GM Recalls 1.8 Million Cars to Fix Ignition

General Motors Corp. recalled 1.8 million of its 1998-2001 model cars to fix an ignition switch that may cause a fire in the steering column, widening an earlier recall.

The recall includes some Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire small cars and Pontiac Grand Am, Oldsmobile Achieva and Buick Skylark mid-size cars, the company said. Of those cars, 1.4 million are in the U.S. and most of the rest are in Canada. Owner notification will start in March.

The switch may deteriorate, creating enough heat to melt internal parts or start a fire, the automaker said.

There have been 80 reports of heat buildup, melting or smoldering parts or fires, without any injuries or deaths.

GM shares rose 13 cents to $48.64 on the NYSE.