GM Recalls 57K More Cars, Including Chevy Sonics

The automaker is recalling 304 2014 model-year Chevrolet Sonic cars because the driver’s frontal air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, NHTSA said. In a severe collision, the electrical connection in the steering column might fail, rendering the air bag limited to the first-stage deployment only. The air bag is designed to deploy in two stages. This problem raises the risk of injury for the driver.

To fix the problem, Chevrolet dealers will test the terminals in the instrument panel harness clock spring coil connector and replace any loose terminals. There will be no charge for this service.

Sonic owners can reach Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14537.

The second recall covers 10,005 2004-2007 model-year Cadillac CTS-V and 2006-2007 Cadillac STS-V luxury sedans. In these vehicles, the fuel pump module’s electrical terminals might overheat and cause flange material to melt, NHTSA said. If the melting flange creates a fuel pump leak, the car is at a greater risk for both stalling and catching fire.

Dealers will replace the fuel module and fuel tank jumper harness, free of charge. Vehicle owners can reach Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14405.

The third recall will address a potential ignition switch defect in 46,873 2011-2013 model-year Chevrolet Caprice and 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 vehicles. In these cars, the driver may accidentally bump the ignition key with his or her knee, unintentionally knocking the key out of the “run” position and turning off the engine. The defect is similar to the problem that led to the Cobalt recalls.

With the key out of the “run” position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash. Additionally, the vehicle could lose engine power, power steering and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

To address the ignition switch problem, GM dealers will first remove the key blade from the original flip key/remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter assembly. They will then cut and fit a revised key blade and housing assembly, in which the blade has been indexed by 90 degrees, to the original RKE transmitter assembly.

Vehicle owners can reach Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14445.

Until the recall has been performed, drivers need to adjust their seat and steering column to allow clearance between their knee and the ignition key.