There have been reports of 14 crashes and one injury related to the steering problem, GM said on Tuesday. The recall covers 2005-10 Chevrolet Cobalts and 2007-10 Pontiac G5s sold in the United States. It also covers the 2005-06 Pontiac Pursuit sold in Canada and the 2005-06 Pontiac G4 sold in Mexico.

U.S. safety officials say they have received more than 1,100 complaints about steering failures in the recalled cars.

If the power-steering system fails, the driver can still control the car but the steering feels heavier, particularly at speeds of less than 15 mph, GM said. A failure of the steering system triggers a warning light and a chime in the instrument panel.