GM recalls 1.9 million cars over potential electrical problem

DETROIT -- General Motors Corp. announced Wednesday that it is recalling 1.9 million cars because of a possible electrical problem that could cause a steering column fire.

The world's largest automaker wants to modify 1995-97 Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire and 1996-97 Buick Skylark, Pontiac Grand Am, and Oldsmobile Achieva cars by installing a low current relay in the ignition circuit.

There are no reports of fires caused by the problem while the vehicles are being driven, GM said.

But in some cases, there have been claims of smoke following an unsuccessful attempt to start the car, the automaker said.

"The ignition switch may deteriorate if the engine fails to crank and the driver holds the key in the 'start' position for an extended period," Lori Queen, GM small car vehicle line executive, said in a statement.

"High current flows through the ignition switch and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts."

The repairs are to performed at no cost to owners.

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