2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
Due to faulty ignition locks, General Motors asked 1.37 million vehicles into the workshops. 13 fatal accidents involving the brands Chevrolet, Pontiac and Saturn could be related to the fault.
The Opel parent company General Motors extends a recall due to faulty ignition locks to 1.37 million vehicles. In older cars from the brands Chevrolet, Pontiac and Saturn, the ignition key can jump back into the off position while driving, as the manufacturer explained in Detroit on Tuesday.
Front airbags do not open
This not only turns off the engine, but also most electrical systems. According to the car company, accidents with 13 deaths could be related to it; the front airbags did not open in a total of 31 reported cases.
Two weeks ago, the recall that began in the US and Canada only included half as many vehicles. However, GM has now ordered further models from 2003 to 2007 to be repaired in the workshops. North America boss Alan Batey admitted failures in clearing up the technical problems. "We are very sorry and we are working to get things right as soon as possible."
The ignition key can spring back
According to General Motors, the ignition key can bounce back especially when the car is driving on unpaved terrain and the key ring is heavy. Affected are the Chevrolet Cobalt and HHR, the Saturn Sky and Ion, the Pontiac Solstice and G5 and the Pontiac Pursuit, which is only sold in Canada.
Big rival Toyota two weeks ago announced a worldwide recall of 1.9 million of its hybrid bestseller Prius III. The Japanese are particularly cautious after launching a mass recall in 2010 over reports of sticking gas pedals and slipping floor mats as causes of accidents. At that time, sales collapsed on the important US market. It later emerged that many accidents were caused by driver errors. (dpa)
