Recall of the Week: General Motors small cars due to ignition switches that may turn off, causing engine stalls and increased injury hazard

General Motors is recalling about 1.4 million Chevrolet Cobalts from the 2005-7 model years; 2003-7 Saturn Ions; 2006-7 Chevrolet HHRs and Pontiac Solstices; and 2007 Saturn Sky and Pontiac G5 models.

In the recalled models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

If the key isn’t in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Until repairs are made, car owners should use the ignition key without any extra items attached, including a key fob, a security device used by some car owners.

The automaker said it’s aware of 13 deaths related to the problem.

After a 10-year investigation, GM announced its initial recall on Feb. 13 and an expansion of that recall on Tuesday.

GM will notify owners about the recall, and dealers will replace the ignition switch for no charge, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. The manufacturer hasn’t provided a notification schedule yet.

Consumers can contact Chevrolet at 800-222-1020, Pontiac at 800-762-2737, or Saturn at 800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion.