Electronic issues have caused a slew of automotive recalls.
More than 770,000 2007 Pontiac G5 models, as well as 2005 to 2007 Chevrolet Cobalts have been recalled by General Motors (GM) in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Pontiac G5 is on recall Image: Bull-Doser |
The bizarre problem relates to ignition switches which, if hit by a heavy keyring or a sudden bump when driving off-road or in an accident, can move enought to cause the engine to suddenly turn off, leading to a failure in deployment of the airbag.
Six people have died in five different accidents due to this malfunction. There have been 17 non-fatal crashes where the airbags failied to deploy.
GM dealers will install new ignition switches free of charge to vehicle owners. The company is recommending that owners remove unnecessary items from their keyrings while waiting to book in the repair.
Meanwhile Toyota and Lexus have recalled 2012-2013 Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks, 2012 Toyota RAV4 SUVs and 2012-2013 Lexus RX 350 SUVs because of an electronic circuit issue. The fault causes vehicle stability control, antilock brakes and traction control to turn off intermittently.
No accidents or injuries have been reported in relation to this recall. Dealers will provide a software update to affected vehicle owners.