gm logo new 250Over in the US, General Motors has issued three separate recalls, the total involving more than 1.5 million vehicles sold in North America. The latest round follows on an earlier recall by GM last month involving 1.6 million vehicles.

The earlier recall was to rectify defective ignition switches, in which the use of a heavy key ring or jarring from rough roads could possibly move the switch out of its run position, thereby shutting off the engine and electrical power. The recall involves the 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion as well as the 2006-2007 Cheverolet HHR, Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice models.

The new set of recalls involves the 2009-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana to get reworked instrument panel material to meet compliance for unbelted passengers; 2013 and some 2014 Cadillac XTS models to be repaired to prevent possible brake booster corrosion that may result in overheating; and selected model year Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse and Saturn Outlook vehicles to repair the wiring harness of seat-mounted side airbags.

The latest exercise comes as a result of CEO Mary Barra's request for a comprehensive internal safety review following the ignition switch recall. The automaker says it expects to incur a cost of approximately US$300 million in the first quarter, primarily for the cost of the repairs for the three safety actions and the previously announced ignition switch recall.