Detroit-based automobile manufacturer General Motors (GM) has issued another recall for more than 1.5 million vehicles due to a problem in the air bag system and other safety features. The new recall follows the car-maker's previous announcement regarding the faulty ignition switch in 1.6 million vehicles which resulted in at least 12 deaths, LA Times has learned.

The new air-bag-related recall includes almost 1.2 million Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia models from 2008-2013, Chevrolet Traverse SUVs from 2009-2013, and Saturn Outlook SUVs from 2008-2010.

According to the company, a faulty wiring triggers the "service air bag" warning light that if ignored, could disable the passenger seat-mounted airbags, front center air bag, seat belt pretensioners and driver air bags.

In addition, 303,000 units of Chevrolet and GMC Savana from 2009-2014 models are being recalled because they do not comply with federal safety requirements. Specifically, passengers who are not wearing a seatbelt could hit their heads on the instrument panel, which is made from a hard material, during a crash. GM is intending to replace the instrument panel with a softer material that can cushion the impact.

63,900 Cadillac XTS sedans from 2013 and 2014 are also being called in due to corrosion in the brake booster electronics, which could trigger an engine compartment fire.    

The new recall comes as a big blow to the auto manufacturing giant as it is currently facing government and civil investigations due to its ignition-switch recall, CNBC reported. Over 1.6 million vehicles, ranging from 2003-2007 Saturn Ions, 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHRS, and 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 models have been recalled globally due to a faulty ignition switch.

When jostled, the switch could turn off and disable the safety features of the car such as the air bags and antilock brakes. GM has already received reports of 34 accidents and 12 deaths caused by the faulty ignition. However, safety advocate groups claim that the number of fatalities has been understated and is actually more than 300, Npr.org reported.