GM recalls 1.5 million vehicles due to steering defect

DETROIT — General Motors Co. said Monday it is recalling 1.5 million vehicles worldwide — including 145,700 in Canada — because the electronic power-steering assist can suddenly stop working, making them harder to steer.

The new recall brings to 6.3 million the number of vehicles GM has recalled since February.

The initial recall — now at 2.6 million small cars for an ignition switch defect — prompted the automaker to name a new safety chief and speed up the review of cases that might lead to recalls.

GM said it expects recall-related costs to total $750 million in the first quarter, including $300 million for the ignition switch recall.

Included in the new recall are: • Chevrolet Malibu from the 20042005 model years, plus some 2006, 2008 and 2009 model-year cars. • Chevrolet Malibu Maxx from the 2004-2005 model years, plus some 2006 model-year cars. • Chevrolet HHR from the 2009-2010 model years (non-turbocharged only). • Some Chevrolet Cobalts from the 2010 model year. • Some Saturn Auras from the 20082009 model years. • Saturn Ion from the 2004-2007 model years. • Pontiac G6 from the 2005 model year, plus some cars from the 2006, 2008 and 2009 model years. • Service parts installed into certain vehicles before May 31, 2010, under a previous recall

GM says no deaths related to the defect have been reported.