GM and Nissan join Toyota in the ranks of car makers who need to take their stuff back because it may get somebody killed
General Motors Co. is recalling 1.3 million Chevrolet and Pontiac vehicles in North America to fix power-steering systems after federal regulators received more than 1,100 consumer complaints about failures. Nissan Motor Co., meanwhile, said it will recall about 260,000 pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, and minivans in the United States to fix problems with brake pedals and fuel gauges.
GM will replace a motor in the power-steering systems of Chevrolet Cobalt small cars and three Pontiac models, the Detroit car maker said.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began an investigation after complaints that included 14 crashes and one injury, GM said.
The action follows global recalls of more than 8 million vehicles by Toyota Motor Corp. for issues including unintended acceleration, which have prompted lawsuits and congressional hearings. The cases have triggered a review of the safety agency by the U.S. Transporta-tion Department's inspector general to examine the way government investigators monitor automobile defects.
"A lot of car makers are coming out with recalls as they want to show that they are being strict about quality," said Jeong Min-pak, a senior director at Fitch Ratings in Seoul. "They want to avoid the negative press that Toyota has received."
Um…a good way to show strict adherence to quality and safety and not get negative press is to…do it right the first time.
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