GM recalls midsize cars to fix brake problem

The Associated Press

It's the sixth recall announced by the company this week and the 24th this year. Since January, GM has recalled about 11.2 million cars and trucks.

The latest recall affects 2014 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Malibu models.

GM says in documents posted Friday by U.S. safety regulators that rear brake rotors were mistakenly installed on the front. The rear rotors are thinner, so brake pads will wear faster and could lose contact with the brake calipers. That could cause longer stopping distances and brake failure.

The company says it has no reports of crashes or injuries due to the problem.

Dealers were told to stop delivering the cars on May 1. Owners will get letters starting May 29. Dealers will inspect the brakes and replace rotors and pads if needed at no cost to owners.

GM launched a top-to-bottom safety review after recalling 2.6 million small cars earlier this year for faulty ignition switches. GM knew about that problem for at least a decade before it started to recall the cars.

The switch problem, which can unexpectedly shut down a car's engine, has been linked to at least 13 deaths and has prompted multiple investigations, including one by the Justice Department.

The company's new safety chief says GM is now recalling cars much faster if there's a safety problem.