GM Issues Voluntary Recall For 1.3 Million Compacts, Including Cobalt And G5

Today GM has announced that it is initiating a voluntary recall of 1.3 million vehicles to fix a power steering assist issue where a vehicle may become difficult to steer under 15 mph. The recall is linked to 14 crashes and one injury and will be applied to the following models:

• 2005 – 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
• 2007 – 2010 Pontiac G5
• 2005 – 2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada)
• 2005 – 2006 Pontiac G4 (Mexico).

GM said the affected vehicles can be still be “safely controlled” but may require greater steering effort under 15 mph (24 kph). Drivers will see a warning light and hear a chime if the power steering fails.

NHTSA opened an investigation into the matter on January 27 after receiving more than 1,100 complaints of power steering failures. The issue seems to occur in older models that are out of warranty, according to GM Vice President of Quality Jamie Hresko:

After our in-depth investigation, we found that this is a condition that takes time to develop. It tends to occur in older models out of warranty.

GM is currently in the process of developing a remedy for the problem and will notify customers when the plan is finalized.

Hresko thinks that “Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers’ peace of mind,” and we tend to agree. It’s great to see GM call out the problem early as it may be safe to assume that it doesn’t want to pull a Toyota.

More info after the jump!

PRESS RELEASE

GM Recalls Compact Cars to Fix Power Steering Assist

2010-03-02

GM Recalls Compact Cars to Fix Power Steering Assist
Safety Recall Covers 1.3 Million Chevrolet and Pontiac Models

·2005 – 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
·2007 – 2010 Pontiac G5
·2005 – 2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada)
·2005 – 2006 Pontiac G4 (Mexico)

DETROIT — General Motors will conduct a safety recall of 1.3 million compact cars to replace a motor in the power steering system. Vehicles affected are the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt; 2007-2010 Pontiac G5; 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit sold in Canada, and the 2005-2006 Pontiac G4 sold in Mexico.

GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the voluntary recall on Monday after concluding an investigation that began in 2009. NHTSA opened an investigation Jan. 27 into approximately 905,000 Cobalt models in the United States after receiving more than 1,100 complaints of loss of power steering assist, 14 crashes and one injury.

“After our in-depth investigation, we found that this is a condition that takes time to develop. It tends to occur in older models out of warranty,” said Jamie Hresko, GM Vice President of Quality. “Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers’ peace of mind.

“While greater steering effort under 15 mph may be required, if the customer experiences loss of power steering assist, it is important to note that the vehicle can still be safely controlled because the customer can still steer the vehicle,” Hresko said. “When the condition occurs, both a chime will sound and a ‘Power Steering’ message will be displayed.”

Plans for the remedy are being developed. Customers will be notified when the plan is finalized.