RECALL ALERT: GM Recalls 140,000 Malibus Due To Brake Problems

Today, General Motors added two recalls to its growing this year, pushing the total number of vehicles recalled for fixes in 2014 to more than 8.5 million in the U.S. alone.

The company is recalling more than 140,000 Chevrolet Malibu midsize cars to fix a problem with the power-assisted brakes, plus another 477 full-size pickup trucks for a steering issue.

These recalls have brought GM's total for the year to 16, including 2.6 million small cars worldwide for a deadly ignition switch problem.

The largest of Thursday's recalls, covering more than 140,000 Chevrolet Malibu midsize cars from 2014, is an example of how GM is moving faster to issue recalls. The recall covers cars with 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines and stop-start technology that shuts off the engine at red lights.

GM says a software problem in the brake control computer can disable the power brakes. That means drivers would have to push the brakes harder to stop, and stopping distances would increase. Dealers will update the software at no cost to owners. GM will mail letters to owners starting around May 30.