General Motors has issued another vehicle recall  for an ignition switch defect that can cause the car to stall and deactivate the air bags.  On Monday, March 31st, GM recalled an additional 1.5 million vehicles, which includes the 2010 Cobalt and the 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, because the electronic power-steering assist can suddenly fail. 

To date, GM has recalled approximately 2.6 million small cars for the ignition switch defect.  GM has linked 13 deaths and more than two dozen motor vehicle accidents to problems with the ignition switch.  In 2014 , GM has recalled nearly 7 million vehicles for multiple issues, including the ignition switch defect, steering problems, flaws in side airbag wiring, and malfunctioning instrument panels.  According to CNN Money, GM estimates it will take a $750 million charge against earnings in the first quarter of 2014 to cover the cost of all repairs. 

GM’s new CEO, Mary Barra, is expected testify before Congressional committees regarding the major recall this week. 

According to a recent article on posted on the Lexington Herald-Leader's website, GM has added 2004 Saturn Ions to its list of recalled vehicles. Last month, GM announced the recall of over 780,000 Chevrolet Cobalts and Pontiac G5s, model years 2005-2007.  It later added 842,000 Saturn Ion compact vehicles, model years 2005-2007, as well as Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky sports cars, model years 2006-2007. 

The major recall relates to a problem with ignition switches which can wear from heavy, dangling keys.  According to the report, if the key chains are bumped or people drive on rough surfaces, the switches can suddenly change from the "run" position to "accessory" or "off."  This activity can disable power-assisted steering and brakes, and can cause drivers to lose control.  Air bags may also be unable to inflate in the event of a crash.  Drivers are urged to leave key rings empty until the switches are replaced.  GM has linked 12 deaths to the ignition switch problem.

GM is also offering owners of the recalled cars free loaner vehicles and $500 toward a new GM vehicle, says the article.  There are time restrictions, however.  For further details about the recall and GM's offer to vehicle owners can be found  here.


Posted by Andrew Wheeler