General Motors is set to initiate six new safety recalls involving 8.4 million cars, including 7.6 million in the US, over ignition switch defects.
The recall affects vehicles manufactured between 1997 and 2014, the company said.
General Motors CEO Mary Barra said: "We undertook what I believe is the most comprehensive safety review in the history of our company because nothing is more important than the safety of our customers."
"We have worked aggressively to identify and address the major outstanding issues that could impact the safety of our customers," Barra said.
"If any other issues come to our attention, we will act appropriately and without hesitation."
The company said it is aware of seven crashes, eight injuries and three fatalities.
General Motors advised customers to remove all items from their key ring, leaving only the vehicle key, and always use their seat belts until the ignition recall repairs have been completed.
American attorney Kenneth Feinberg, who will oversee compensation for recall victims, said that there is no cap on payments to individuals.
Feinberg was quoted by USA Today as saying, "GM delegated to me, at my full and sole discretion, to decide which claims are eligible, and how much money they should get. There are no appeals (by GM or victims). Once I make the decision, that's it."
