GM Recalls 35,000 2009 Pontiac G8

As if the brand discontinuation General Motors announced some time ago wasn't enough, Pontiac is now experiencing new problems in the United States. No less than 35,038 Pontiac G8 vehicles manufactured in 2008 and 2009 are affected by a glitch in the tire pressure monitoring system, according to a statement issued by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

"GM is recalling 35,038 model year 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, 'Lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment' and Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard no. 138, 'Tire pressure monitoring system'", the notification reads.

"The brake pedal position switch may have been incorrectly programmed," it added. "With this condition, the brake lamps may be continually illuminated and fail to warn a following driver when the vehicle is braking. Also certain vehicles may have incorrect values programmed into the tire pressure monitoring system that will not illuminate the low tire pressure telltale until tire pressure falls below values required by the standard."

To make the whole story a bit shorter, such a malfunction could eventually increase the risk of a crash. Furthermore, driving with an under-inflated tire could lead to a blow and obviously raise the risk of accidents, especially if driving at high speeds.

Just as expected, General Motors recommends owners of the affected models to contact the closest dealerships and make an appointment for a service check. The company says dealers will reprogram the brake position sensor and the remote control door lock receiver with the correct values, with all operations to be conducted free of charge.