GM recalls 1.3 million US vehicles for power steering fault
General Motors has announced a recall of 1.3 million cars in the United States due to potential electric power steering failures, bringing its total recalls in March 2014 to around six million units.
General Motors has issued a recall of 1.3 million vehicles in the United States following reports of sudden loss of electric power steering assist in several Chevrolet, Pontiac and Saturn models. The announcement, made at the end of March 2014, brings the company’s total number of recalled vehicles in the US market to around six million within a single month.
The recall affects the following vehicles: all 2004 and 2005 and some 2006, 2008 and 2009 Chevrolet Malibu; all 2004 and 2005 and some 2006 Malibu Maxx; some 2009 and 2010 Chevrolet HHR non-turbo; some 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt; some 2008 and 2009 Saturn Aura; some 2004 to 2007 Saturn ION; and all 2005 and some 2006, 2008 and 2009 Pontiac G6. The affected models span a range of body styles and sizes, but all share a similar electric power steering system that is at risk of failing.
Nature of the power steering defect
According to GM, the problem involves a sudden loss of electric power steering assist. If this occurs, the driver receives a warning on the instrument panel and an audible chime. Steering is still possible, as the system reverts to manual operation, but drivers must apply much more effort at low speeds. This increases the likelihood of a crash, especially in urban driving or when parking.
Recall scope and recent context
This latest action comes as GM faces intense scrutiny over its recall practices and vehicle safety, following a string of high-profile recalls in early 2014. The company’s total US recalls for March alone have reached approximately six million vehicles, a figure that includes several unrelated defects. The scale of the recalls has placed GM under pressure from both regulators and the public to address safety issues more proactively.
- Chevrolet Malibu (2004–2006, 2008–2009)
- Chevrolet Malibu Maxx (2004–2006)
- Chevrolet HHR (2009–2010, non-turbo)
- Chevrolet Cobalt (2010)
- Saturn Aura (2008–2009)
- Saturn ION (2004–2007)
- Pontiac G6 (2005–2006, 2008–2009)
Implications for owners and dealers
GM has stated that owners of affected vehicles will be contacted directly and instructed to bring their cars to authorised dealers for inspection and repair. The required work will be carried out free of charge. Dealers will need to manage a high volume of recall-related service appointments, adding pressure to parts supply and workshop capacity in the coming months.
The recall is part of GM’s broader response to safety concerns and regulatory scrutiny in the US, as the company works to restore consumer confidence following a series of product quality issues. For more on GM’s recent performance, see GM June Sales Climb 16% to Highest Level Since 2008.
