Another Ignition-Related Recall For General Motors

DETROIT (WWJ) - General Motors is recalling nearly half a million Chevrolet Camaros because of an issue that sounds very familiar: ignition switches that can be knocked out of the run position.

"The issue, which may primarily affect drivers sitting close to the steering column, was discovered by GM during internal testing following the ignition switch recall earlier this year," read a statement from the company.

The recall involves all of the new generation of Camaros, from the 2010 model year on. GM says there have been three crashes and four injuries reported.

While the problem sounds familiar, the ignition switch system on the current Camaro is very different from the one used on the recalled older GM small cars.

"Discovering and acting on this issue quickly is an example of the new norm for product safety at GM," said Jeff Boyer, vice president of GM Global Safety.

General Motors was fined $35 million dollars and is the subject of various investigations related to the delayed recall of small cars with ignition switch problems. Autotrader.com Senior Analyst Michelle Krebs says they are under a lot of pressure to act quickly on any safety issue.

"Of course they are taking very quick action because they are being highly scrutinized by the government to not drag their feet on any necessary recalls."

The Camaro recall is one of four being announced today by General Mothers. The other recalls being highlighted in a statement released by the company:

• 28,789 Saab 9-3 convertibles from the 2004-2011 model years for an automatic tensioning system cable in the driver's side front seat belt retractor that could break. If the cable were to break, seat belt webbing spooled out by the driver would not retract. The convertibles and sedans were investigated at the same time, but the convertible parts were not identical to the sedan parts. GM has since learned of customer complaints to the NHTSA for the convertibles. Dealers will replace the driver's side retractor in the recalled vehicles. In addition, GM has issued a special coverage, so that if the same repair is required to the passenger side retractor it will be covered for the life of the vehicle. GM also extended the special coverage for passenger side belt retractors on the 2004 Saab 9-3 sedan from the original 10-year coverage to the life of the vehicle, like the convertibles. GM is unaware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities due to this condition.
• 21,567 Chevrolet Sonic 2012 model year compacts equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine for a condition in which the transmission turbine shaft may fracture as a result of a supplier quality issue. If this were to occur in first or second gear, the vehicle could not upshift into third through sixth gears. If the turbine shift fractured while in one of the higher gears, the vehicle would coast until it was moving slow enough to downshift into first or second gear. In both instances, a malfunction indicator lamp may illuminate. If driven in this condition for a long period of time, all forward gears may become inoperable. The engine would continue to run and all power accessories would function. Dealers will replace the transmission turbine shaft. GM is unaware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities related to this condition.
• 14,765 model year 2014 Buick LaCrosse sedans because a wiring splice in the driver's door may corrode and break. That may communicate incorrect information to circuits that control the door chime and allow passenger windows, rear windows and the sunroof to function when the vehicle is turned off and the driver is not in the vehicle. In addition, a chime will not sound when the driver's door is opened if the key is in the ignition.
• Dealers will inspect the driver door window motor harness and, if necessary, replace an electrical splice. GM is unaware of any thefts, crashes, injuries or fatalities related to this condition.

General Motors CEO Mary Barra will return to Washington on Wednesday for a second appearance before a house subcommittee.   Anton Valukas, who authored the internal report on the ignition switch recall, will join her.

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