General Motors will be recalling 1.3 million compact cars due to an issue with the power steering.

The following cars are affected:

• 2005 – 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
• 2007 – 2010 Pontiac G5
• 2005 – 2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Sold in Canada)
• 2005 – 2006 Pontiac G4 (Sold in Mexico)

The problem is with a motor in the power steering system. It can fail as the car gets older. General Motors currently doesn’t have a fix, but will let owners know as soon as they work it out.

If you own one of the affected cars, just be careful if you have high mileage/an older model while GM sorts out a fix. If the power steering fails, a chime will sound and a ‘Power Steering’ message will be displayed. This doesn’t mean you can’t steer the car, it will just require more effort than usual. However, 14 crashes and one injury have already been reported due to this issue, so clearly not everyone is prepared for it.

We’ll make sure you find out when General Motors has a fix.

Press Release

GM Recalls Compact Cars to Fix Power Steering Assist

GM Recalls Compact Cars to Fix Power Steering Assist
Safety Recall Covers 1.3 Million Chevrolet and Pontiac Models

·2005 – 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
·2007 – 2010 Pontiac G5
·2005 – 2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada)
·2005 – 2006 Pontiac G4 (Mexico)

DETROIT — General Motors will conduct a safety recall of 1.3 million compact cars to replace a motor in the power steering system. Vehicles affected are the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt; 2007-2010 Pontiac G5; 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit sold in Canada, and the 2005-2006 Pontiac G4 sold in Mexico.

GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the voluntary recall on Monday after concluding an investigation that began in 2009. NHTSA opened an investigation Jan. 27 into approximately 905,000 Cobalt models in the United States after receiving more than 1,100 complaints of loss of power steering assist, 14 crashes and one injury.

“After our in-depth investigation, we found that this is a condition that takes time to develop. It tends to occur in older models out of warranty,” said Jamie Hresko, GM Vice President of Quality. “Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers’ peace of mind.

“While greater steering effort under 15 mph may be required, if the customer experiences loss of power steering assist, it is important to note that the vehicle can still be safely controlled because the customer can still steer the vehicle,” Hresko said. “When the condition occurs, both a chime will sound and a ‘Power Steering’ message will be displayed.”

Plans for the remedy are being developed. Customers will be notified when the plan is finalized.

Source: General Motors