GM Expands Ignition Switch Recall

On Monday, June 16th, General Motors stated that they were expanding their massive 2.6 million GM car ignition switch recall by another 3.4 million cars. This brings their total vehicle recall number to 20 million, including vehicle recalls for problems that do not involve the older models with faulty ignition switches.

GM has issued a total of 44 vehicle recalls so far this year. The original ignition switch recall covered older model cars, mostly 2004 and 2005 models, that had faulty ignition switches that led to at least 54 crashes with injuries, and 13 deaths, according to the automotive manufacturer.

This most recent vehicle recall includes these cars and model years:

• Buick Lacrosse, 2005-2009
• Chevrolet Impala, 2006-2014
• Cadillac Deville, 2000-2005
• Cadillac DTS, 2004-2011
• Buick Lucerne, 2006-2011
• Buick Regal LS & GS, 2004-2005
• Chevy Monte Carlo, 2006-2008

Like the first major vehicle recall, this one covers problems with the ignition switch, which, if carrying too much weight from a large keychain, for example, can move out of place and cause the car to accelerate unintentionally. The problem can also prevent the airbags from deploying.

GM said that they knew of 8 crashes and 6 injuries related to the latest vehicle recall.

A class action lawsuit against the company has consolidated in New York City. Trial lawyers involved in that lawsuit state that GM is responsible for at least 60 wrongful deaths in crashes directly related to the delayed vehicle recall.

GM CEO Mary Barra will testify on Wednesday, June 18th, in front of a House of Representatives subcommittee regarding  GM vehicle recall problems.

GM Chief Says Vehicle Recall Death Total Could Rise

On Tuesday, June 10th, GM’s Chief Executive Mary T. Barra said that the company believes the number of deaths related to the delayed GM key ignition defect recall could rise. Right now, the company acknowledges 13 deaths related to ignition switch problems, but that number could go up.

“We are relying on the expertise of Kenneth Feinberg, who is experienced in designing and administering complex compensation programs,” Ms. Barra said. Feinberg is an attorney who specializes in victim compensation, and has been hired to work with GM to compensate the ignition switch vehicle recall victims.

So far, GM has set aside $1.7 billion to pay restitution for victims of the delayed vehicle recall, which covers 2.6 million older model vehicles, most of which date back to 2004 and 2005.

“Our goal is to make sure everyone who is impacted by the ignition-switch issue is appropriately compensated,” Barra said. GM must “do the right thing for those who were harmed.”

She added: “I believe if we do the right thing for the customers and we do the right thing for the business, we are doing the right thing for shareholders.”

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Defective Products and Vehicle Recall Cases

If you have experienced a problem with a defective product in your automobile, especially if a defective part has led to an auto accident or personal injury, and a proper vehicle recall notice has not been issued, you may be entitled to compensation. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. We can help you with complicated auto insurance claims, and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve to help you with lost income and medical bills. Our attorneys are licensed to practice in South Carolina, Georgia, and New York. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. Contact us today at (803) 252-4800.