Hot on the heels of the ignition switch recall, General Motors has announced another problem regarding the ignition system in 2.6 million of its vehicles. With two major active recalls and fines of $7,000 piling up each day, General Motors is facing some tough battles.
The first recall came in February 2014 when GM announced it was issuing a recall of certain 2003-2007 model year vehicles to repair an issue with the ignition switch. The vehicles included in the recall may experience a sudden loss of power if the switch slipped and allowed the key to moving to the “accessory” or “off” position. This defect has been blamed for 13 deaths and several non-fatal accidents when the vehicles suddenly lost power while driving.
The affected models include:
Also included in this recall were 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalts, Pontiac G5s, and Pontiac Pursuits sold in Canada.
Just as dealerships were getting to work on repairing the faulty ignition switches, GM issued a recall, in April, of 2.6 million vehicles for a defect in their ignition lock cylinder. This new recall stated that defective lock cylinders may allow the key to be removed from the ignition while the engine is still running. The April recall affects all model years of the:
The repairs started mid-April and will continue through October.
As GM dealerships scramble to meet the demand for repairs of the defective ignition systems, GM headquarters is facing serious allegations. Documents released just days after the April recall show that engineers knew about the defective ignition systems for several years, and even had plans to fix the issues.
Experts are claiming that GM had advance notice of the defects and had plenty of time to issue recalls, potentially saving the company millions of dollars. More importantly, experts believe that had GM addressed the problem when it discovered it, it may have saved the lives of 13 victims.
Notices of the recall have been going out to GM vehicle owners whose vehicles are included in the recall. These letters contain instructions on where to schedule a free repair and information about requesting a loaner vehicle if necessary. Meanwhile, owners of the affected models should seek legal counsel if they were involved in an accident while driving a recalled vehicle. GM could potentially be liable for damages caused by the vehicle’s ignition defects.
Attorney Julie Johnson helps Dallas drivers affected by defective vehicles seek compensation for damages they or a loved one suffered. Contact the Law Office of Julie Johnson, PLLC today to schedule a free consultation regarding your potential case: 214-290-8001.
