General Motors announces 3 new recalls amid ignition switch investigation

GM recalling 1.2 million SUVs for air bag issue

DETROIT – GM on Monday said it expects to take a charge of approximately $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. The automaker also announced three new recalls involving SUVs, luxury sedans and full-size vans.

"I asked our team to redouble our efforts on our pending product reviews, bring them forward and resolve them quickly," said Mary Barra, GM CEO. "That is what today's GM is all about."

The new recalls are:

  • 303,000 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana from the 2009-2014 model years with gross vehicle weight under 10,000 pounds
  • 63,900 Cadillac XTS full-size sedan from the 2013 and 2014 model years
  • 1.18 million Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia models from the 2008-2013 model years, Chevrolet Traverse from the 2009-2013 model years, and Saturn Outlook from the 2008-2010 model years

The full-size vans with gross vehicle weights of 10,000 pounds or less do not comply with a head impact requirement for unrestrained occupants, requiring a rework of the passenger instrument panel material.

Read: Safety group claims 303 deaths linked to recalled GM cars

Unsold vehicles have been placed on a stop delivery until development of the solution has been completed and parts are available. Customers will be notified at that time. Repairs will be made at no charge to customers.

Read: GM to offer free loaner cars, cash to small-car owners

Ignition switch safety information: GM launches website for consumers

View: GM report

In the XTS, a brake booster pump can create positive pressure within the wiring harness attached to the pump relay. This pressure can lead to the dislodging of a plug in the brake booster pump relay, allowing corrosive elements to enter the connector and form a low-resistance short that could lead to overheating, melting of plastic components and a possible engine compartment fire.

GM is aware of two engine compartment fires in unsold vehicles at dealerships and two cases of melted components.

With respect to the Enclave, Traverse, Acadia and Outlook, the vehicles are equipped with a Service Air Bag warning light in the driver information center. Ignoring the Service Air Bag warning light will eventually result in the non-deployment of the side impact restraints, which include driver and passenger seat-mounted side air bags, front center air bag (if equipped), and the seat belt pretensioners.

To repair the condition, dealers will remove the driver and passenger side air bag wiring harness connectors and splice and solder the wires together.