GM recalls 780,000 sedans with faulty ignitions

NEW YORK, USA: General Motors said it was recalling nearly 780,000 sedans sold in North America for an ignition switch problem that could shut off a moving car's electrical devices, including airbags.

Ignition switches in 780,000 GM cars are likely to be replaced. Image: Car List

The recall covers Chevrolet Cobalts sold between 2005 and 2007 along with the 2005/06 Pontiac Pursuits, and the 2007 Pontiac G5s.

GM said an ignition switch could be jarred while driving from the "run" position to "accessory" or "off" cutting the engine or shutting down power to some electrical components.

GM said the unintentional shutdown could happen if the vehicle was driven off-road or could even occur if the driver was using a heavy key ring. The company said one possible result could be airbags not deploying in a crash.

GM said its knows of 22 crashes involving frontal impact where the front seat airbags did not deploy. Six people died in five of the crashes.According to the company all of the fatal crashes "occurred off-road and at high speeds, where the probability of serious or fatal injuries was high regardless of airbag deployment."

In the recall, GM said dealers will replace the ignition switches.

"Until this correction is performed, customers should remove non-essential items from their key ring," the largest GM warned.

Source: AFP via I-net Bridge