General Motors announced six recalls on June 23, involving 717,950 newer-model cars in the United States, for a variety of defects, adding to what seems to be an ever growing list of GM recalls this year. The July announcement brings the total to over 60 recalls in 2014 with 29 million cars worldwide that have been recalled by the company.
The recall this time isn’t for the ignition switch like in the recall in late June that involved older Chevy Malibu and five other models. Instead there are problems with the seats, airbags, and turn signals, parts that may not have been welded together properly, and a loss of power steering, according to the Washington Post. Models affected are the
2011 and 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, 2010-2012 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, recent model Chevrolet Caprices, Silverado LD and HDs, Cadillac ATS and CTS, and a number of other car models. Some models have been recalled previously, which is why the total of recalled cars remained at about 29 million worldwide after the six new recalls.
GM has knowledge of one crash and three injuries linked to a defect with the front and passenger seats. The June recall involving an ignition switch defect may be linked to 13 deaths and may have affected 8.45 million vehicles.
Jeff Boyer, the newly-appointed global safety chief, said GM is focused on enhancing safety with the recent recalls. However, this latest round of recalls could affect the bottom line for the car company, but “ultimately the market will judge,” said Erica Ibara, director of residual values for Kelley Blue Book. Recently GM spent $1.3 billion in the first quarter to cover costs.