GM recalls 1.3 million cars for steering defect

DETROIT - General Motors (GM) is recalling 1.3 million vehicles in the U.S. because the electronic power-steering assist can suddenly stop working.

Included in the recall are the Chevrolet Malibu, Malibu Maxx, Chevrolet HHR, Saturn Aura, Saturn Ion and Pontiac G6. Model years vary, but all of the vehicles are from the 2010 model year or earlier.

The new recall brings to 6.1 million the number of vehicles GM has recalled since February. The initial recall -- now at 2.6 million small cars for an ignition switch defect -- prompted the automaker to name a new safety chief and speed up pending recalls. On Tuesday, GM's new CEO, Mary Barra, will face grilling in Congress over the recalls.

The company expects recall-related costs to total $750 million in the first quarter.

In the latest recall, dealers will replace the power steering motor and other parts for free.

"If power steering assist is lost, a message displays on the Driver Information Center and a chime sounds to inform the driver," GM said in a statement. "Steering control can be maintained because the vehicle will revert to manual steering, but greater driver effort would be required at low vehicle speeds, which could increase the risk of a crash."

GM shares, which closed at $34.42, were down less than 1 percent in after-hours trading.