Two recalls for Pontiac G8

Pontiac, has been kicked while it's down by two recalls at once.

GM and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have issued a safety recall of 35,038 Pontiac G8 sedans from 2008 and 2009 for faulty brake lights and tyre pressure monitors.

Apparently, the brake pedal position switch is playing up, leaving the rear brake lights on for extended periods even when the brakes aren't in use. The tyre pressure monitors are also out, returning incorrect pressure results that may be below what is needed for both tyre wear and road safety.

The full NHTSA release is below.

DEFECTS AND RECALLS

Vehicle Make / Model: PONTIAC / G8 2008-2009
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP. Mfr's Report Date: MAY 20, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V172000 N/A
Component: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 35038

Summary:

GM IS RECALLING 35,038 MY 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 SYSTEMS". THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION SWITCH MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY PROGRAMMED. 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.

Consequence:

INAPPROPRIATE, NON-STANDARD LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR DRIVING ON A SIGNIFICANTLY UNDER-INFLATED TIRE CAUSES THE TIRE TO OVERHEAT AND CAN LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE BRAKE POSITION SENSOR AND THE REMOTE CONTROL DOOR LOCK RECEIVER WITH THE CORRECT VALUES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JUNE 5, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GM PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.