U.S. agency demands recall data from General Motors

3/5/2014

DETROIT — A U.S. safety agency is demanding that General Motors turn over documents showing what the company knew about a dangerous ignition problem in older compact cars and how it responded.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating GM’s handling of the problem, which has been linked to 13 traffic deaths and prompted a global recall of 1.6 million cars. GM has acknowledged it was aware of the problem a decade ago but didn’t recall the cars until last month.

GM spokesman Alan Adler says the company received an order for the information Tuesday. He says GM is cooperating and welcomes the chance to help NHTSA fully understand the facts.

If the agency determines GM was slow to recall the cars or withheld information, it can fine it $35 million.