General Motors has issued a recall of more than 750,000 compact cars in North America due to an ignition switch problem.
GM reports the issue has so far caused 22 crashes and six deaths due to car engines unexpectedly turning off and airbags failing to open after a crash.
The recall affects Chevy Cobalts made from 2005 to 2007 and Pontiac G5 models made in 2007. An estimated 153,310 of the faulty vehicles are believed to be inCanada, as reported by Reuters, while the remaining vehicles are in the U.S. and Mexico.
According to U.S. safety regulators, the ignition switch can be moved by the weight of the key ring and rougher driving conditions, causing the electricity and engine to be cut off.
Documents filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal the car parts involved were made in Mexico.
GM has offered to replace the ignition switch for free on any vehicles that may be affected by these issues.
Owners are also urged to remove any additional items from their key chains to remove excessive weight from the keys to prevent engine problems. Both cars are now out of production.
