The carmaker says it 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.

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.

The carmaker started to recall vehicles earlier this year but has attracted controversy for having allegedly known since 2001 about the problem, under which the ignition switch may unintentionally move from the "run" position to the "accessory" or "off" position with a corresponding reduction or loss of power.

According to Reuters, the brand has filed a motion in a US court to enforce a bar on lawsuits arising from the defects in cars sold before its 2009 bankruptcy as it fights proposed class action litigation that seeks to set aside the restriction.

The vehicles covered are model years:

• 2003-2007 Saturn Ion
• 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
• 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice
• 2007-2010 Pontiac G5
• 2007-2010 Saturn Sky
• 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR

GM added that until recall repairs are made, ‘it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. If there is a key fob, it also should be removed from the key ring. Owners of manual transmission vehicles should be sure the ignition is in the "Off" position and set to reverse gear with the parking brake set before removing the key. Owners of vehicles with automatic transmission should be sure the vehicle is in "Park" before removing the key.’