GM CEO Mary Barra, who was last in Congress on April 2 testifying about recalls related to faulty ignition switches, is expected to make a return trip to Washington D.C. in the next few days. UPI/Mike Theiler |
License Photo
DETROIT, June 13 (UPI) -- General Motors' problems continue to get worse after the carmaker recalled more than half a million Camaros for having faulty ignition switches.
The faulty ignition switches are similar to the defect that led the carmaker to recall millions of cars after it led to 13 deaths. GM has been quick to point out that this recall -- involving the ignition switch, which can slip out of the "run" position and shut the engine -- has nothing to do with its earlier recall.
GM said that the driver's knee could hit the key fob causing the key to shift out of the "run" position resulting in a "reduction or loss of power." This, the company said, could happen when the driver is sitting very close to the steering column.
"The Camaro ignition system meets all G.M. engineering specifications and is unrelated to the ignition system used in Chevrolet Cobalts and other small cars included in the ignition switch recall," GM said in a statement.
The Detroit-based carmaker said it was aware of three crashes and four injuries as a result of the defect, adding that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had received at least a dozen complaints relating to stalled cars.
Adding to the woes, GM recalled another 69,840 vehicles, which includes 28,789 Saab 9-3 convertibles from the 2004-2011 model years, for a fault with the automatic tensioning system cable in the driver's seat belt retractor. Also, 21,560 Chevrolet Sonics from 2012 were called in for a defective transmission turbine shaft that could fracture.
Rounding up Friday's recall are 14,765 model year 2014 Buick LaCrosse sedans for a wiring splice that could corrode in the driver's door and break.
