It looks like GM’s troubles are far from over. The company is facing yet another recall, just a couple of months after issuing a recall for faulty ignition switches. This time it involves the ignition lock cylinder. But the company’s troubles go beyond producing defective vehicles. Evidence shows that the manufacturer had knowledge of these problems.
GM’s Latest Recall and What It Means for Car Owners
The GM recall in February stemmed from a faulty ignition switch, which could cause the vehicle to turn off while driving. This recent recall also involves an unexpected maneuver while the vehicle is running. The key can come out.
There is the danger of the car rolling away if the owner pulls the key out of the ignition and thinks the car is off and in park. Nobody expects a key to come out of the ignition when the engine is still running. GM says it will cost the company about $1.3 billion to fix this latest problem.
GM is aware of several hundred complaints surrounding the key issue. It affects the same vehicles involved in the faulty ignition switch problem. This includes the Chevy HHR and Cobalt, Pontiac Solstice and G5, and Saturn Sky and Ion.
The difference is that the recall for the ignition switches affects model years 2003 through 2007. But this new recall affects all models ever produced, about 2.6 million vehicles in total.
GM Had Knowledge of Vehicle Defects
As if the recalls weren’t enough trouble for GM, there is also evidence the company was aware of defects in its vehicles. GM is also in violation of an order to turn over all documents related to the recall, according to media reports. As a result, it is incurring fines of $7,000 each day from federal regulators. It is against the law to withhold any information related to the recall.
While the focus has been on the faulty ignition switches, there is also the issue of airbags failing to deploy. But documents reveal the company knew of both problems in 2012 and yet failed to fix them. Instead, GM waited until February 2014 to issue a recall and warn drivers.
There have been 32 crashes and 13 deaths linked to the ignition system defect. It’s not improbable that other cases could come to light. Owners of GM cars should follow the instructions that GM provides to correct the defect.
Determining If an Accident Involving a GM Vehicle Is the Result of a Defect
If you were in an accident and suspect a defect caused it, consider whether the vehicle is subject to this or other recalls. An automotive expert may examine the vehicle to determine if a defect is related to accident. If so, the manufacturer may be liable for damages.
An attorney can look further into the matter and determine potential legal options and secure evaluation of the vehicle, if that’s necessary. Call Bressman Law at 877-538-1116.
UPDATE (5/21):
The recalls of GM vehicles continue with nine more separate issues identified between May 14 and May 20. To date, there have been 27 defects that have resulted in a recall of more than 18 million GM vehicles manufactured between 2004 and 2014. Experts believe the sudden surge in recalls is due to GM’s restructuring with new board members putting more emphasis on customer safety rather than cost-cutting.
The May 14th recalls include:
- 140,000 Chevrolet Malibu (model year 2014) for defective brake boosts.
- 19,000 Cadillac CTS (model year 2014) for defective windshield wipers.
- 111,000 Corvettes (model years 2005-2007) for defective headlight low beams.
- 477 Chevrolet Silverados (model year 2014) and Chevrolet Tahoes (model year 2015) for defective steering tie-rods.
- 2.4 million Chevrolet Malibu (model years 2004-2012), Malibu Maxx (2004-2007), Pontiac G6 (model years 2005-2010), and Saturn Aura (model years 2007-2010) for defective brake lamps.
The May 20th recalls include:
- 1 million Chevrolet Malibu and Maxx (model years 2004-2008), Saturn Aura (model years 2007-2008), and Pontiac G6 (2005-2008) were added to the April 29th recall for defective transmission shift indicator cables.
- 1.3 million Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Arcadia full-size crossover SUVs (model years 2009-2014) and Saturn Outlooks (model years 2009-2010) for defective safety lap belt cables.
- 1,400 Cadillac Escalades and Escalade ESVs (model year 2015) for defective passenger-side front air bags.
- 58 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra full-size pickups (model year 2015) for fire risks due to loose electrical connections in the engine compartment.