News In Brief

GM recalls midsize cars over an axle problem

General Motors Corporation recalled 3.1 million 1978, 1979, and 1980 midsize cars Monday because of rear axles that may wear abnormally and could separate. The cars are the Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Pontiac Le Mans, Pontiac Grand Prix, Oldsmobile Cutlass and Cutlass Supreme, Buick Century, Buick Regal, and two lines of trucks made from car chassis, the Chevrolet El Camino and GMC Caballero. All are rear-wheel drive, meaning the potentially defective axles propel the vehicles.