General Motors Recalls Nearly 113,000 Vehicles Due to Safety Defects

DETROIT March 17, 2005; The AP reported that General Motors Corp. is recalling 77,055 minivans because their rear brake lights or hazard lights can stop working, federal safety regulators and the world's biggest automaker said Thursday.

The recall involves Chevrolet Astro and GMC Safari minivans from the 2001 and 2002 model years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said a circuit problem could cause the lights to stop working, which could lead to a crash.

GM spokesman Alan Adler said there have been no injuries related to the defect. GM dealers will repair the lights for free.

NHTSA also said Thursday that GM is recalling 35,777 of its 2005 Pontiac G6 sedans because the owner's manual doesn't say there is a child restraint anchor in the middle of the back seat. NHTSA said owners could have difficulty installing child seats if they aren't aware of the anchor.

Adler said GM will mail information about the child seat anchors to G6 owners this month.

GM shares fell 66 cents, or 2.3 percent, to close at $28.35 in trading Thursday on the New York Stock Exchange, trading at low levels not seen since the early 1990s.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov