General Motors is recalling nearly 3.4m cars for potential ignition switch problems.
The latest recall covers seven different models and involves ignitions slipping out of the “run” position. If the ignition key is carrying extra weight and experiences some jarring event, the fault could cause the engine to stall, disabling power steering, power brakes and airbags.
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While the newly recalled vehicles have a different switch from that in earlier recalls, they shared the same design release engineer, according to GM.
GM also said it is taking a US$700m charge for Q2 recalls, up from US$400m previously announced.
The latest safety recall follows a review of ignition issues following the recall in February of 2.6m Chevrolet Cobalts and other small cars. GM is aware of eight crashes and six injuries related to this recall.
The newly recalled cars include the 2005-09 Buick Lacrosse, 2006-14 Chevrolet Impala, 2000-05 Cadillac Deville, 2004-11 Cadillac DTS, 2006-11 Buick Lucerne, 2004-05 Buick Regal LS and GS and the 2006-08 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
According to GM the switches in the latest recall did meet GM’s specifications and on this recall the automaker isn’t replacing the ignition switches, only the keys.
Fixes are expected to begin in the next few weeks and that owners of recalled cars are being urged to remove additional weight from key chains and drive with only the ignition key.
