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General Motors Recall Expanded To Include 824,000 Vehicles

DETROIT (CBSNewYork) - General Motors has expanded its recall due to ignition switch issues to another 824,000 small cars.

The recall extends to all model years of the Chevrolet Cobalt, HHR, Pontiac G5, Solstice and Saturn Ion and Sky models in the U.S.

The initial recall involved about 90,000 cars with faulty ignition switches dating back to the 2007 model year.

The faulty part may cause the car to unintentionally turn itself off. The risk is increased if the key is on a key ring with a heavy weight, according to the auto company.

GM recommends drivers take their car key off any key fob or key chain and use it on its own when driving.

"We are taking no chances with safety," said GM CEO Mary Barra. "Trying to locate several thousand switches in a population of 2.2 million vehicles and distributed to thousands of retailers isn't practical. Out of an abundance of caution, we are recalling the rest of the model years.

"We are going to provide our customers with the peace of mind they deserve and expect by getting the new switches into all the vehicles," Barra said.

GM dealers will replace their ignition switch free of charge as parts become available. Customers who paid to have their ignition switches replaced will be eligible for reimbursement, according to the automaker.

Information on the ignition switch recall is available here.

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