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Automotive Industry
AUTOS: GM Recalling 1.3 Million Compact Cars
950,000 Chevy Cobalts among those with complaints about power steering dating from 2005 models.
Bob Golfen  |  Posted March 02, 2010   Detroit, MI
Complaints about the power steering on Chevrolet Cobalt and similar GM compacts prompted a recent federal investigation. (Photo: Chevrolet)
General Motors Co. is recalling 1.3 million compact cars, including the popular Chevrolet Cobalt, to replace a motor in the power steering system that can fail, the automaker announced Tuesday.

The recall comes one month after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation into Cobalt, with more than 1,100 complaints of power-steering failures. The failures are linked with 14 reported crashes and one injury.

The voluntary recall by GM also comes on the day that Toyota officials appear for questioning before the U.S. Senate regarding its unintended acceleration woes and its response to consumer complaints.

The recall includes the 2005-2010 Cobalt, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit in Canada and 2005-2006 Pontiac G4 in Mexico. About 950,000 Cobalts are affected by the recall.

GM found in its own 2009 investigation that the power assist can fail on these vehicles but that the cars can still be steered, although more force will be needed.

"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,” said Jamie Hresko, GM Vice President of Quality. “When the condition occurs, both a chime will sound and a ‘Power Steering’ message will be displayed.”

GM is currently developing a plan to deal with the problem, and the affected customers will be notified, the company said.

"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," Hresko said. “Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers' peace of mind.”

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