GM to recall 340,000 Chevrolet Cruze cars over braking issues

General Motors (GM) is recalling nearly 340,000 Chevrolet Cruze cars globally over a possible loss of brake-assist in the vehicles.

The recall affects the 2011-2012 model Chevrolet Cruze cars that were manufactured at GM's Lordstown Assembly Plant in Ohio. The recall does not cover Cruze vehicles built at other plants.

The Detroit-based carmaker said the brake problem is found only in Cruzes with the 1.4-litre turbocharged engine and six- speed automatic transmission.  It does not include the base LS model that comes with a non-turbo 1.8-litre four, nor cars with manual transmission.

The recall covers 292,879 Cruze vehicles in the US, 44,789 in Canada and 641 in Israel.

GM said that the power assist for the brakes can fail due to a faulty switch. Despite the failure, the driver could still stop the car with increased pressure on the brake pedal.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said, ''When putting car into reverse on level ground to back up, brakes do not work properly and hardly stops car, very unnerving. Dealer could not find the problem, happens randomly. Have had this occur several times now.''

The carmaker said that it was aware of 27 low-speed crashes, but no injuries, related to the problem. Dealers will replace the microswitch in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly to correct the issue.

This is the eighth recall of the car since it was introduced in September 2010, including for oil leaks that can cause fires, fuel tanks coming loose, transmission and steering problems and side air bag malfunctions.