New Ignition Switch Flaw Prompts GM Recall

General Motors Co. says it will recall 3,300 of its 2014-2015 model fullsize pickups and SUV to replace ignition switches that could be jarred out of the “run” position, thus switching off the engine and disabling the power brakes, power steering and airbag systems.

The recall covers 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra large pickups and 2015 model Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Tahoe SUVs.

GM says a manufacturing error resulted in a lock mechanism that can jam in the “start” position, especially if the passenger cabin is hot, then be jolted from “start” to “run” to “accessory” when the cabin cools.

The flaw is different from one that prompted GM to recall 2.6 million older-model cars last year, a decade after discovering the defect. The older switch design has been linked to 124 fatalities and 275 significant injuries. GM has agreed to compensate those victims and their families a total of $625 million.

GM is aware of five cases where the new switch cut off power unexpectedly, but reports none involved an injury or fatality. The company says it became aware of the problem when one of its employees reported the problem on his own truck.