GM Expands Ignition Switch Recall To 1.4 Million Vehicles
Under mounting pressure, General Motors has significantly expanded a recall involving defective ignition switches — now linked to 31 crashes and at least 13 fatalities – affecting a total of nearly 1.4 million vehicles. The automaker also issued an apology for the problem.
GM first announced plans to recall nearly 800,000 older compact models mid-February. At the time, company officials said it knew of 22 separate accidents and six fatalities connected to the problem.
The issue involves a defective ignition switch that inadvertently can be turned either to the "off" or accessory positions, turning off the engine and most electrical components. That includes vehicle airbag systems that would be needed in a crash – especially one that might result from a vehicle losing control when inadvertently turned off.
The first announcement covered just three models: the Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 sedans sold in North America during model-years 2005 through 2007, as well as the Pontiac Pursuit sold in Canada. After the original recall was announced, however, GM came under fire from safety advocates who contended it had excluded a number of vehicles using the same, defective ignition switch.
Added to the list of recalled vehicles are 2003-2007 Saturn Ions, 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHRs, and 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky models. All told, 1,367,146 vehicles are now covered.
GM said it has submitted documentation to NHTSA – including a chronology of its actions on the switch problem.