for the 2014 model year. The Silverado is the nation's best-selling vehicle, second only to Ford's F-Series pickup.

With the software fix, parts of the pickup's exhaust system could overheat, causing a fire. All of the fires that have happened so far have only happened when the weather is frigid.

GM says owners may know they are in trouble if the "check engine" light illuminates continuously and an "engine power reduced" message, which generally puts a vehicle in what's commonly called as limp-home mode. Another warning sign is if the trucks are running rough when they are started. It is warning owners not to let the trucks idle unattended.

Software reprogramming takes about 20 minutes at a dealership. Letters to owners are supposed to go out next week, but owners can make appointments to go to dealers sooner if they wish for an immediate fix, according to GM.