Yet Another GM Recall, This Time for Power Steering Problems

GM has issued yet another recall, this time for power steering problems in 1.5 million older vehicles.

Drivers will know right away if their power steering system fails because there will a chime and dashboard message. Although the car can be steered without power assist, it'll be much more difficult and could make the car more susceptible to a crash, GM warns.

So is your car part of the recall?

Which Cars Are Recalled?

Although GM is no stranger to recalls this year, the power steering recall involves the following makes and models:

• Chevrolet Malibu: All 2004 and 2005 models, and some from model years 2006, 2008, and 2009.
• Chevrolet Malibu Maxx: All 2004 and 2005 models, and some from 2006.
• Chevrolet HHR: Some non-turbocharged models from 2009 and 2010.
• Chevrolet Cobalt: Some model year 2010 vehicles.
• Saturn Aura: Some model year 2008 and 2009 vehicles.
• Saturn Ion: All model year 2004 to 2007 vehicles.
• Pontiac G6: All model year 2005, and some model year 2006, 2008, and 2009 vehicles.

In addition, service parts installed in certain vehicles under a prior recall before May 31, 2010, are also a part of this latest GM recall. GM says it plans to replace whatever parts are needed to make the vehicles safe.

A Bad Quarter for GM

Monday's recall announcement came as GM executives prepared to testify before Congress about a separate issue: faulty ignition switches in compact cars that have been linked to at least 13 deaths over the past decade. The Justice Department has also launched its own investigation.

Because of the ignition-switch issue and other recalls so far this year, GM expects to take a charge of up to $750 million for the first quarter of 2014, the company said in a press release.

Owners of the recalled GM vehicles may be able to sue the manufacturer if they've been injured as a result of any defect, including power steering issues, or potentially because the recall and defect diminishes the resale value of their car. If you've been affected by any of the GM recalls, you may want to consult a motor vehicle defects attorney to learn more about your possible legal remedies.

Related Resources:

• Major events in GM's recall of 2.6M small cars (The Associated Press)
• 1st GM Ignition-Switch Defect Lawsuit Filed (FindLaw's Injured)
• GM Recall Expands to 1.6M Vehicles; 13 Deaths Reported (FindLaw's Common Law)
• GM Recalls 1.2M SUVs; Honda Recalls 900K Minivans (FindLaw's Common Law)