GM Recall: Saturn replacement ignitions causing problems

REDFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The massive ignition switch recalls as meant several weeks of bad press for General Motors, but the automaker claims repairs have begun on recalled vehicles.

Some Chevy dealers tell us ignition switch kits are arriving daily and a few have even managed to shrink their backlog of vehicles by half. While there was confusion initially as parts arrived piecemeal, dealers say completed assemblies are now arriving as kits and can be installed in 45 minutes or less.

"Every day we're getting a good number, we've accomplished about 25 to 50 percent of the people we put the order in for," said Molly Williams, of George Matick Chevrolet. "We're getting the part, fixing the cars, and getting customers back on the road."

Other dealers, however, are still waiting for their first shipment. Art Moran Buick, a former Pontiac dealer, has 25 cars on the lot waiting for repair and 35 parts on back order.

"Customers are being very patient and General Motors is looking at the demand and trying to get them done," said Tom Moran of Moran Buick GMC. "We'd rather they get them done properly than trying to rush it out."

For owners of recalled Saturns, the problem isn't just waiting for parts to arrive. Dealers say they need parts that fit.

The new Saturn ignitions are wider than the original part, so while its key will start the car, it won't fit in the door or trunk locks. GM has told some dealers to hold off on Saturn repairs they find a resolution to the problem.