DETROIT – General Motors Corp. is recalling more than 800,000 cars because of a power-steering defect that may have led to at least eight injuries, the automaker said Monday.

GM also is facing a separate government investigation into alleged failure of brakes, power steering and windshield wipers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday. NHTSA’s investigation could affect more than 1.2 million vehicles.

GM said it will recall 750,000 cars in the United States and about 55,000 in Canada – all made between Jan. 1, 1996, and Oct. 31, 1997.

The models are the 1996 Buick Regal, 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 1997-98 Oldsmobile Cutlass, Chevrolet Lumina, Monte Carlo and Malibu, and 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue cars. Also, some 1996 Pontiac Grand Prixs and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supremes and 1997-98 Buick Regal cars are being recalled.

Drivers have experienced intermittent losses of power steering when making left turns, especially at low speeds, GM said. The drivers experienced higher resistance when turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right that could pull the car in that direction, the company said.

Eight injuries have been reported that may be related to the defect, the automaker said. GM will begin instructing car owners in February to bring the affected vehicles to dealers for repairs.

NHTSA is investigating 2500- and 3500-series pickup trucks after receiving 19 complaints alleging loss of power braking or power steering. The alleged defect, which could affect 660,000 trucks, is blamed for at least two crashes and one injury.

NHTSA also is investigating alleged windshield-wiper failure on the 2002-2003 models of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the GMC Envoy, the Isuzu Ascender and the Oldsmobile Bravada. NHTSA and GM have received 1,172 complaints about the alleged defect, which is blamed for two crashes but no injuries. GM also reports 43,219 warranty claims relating to windshield-wiper failure. The investigation could involve up to 580,000 vehicles.

NHTSA investigations sometimes lead to recalls.

GM shares rose 5 cents to close at $53.86 on the New York Stock Exchange.