DETROIT -

General Motors is recalling more than 470,000 sedans, including late models from two nameplates the automaker no longer manufacturers.

The recall covers the Chevrolet Malibu, Saturn Aura and Pontiac G6 from the 2007 through 2010 model-years to repair a condition in which the transmission gear position may not match the gear on the shifter, which could lead to the vehicles rolling when drivers think they are parked.

In a message to Auto Remarketing, GM spokesperson Alan Adler indicated 426,240 of the units are in the U.S. Adler said Canada has 40,029 units, Mexico has 5,233 units and there were 2,238 units exported to other parts of the world.

Officials from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in Washington, D.C., said if the cause of the problem — transmission tabs — were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match.

The agency cautioned that the driver would be able to move the shifter to park and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in park. NHTSA fears the vehicle may not be able to be restarted, and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.

The OEM explained the affected vehicles are equipped with four-speed automatic transmissions. GM is aware of four crashes, but no injuries due to the condition.

The automaker instructed franchised dealers to add reinforcement to the shift cable end fitting to prevent the end fitting from fracturing.

GM said owners will be notified by letter to schedule dealership appointments to bring their vehicles in for free repairs. Officials added customers who had the work done before the recall will be eligible for reimbursement.

Owners also can contact GM at (800) 521-7300 and reference safety recall No. 12106.