GM recalls small cars to fix steering problem

A problem with the power-steering system is prompting General Motors to recall 1.3 million small cars.

There have been reports of 14 crashes and one injury related to the steering problem, GM said on Tuesday. The recall covers 2005-10 Chevrolet Cobalts and 2007-10 Pontiac G5s sold in the United States. It also covers the 2005-06 Pontiac Pursuit sold in Canada and the 2005-06 Pontiac G4 sold in Mexico.

U.S. safety officials say they have received more than 1,100 complaints about steering failures in the recalled cars.

If the power-steering system fails, the driver can still control the car but the steering feels heavier, particularly at speeds of less than 15 mph, GM said. A failure of the steering system triggers a warning light and a chime in the instrument panel.

By null