GM recalls more vehicles over ignition switch

General Motorsbeganthe new year by announcing three new vehicle recalls onThursday, as the ignition switch crisis continued to dog theautomaker after millions of vehicles were recalled in 2014.

No crashes or injuries were reported in the latest round ofrecalls involving 83,572 sport-utility vehicles and pickuptrucks. GM expects that fewer than 500 will be affected by thedefect, an ignition lock actuator with an outer diameter thatexceeds specifications.

Still, the issue could spook consumers and investors.Ignition system problems were behind the record number ofrecalls made in 2014 by GM, which has struggled to rebuild itsreputation following its 2009 bankruptcy.

The recalls hit GM's share price, which fell 14.6 percentduring 2014, a year in which shares of rival Ford Motor Co roseabout 0.5 percent.

GM recalled more than 2.5 million vehicles in 2014 afteraccidents that caused more than 40 deaths. The compensationprogram, which is accepting claims until Jan. 31, has receivedmore than 2,200 claims for injuries and deaths as a result ofthe issue.

In the primary recall announced on Thursday, the outsizedignition lock actuator can lead to the ignition key gettingstuck in the "start" position. If the vehicle is driven that wayand experiences a "significant jarring event," the ignition lockcylinder could move into the "accessory" position, affectingengine power, power steering and power braking.

"Also, the timing of the key movement into the accessoryposition relative to crash sensing could result in the air bagsnot deploying in certain crashes," company spokesperson AlanAlder said in a statement.

The latest issue was discovered in an internal reviewfollowing warranty party returns, GM said, and coverscertainChevrolet Silverado light-duty and heavy-duty pickups, as wellas Avalanche, Tahoe and Suburban; GMC Sierra light duty andheavy-duty pickups, and Yukon and Yukon XL; Cadillac Escalade,Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT. It concerns models from 2011 and2012, and 2007-2014 vehicles that have been repaired withdefective parts.

Another of the announced recalls concerns a faulty hoseclamp in 56 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD pickuptrucks from the 2015 model year.

The third covers 152 of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC1500 pickup trucks over concerns the rear axle shaft couldfracture while the vehicles were being driven.