General Motors (GM) has announced yet another recall. This one involves close to 52,000 SUVs for faulty fuel gauges.
The most recent recall involves General Motors SUVs, the vehicles affected are the model year 2014:
Malfunctioning software can cause an inaccurate reading on the fuel gauge. According to a letter GM sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the reading can be as far off as a quarter of a tank.
Running out of gas is more than an inconvenience. At times, when an SUV runs out of gas the engine can stall. As a result, this increases the risk of a crash. If you own one of these SUVs, you can expect to receive a free repair. GM’s fix will include reprogramming the engine control modules.
This has not been a good year for GM. Nor has it been for GM vehicle owners who seem to be facing risk at every turn. One of the biggest (and deadliest) recalls occurred in February. About 2.6 million cars – Saturn Ions, Chevy Cobalts, and other models – were the subject of a recall stemming from faulty ignition switches.
The vehicle may turn off without warning. This increases the risk of a crash, and there have been several linked to this defect. At least 13 deaths are blamed for the faulty ignition switch. GM later expanded the recall because of a defect in the ignition lock cylinder.
Other General Motors vehicle recalls this year include:
According to the New York Times, “In other recall news, General Motors is recalling almost 9,000 Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Malibu sedans from the 2014 model year because brake rotors intended for the rear brakes may have been installed on the front brakes, the automaker said in a news release. “
As if the recalls weren’t enough, GM is under investigation by the:
Not because a defect existed in the ignition switch system, but because the automaker knew about the ignition switch problem for more than a decade but did not issue a recall until February 2014.
If you own a defective and/or recalled vehicle and suffered injuries in an accident, you might consider seeking legal counsel. It’s important to have the matter investigated to determine the source of the crash. If the investigation finds that a defect caused your accident and resultant injuries you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
Families of drivers killed in accidents related to a defective vehicle may also take legal action via a wrongful death claim. Injured drivers and/or their families in Dallas can seek consultation at the Law Office of Julie Johnson regarding their legal options. Call us at 214-290-8001 or contact us online to schedule your consultation.
UPDATE (5/21):
Eight more issues have been identified in GM vehicles and another one million vehicles added to a prior recall between May 14 and May 20. Experts believe the sudden surge in recalls is due to the GM restructuring following its 2009 bankruptcy. The new CEO, Mary Barra, considers the company in 2014 to be the “new GM” focused on customer safety and satisfaction rather than pre-2009 GM which was focused on cost-cutting and often hazardous manufacturing and design practices.
The May 14 recalls include three million vehicles of the following models and model years:
The May 20 recalls include:
