A   A   A

Posted: Friday, 21 September 2012 6:55AM

GM recalls nearly 474,000 cars over gear shift problem



(Reuters) - General Motors Co is recalling 473,841 Chevrolet, Pontiac and Saturn sedans globally to fix a condition that could lead the cars to roll when the drivers think they are in park, the No. 1 U.S. automaker said on Friday.

GM said it was aware of four crashes that resulted from the problem, but no injuries.

The company said the recall affected Chevy Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura cars from model years 2007 through 2010 and equipped with four-speed automatic transmissions. GM will repair the condition in which the transmission gear position may not match the gear on the shifter.

The recall affects 426,240 in the United States, 40,029 in Canada and 7,572 in other markets.

Dealers will add a reinforcement to the shift cable end fitting to prevent that part from fracturing, GM said. Owners will be notified by letter to schedule the free repairs at dealers, and those who have had the work done already will be eligible for reimbursement.

The company also said it was recalling 6,475 Chevy Sonic subcompact cars globally because they might not alert the driver to a faulty turn-signal bulb.

Dealers will reprogram an incorrectly calibrated module for the cars built between May 29 and August 29 at GM's Orion, Michigan, plant.

The recall affects 4,716 cars in the United States and 1,759 in other markets.

GM said it was unaware of any crashes or injuries stemming from the problem. Owners will be notified of the Sonic recall by letter beginning October 3.

(Reporting by Ben Klayman in Detroit; Editing by Gerald E. McCormick and Lisa Von Ahn)

Story Copyright 2012, Reuters
Photo Copyright 2012, Getty Images

Tornado insured losses estimates top $5 billion


Tornadoes that struck from May 18 to May 20 caused between $2 billion to $5 billion in losses.

Arizona jury fails to decide if Jodi Arias should be executed


An Arizona jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict on whether Jodi Arias should be put to death.

IRS official at center of scandal put on leave


Lois Lerner, an IRS official at the center of the scandal, was put on administrative leave.

Obama limits drone use, looks to close Guantanamo


President Obama outlined plans to limit the use of drones and took steps aimed at closing Guantanamo.

British police arrest two more over London attack


British police arrested two more people in a hunt for accomplices.

Father of Chechen shot by FBI suspects son was tortured


The father of the Chechen immigrant killed during questioning said he suspects his son was tortured.

Boy Scouts of America removes ban on gay scouts


The Boy Scouts of America approved a proposal to end a ban on openly gay scouts.

Rep. Issa to call IRS's Lerner back to testify


Rep. Darrell Issa said he will call IRS official Lois Lerner back to testify.

Oklahoma tornado victims astounded at how they survived


Tornado survivors thanked God, sturdy closets and luck.

Military lawyers put more pressure on Guantanamo


Military lawyers urged Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to improve conditions for detainees.

Drones have killed 4 U.S. citizens


Public backlash against deadly overseas drone strikes may undermine promising uses of such technology.

IRS official refuses to answer questions at hearing


An IRS official told Congress she had done nothing wrong but would not answer questions.

FBI agent shoots man questioned about Boston bombings


An FBI agent shot and killed a Florida man who turned violent while being questioned.

Rescuers comb tornado rubble for buried survivors


Rescue workers with sniffer dogs and searchlights combed through the wreckage.

Senate committee passes immigration bill


A Senate panel approved legislation to give millions of illegal immigrants a path to citizenship.