By Jeff Bennett
General Motors Co. announced two new recalls of mostly
newer-model vehicles covering almost 524,400 cars in North America,
suggesting the auto maker is still struggling to meet its new
quality standards in the wake of its ignition-switch fallout.
GM's latest recall is the third since meeting with Wall Street
analysts on Wednesday. At that time, GM executives outlined an
improving financial outlook but never discussed the impending
recalls or how much they would cost. The three recalls combined
cover 642,650 vehicles.
Separately, GM on Friday also has stopped deliveries and told
dealers not to sell its 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon
pickups over an air bag issue.
Overall, GM has now issued 71 recalls covering 29.95 million
vehicles in North America this year. The wave of recalls was
triggered after the company stepped up efforts to spot problematic
vehicles in the wake of its ignition-switch issue.
The auto maker recalled 2.6 million vehicles over the
possibility that a jarring of the ignition key could cause the
switch to slip from "on" to "accessory," cutting power to air bags
and electric steering. A total of 23 deaths have been linked to the
issue, a number that is expected to rise. GM waited 11 years to
initiate that recall, resulting in a $35 million fine issued by the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as well as a Justice
Department investigation.
On Friday, the company recalled 290,107 Cadillac SRX from the
2010 through the 2015 model years and the Saab 9-4X SUV from the
2011 and 2012 model years. The rear toe adjuster could separate.
Dealers will inspect for the condition and, if necessary, will
remove them and install a new link assembly.
GM said it is aware of three crashes and two injuries as a
result of this condition. The problem was first reported to NHTSA
on Sept. 17.
The company also is recalling 89,294 Chevrolet Sparks from the
2013 through 2015 model years amid concerns that corrosion can
cause the secondary hood latch striker to stick in the open
position. If the primary latch isn't engaged, the hood could open
unexpectedly.
These vehicles, imported from South Korea, were manufactured
with a secondary hood latch that may prematurely corrode.
About 13,000 of these unsold vehicles are being held at U.S.
dealerships and won't be delivered until repairs are made.
Customers will be notified by letter about the recall, and dealers
will replace the hood striker when parts are available. GM isn't
aware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities as a result of this
condition.
As for the pickups, GM said the driver-side air bag connections
"were wired incorrectly during the manufacturing process," which
could disrupt their deployment, according to a copy of a notice
sent to dealers.
The condition may cause the driver-side air bags to not function
as designed, GM's notice said.
The auto maker will send dealers instructions on how to
reprogram the air bag's sensing and diagnostic module with new
software. Automotive News first reported the issue earlier
Friday.
Write to Jeff Bennett at jeff.bennett@wsj.com
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