General Motors has added 971,000 vehicles to its global ignition switch recall, which started back in February with approximately 1.6 million cars linked to at least 12 deaths.

In total, the recall now involves approximately 2,591,665 vehicles, including the Chevrolet Cobalt, Chevrolet HHR, Pontiac G5, Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Ion, and Saturn Sky, made from 2003-2011, according to Reuters.

Older versions, released for the 2003-2007 model years, were recalled back in February.

The initial recall resulted in investigations by federal regulators, the Department of Justice, Congress and GM itself. The main issue is the timeliness of the recall, since the problem was first noticed by the automaker back in 2001.

GM said that models made after 2007 were equipped with a redesigned ignition switch, but some of those vehicles might have been repaired with older, faulty replacement parts.

The recall now includes 824,000 cars in the U.S., and at least 971,000 globally, GM said in a statement.

Approximately 95,000 faulty switches were sold to parts wholesalers and dealers, according to Reuters. Faulty switches have been recalled by the automaker as well.

GM said on March 28 that no injuries or deaths have been linked to faulty ignition switches in the newer models added to the recall.

GM Chief Executive Mary Barra was quoted saying after the announcement that "we are taking no chances with safety" in replacing the faulty switches on every affected vehicle, according to Reuters.

The automaker also confirmed that owners will be notified by mail by April 21 and can have ignition switches replaced at their local dealer, free of charge, "as parts become available."

The process could take a number of months due to the number of vehicles involved.

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