OREANDA-NEWS. General Motors has shipped thousands of kits consisting of ignition switches, ignition cylinders and key sets for older model small cars subject to a safety recall.

Letters were mailed last week to about 1.4 million owners of 2003-2007 models telling them to contact a GM dealer to make an appointment for repairs, which should take about 90 minutes. Wait times may be longer depending on the busyness of a particular dealership.

Owners of 2008-2011 models subject to the recall will receive a letter in early May confirming their inclusion in the recall. Another letter alerting them when parts are available will follow.

GM’s 4,300 dealer service departments are replacing ignition switches that may fail to meet GM’s torque specification. The ignition switch may unintentionally move from the “run” position to the “accessory” or “off” position with a corresponding reduction or loss of power. Dealers also are replacing ignition cylinders that can allow removal of the ignition key while the engine is running, leading to a possible rollaway, crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.