General Motors is recalling 426,240 vehicles, including 2008-'10 Chevrolet Malibu and G6 and the 2007-'08 Saturn Aura, due to a transmission shift cable that could lead to the car rolling away.
The North American carmaker is aware of four accidents but no injuries related to the problem. The affected models are fitted with a four-speed automatic gearbox.
"On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate," said NHTSA in its summary of the problem. "If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match.
"The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'Park' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'Park'. The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning".
GM will replace the affected parts free of charge if this is necessary. However, GM has not set a date for the recall. Owners can contact GM at 1-800-521-7300 or NHTSA's vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236 for more info.
