General Motors has announced it will recall 1.3 million cars in North America over a potentially faulty power steering motor following a federal probe into the problem in January.

The recall would cover 2005- through 2010-model year Chevrolet Cobalts and 2007-2010 Pontiac G5s, along with similar models in Canada and Mexico, the top US automaker said in a statement late on Monday.

Complaints had been filed about power steering failures that could make the vehicles difficult to control.

"After our in-depth investigation, we found that this is a condition that takes time to develop. It tends to occur in older models out of warranty," GM vice president of quality Jamie Hresko said in the statement.

"Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers' peace of mind," he added.

The cars remain safe to drive, although vehicles with the power-steering problem may take more effort to steer at slow speeds.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched a probe of 905,000 Chevrolet Cobalts earlier this year after receiving more than 1,100 consumer complaints, which included reports of 14 crashes and one injury.