Over the past few months, the story of how General Motors Co. (GM) mishandled the recall of more than 1.6 million vehicles that were manufactures with a faulty ignition switch has slowly emerged. An additional 1.5 million vehicles recently were recalled as a result of defects in the brake parts, airbag wiring harnesses, and other vehicle components. The faulty ignition switch defect has been linked to thirteen deaths. Recently, the chief executive at GM, Mary Barra, acknowledged that the company did not manage the situation properly.
In a videotaped message to employees, Ms. Barra stated that something went wrong with the recall process and “terrible things happened.” As a result of what occurred, GM announced that it is changing its investigation protocols and recall procedures. It is believed that increased scrutiny over vehicle problems led to the new recall of 1.5 million vehicles.
The initial recall relating to the ignition switch problems is getting intense scrutiny because the problem with these vehicles has been known for a long time. The recall impacts mainly older model cars, including the 2005 through 2007 Chevy Cobalt and the 2003 through 2007 Saturn Ion. The questions of what was known and when it was discovered has led to the civil and criminal investigations, congressional hearings, and lawsuits based on the injuries that occurred as a result of the faulty ignition switches and GM’s failure to respond in the proper manner.
The problem with the ignition switch is that the switch could turn off unexpectedly, cutting power to the vehicle while it is traveling at varying rates of speed. It is possible that the switch turns off because the weight of the key fob and any additional items is enough to pull it out of the “on” position. Although the corrected switches are supposed to be available for replacement this month, April 2014, GM has advised drivers of recalled vehicles to eliminate all extra items on the key. Because the recall affects older vehicles, many of them no longer are on the road, so there are fewer people currently impacted by the recall. However, GM has been investigating 31 serious accidents, including 13 incidents that resulted in front-seat deaths.
The more recent recall affects luxury sedans, full-size vans, and crossover utility vehicles. Some of the defects could lead to the side airbags failing to deploy during an accident. The problems in the Cadillac XTS include the wiring in the brake booster pump, which can overheat, leading to melting plastic materials in the vehicle and the possibility of a fire in the vehicle engine compartment. Two dealer-owned XTS sedans were reported to have vehicle fires in the engine compartment. However, GM has reported that it does not have any reports about accidents related to the recalls for the newer model vehicles. Although most of the recalled vehicles were sold in the United States, there were some sold in Canada and Mexico.
The ignition switch problems have led to the filing of at least one class action lawsuit is a federal court in Texas, with other lawsuits expected to follow.
When car manufacturers fail to take the appropriate actions in responding to defects in the vehicles when they learn about them, innocent people get hurt. The experienced and dedicated auto accident attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC will work with you to develop the best possible legal strategy and get you the compensation that you deserve as a result of the harm that was done to you. To schedule an initial case evaluation, call us at (800) 707-9577. We only receive a fee if we succeed on your behalf.