GM issues recall of 1.3 million Chevy and Pontiac models

On Tuesday, General Motors announced that it is recalling approximately 1.3 million compact cars in North American due to a problem with the power steering system.

The recall was initiated after U.S. safety officials received more than 1,100 customer complaints. The safety initiative will cover 2005-10 Chevrolet Cobalt models and 2007-10 Pontiac G5s in the U.S as well as the 2005-06 Pontiac Pursuit in Canada and the 2005-06 Pontiac G4 sold in Mexico.

General Motors has reported that vehicles affected by the recall can still be safely controlled, but the issue may make the steering feel heavier, especially at speeds below 15 miles per hour.

"When the condition occurs, both a chime will sound and a 'power steering' message will be displayed," said GM vice president of quality Jamie Hresko.

The American automaker has said that it is currently working on a remedy to fix the issue and will notify customers when a plan has been put in place, according to Auto News Magazine.

GM customers have reported 14 crashes and one injury related to the steering problem.