GM Recall and Steering for Out of Warranty Vehicles

By: Mary Smith
Staff Writer
Published: Mar 3, 2010

GM issues a safety recall on vehicles out of warranty over a power steering problem and defective pump.

GM has issued a voluntary safety recall of approximately 1.3 million compact cars to replace a motor in the power steering system. The problem occurs on vehicles that are out of warranty. This is because the condition takes time to develop.

"While greater steering effort under 15 mph may be required," General Motors vice president Jamie Hresko said in a statement. "it is important to note that the vehicle can still be safely controlled because the customer can still steer the vehicle." Hresko also said that a chime will sound when the condition occurs.

Vehicles Affected

2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, both sold in the United States
2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit sold in Canada
2005-2006 Pontiac G4 sold in Mexico

The recall comes after an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that began in 2009. Plans for the remedy are being developed. GM said customers will be notified when the plan is finalized.

Ford Outsells General Motors

Ford beats General Motors in auto sales in the US car market, according to monthly sales figures released. Ford sold 142,006 cars and light trucks in February. This is up by 43.4 percent from the same month a year earlier.

General Motors saw only a 12-percent gain in US sales to 141,535. The surprising turnaround between Ford and General Motors highlights the different directions the two Detroit car giants have traveled in the past few years. The company went through bankruptcy last year, forcing the manufacturer to shed loss-making brands and drastically cut production.

General Motors Auto Plants To Remain Closed

General Motors will not reopen any factories that have been closed. The company said that it needs to use its current auto plants to the maximum rather than taking the expensive step of reopening a closed factory. Dealers have reported shortages of some new models, such as the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain midsize crossover vehicles, and have been pushing to reopen factories to boost production while the automobiles are still hot.

GM stopped production on sport utility vehicles in December 2008. Production of specialty trucks ended last April. The automaker continues to pay property taxes and utilities on the closed factories.