Another 300,000 cars recalled by GM

General Motors has recalled 29m cars so far this year including the most recent models of the Cadillac ATS. Image: Wikipedia

GM, which faces a number of government probes over its handling of ignition switch problems linked to at least 13 deaths, recalled around 215,000 Saturn VUEs made between 2002 and 2004 because the ignition key can be removed when the switch is not in the off position.

"This fault could lead to unintended vehicle motion, resulting in a possible crash," GM said in a statement. The company said it is aware of two crashes and one injury that were related to this problem.

GM said it knew of no other injuries or crashes related to the other four recalls: more than 72,000 2013 Cadillac ATS and 2013 Buick Encore vehicles because of a problem with the seat belt webbing; 15,000 2014/15 Chevrolet Impalas because of a problem in a latch to a console compartment door; almost 3,000 Chevrolet Aveos made in 2009 or 2010 and Pontiac G3s of the same year for a brake fluid issue; and 3,000 of the Chevrolet Sparks built in 2014 for attaching bolts that may not have been properly tightened.

GM took a $1.2bn charge in the second quarter of its financial year mainly because of recall expenses.

BM has been severely criticised for having known about a dangerous ignition switch problem in its cars for 11 years before starting recalls. That problem is linked to dozens if not hundreds of accidents and at least 13 deaths.

The company has hired Compensation Expert Ken Feinberg to set up a fund for victims.

Source: AFP via I-Net Bridge