General Motors has confirmed it is expanding a recall of 2003-'07 vehicles for an ignition switch defect that could cause airbags not to deploy correctly in the event of a crash.
The increase brings the number of recalled vehicles to nearly 1.4 million in the U.S.
GM has added the 2003-'07 Saturn Ion, 2006-'07 Chevrolet HHR and 2006-'07 Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky to the recall.
Previously, GM has recalled 619,122 vehicles in the U.S. to fix the issue. Vehicles included in the initial recall are the 2005-'07 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2007 Pontiac G5.
GM also confirmed this week that it has been made aware of 13 deaths that have occurred due to the issue.
"The expanded vehicle population raises the number of reported incidents involving frontal crashes with the ignition switch in the 'accessory' or 'off' position, and frontal airbag non-deployment, to 31, involving 13 front-seat fatalities," GM said in a statement.
Faulty ignition switches could turn the engine off at any given moment, along with most of the electrical components. The issue can also disable airbags, according to GM.
GM has also apologized for the issue, a strategy the automaker usually avoids regarding recalls.
"We are deeply sorry and we are working to address this issue as quickly as we can," said GM North America President Alan Batey in a statement.
Dealers are being instructed to replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Until then, customers should only use the ignition key and take everything else off their key ring.
GM, and its dealers, are going to work with customers on an "individual, case-by-case basis to minimize inconvenience associated with the recall," GM said.
A recall date has not been set by the automaker yet.
Owners with more questions can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
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