General Motors Company (GM) has expanded a recall of compact cars due to an ignition problem, and has raised the number of deaths resulting from the issue to 13. The recall affects 1.37 million vehicles built between 2003 and 2007. In addition to 778,000 Chevrolet Cobalts and Pontiac G5 cars recalled earlier this month, GM also is recalling Saturn Ions, Chevrolet HHRs, Pontiac Solstices, and Saturn Sky models for the same issue. GM says the ignition on the recalled cars can accidentally switch out of the "run" position while the car is being driven. When that happens, the car's engine shuts off, rendering power brakes, power steering, and airbags not operational. Originally, GM said there had been six fatalities among front-seat passengers as a result of the ignition problem. There have been 31 frontal crashes involving vehicles with the problem. "Ensuring our customers' safety is our first order of business," GM North America president Alan Batey said late Tuesday. "We are deeply sorry and we are working to address this issue as quickly as we can."
