GM Expands Recall, Cites 13 Deaths

General Motors announced Tuesday that it is expanding a recall of compact cars due to an ignition problem, and has raised the number of deaths resulting from the problem to 13.

The recall now affects 1.37 million vehicles built between 2003 and 2007.

In addition to 778,000 Chevrolet Cobalts and Pontiac G5 cars recalled earlier this month, GM (GM,Fortune 500) is also recalling Saturn Ions, Chevrolet HHRs, Pontiac Solstices and Saturn Sky models for the same issue.

GM says the ignition on the vehicles recalled can accidentally switch out of the "Run" position while the car is being driven. When that happens, the car's engine shuts off, rendering power brakes, power steering and airbags not operational.

Originally, GM said there had been six fatalities among front-seat passengers as a result of this problem. There have been 31 frontal crashes involving vehicles with the problem.

"Ensuring our customers' safety is our first order of business," said GM North America President Alan Batey. "We are deeply sorry and we are working to address this issue as quickly as we can."

GM has been accused of not responding quickly enough to resolve this problem. A Georgia attorney is suing GM on behalf of a woman who died in 2010 while driving a 2005 model year Cobalt. The attorney, Lance Cooper, has also petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to fine GM for not acting quickly enough once it knew of the problem.

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