GM Recalls 2.7M More Cars; Total of 11 Million Cars Have Been Recalled in 2014
Today General Motors recalled 2.7 million more cars, and the auto industry is now projected to a set a record for the number of recalls in one year.
In 2004, the auto industry recalled a record setting 30.8 vehicles. GM has recalled more than 11 million cars since January, said the Associated Press. Its highest recalls was also in 2004 when it recalled 11.8 million cars.
The cars that were recalled have issues with brake lights, power brakes, headlamps and windshield wipers. The recalls also include 290,000 cars in Canada, Mexico and other countries, so globally about 2.9 million vehicles were recalled.
GM is reviewing all its vehicles after a recall earlier this year. About 2.6 million older small cars had a defective ignition switch, which the company knew about for a decade before recalling it. The faulty switch is said to have caused 13 deaths. Car companies are trying to avoid fines from the government and to avoid press, so they are recalling sooner.
GM is working to move as quickly as possible.
"We're not waiting for warranty trends to develop over time," said Jeff Boyer, safety chief at GM, to the AP. "It's not only about frequency, it has to be about the seriousness of the potential defect as well."
Other recalls announced today were:
- 2014 Malibus where a software problem can disable the power breaks.
- Chevy Corvettes from 2005 to 2007 can lose low-beam headlights. Also, a wire can fracture when the engine is warm. Corvettes from 2008 to 2013 will also be repaired if drivers have the same problem.
- Cadillac CTS sport sedans for the windshield wipers which can fail after jump-starting a car.
- Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra pickups and Chevy Tahoe SUVs can have a suspension part detach from the steering.