General Motors added more than 588,000 vehicles to a recall to fix ignition switches that can inadvertently shut off engines and cause crashes, a problem that has now been linked to 31 crashes and 13 front-seat deaths, the company said today.
A heavy key ring or jarring from rough pavement can move the ignition out of the run position, cutting of the engine. If that happens, the front air bags may not work, GM said.
The company said today it is adding Saturn Ion compacts from model years 2003 through 2007, and Chevrolet HHR SUVs and Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky sports cars from model years 2006 and 2007, to the recall.
The additional models increase the total number of vehicles recalled to 1.37 million.
GM said on Feb. 13 that it would recall 780,000 Chevrolet Cobalts and Pontiac G5s from the 2005 through 2007 model years to inspect and repair the ignition switch.
