Update: GM announced a new recall of 1.3 million vehicles on March 31. This recall is to repair power steering issues.
Recalled vehicles are: the 2004-2005 Chevrolet Malibu, and some 2006, 2008, and 2009 models; 2004- 2005 and some 2006 of the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx; some of the 2010 model year Chevrolet HHR non-turbo; some of the 2010 model Chevrolet Cobalt; some 2008 and 2009 model year Saturn Auras; all 2004-2007 Saturn Ions; and the entire 2005 model year Pontiac G6, as well as some 2006, 2008, and 2009 vehicles.
Following on the heels of recalls in February that totaled 1.6 million vehicles for a faulty ignition switch, GM announced new recalls of 1.5 million more vehicles in March.
- The first new recall involves 1.2 million SUV models that require wiring for seat-mounted side airbags to be repaired. If the wiring is not repaired, it eventually will fail and the bags won't work. The affected models are the 2008-13 Buick Enclave and the GMC Acadia, along with the 2009-13 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook.
- The second new recall is of 64,000 Cadillac XTS sedans from 2013 and 2014 to fix a problem with overheating brakes that has been responsible for two fires.
- The third new recall is of 303,000 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans from model years 2009 through 2014 that are rated to carry up to 10,000 pounds including the vehicle's own weight. The material on the instrument panel must be replaced to meet federal standards for passengers not wearing safety belts.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 866-694-6546, Saturn at 800-553-6000, and GMC owners at 866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14030.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
For more information about the February recalls: