GM recalls another 1.3M vehicles for electronic power-steering flaws

General Motors today recalled another 1.3 million cars that may suddenly lose electronic power-steering assist.

Though the vehicles would revert to manual steering, drivers would have to exert greater effort to maintain control at lower speeds, increasing the risk of crashing, the company said in a statement.

GM said it would install replacements for free, and the equipment would depend on the vehicle. Customers who previously paid for those repairs would be eligible for reimbursement.

Model year 2004-2007 Saturn IONs, the 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHRs and the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts were included in the previous 2.6-million car recall for a faulty ignition switch.

The 96,000 IONS not included in the recall will receive lifetime warranties for electronic power-steering replacement.

The company plans to pay up to $750 million for recall-related repairs. It was previously announced that $300 million of that charge would cover safety repairs from earlier recalls.

The vehicles included in today’s recall are:

• All Chevrolet Malibus from model year 2004 and 2005, and some from model years 2006, 2008 and 2009.

• All Chevrolet Malibu Maxxes from model years 2004 and 2005, and some from model year 2006.

• Some Chevrolet HHRs (non-turbo) from model years 2009 and 2010.

• Some Chevrolet Cobalts from model year 2010.

• Some Saturn Auras from model years 2008 and 2009.

• All Saturn IONs from model years 2004-2007.

• All Pontiac G6s from model year 2005, and some from model years 2006, 2008 and 2009.