Another Vehicle Recall from GM Involves Parking Brakes and Fire Hazards

Although the automotive manufacturer has already issued numerous vehicle recalls for over 30 million cars in 2014 alone, General Motors has issued another vehicle recall – this time because a defect in the parking brake can cause a fire.

The reported problem occurs in GM’s 2013-2015 model year Cadillac XTS and the 2014-2015 model year Chevrolet Impala. A letter confirming the vehicle recall was issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The total number of Impalas and Cadillacs affected by the vehicle recall comes to 221,558 – that covers 205,309 in the US.

“GM is not aware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities as a result of this condition,” the company said. However, the ongoing ignition switch investigation recently uncovered 19 wrongful deaths for the 2004-2005 model year GM cars, where GM itself reported only 13.

The problem leading to the current vehicle recall reportedly involves the brake’s indicator light, which can fail to illuminate sometimes although the brake is not fully retracted.

“If the vehicle is operated for an extended period of time in this condition, there is a potential for the rear brakes to generate significant heat, smoke and sparks,” the NHTSA said in their letter. “Brake pads that remain partially engaged with the rotors may cause excessive brake heat that may result in a fire.”

GM’s Chevrolet Impalas have suffered previous vehicle recalls this year, as well. In February, 2014 Impalas were recalled because a transmission defect could cause the vehicle to roll away instead of remaining in “park.” In March, an NHTSA investigation led to a vehicle recall because the new Impalas were found to have problems with the collision-warning system that could cause sudden unintentional braking. In June, Impalas faced a vehicle recall due to ignition problems, as well as some torque specification issues. The very next month, another vehicle recall for Impalas came because the vehicles had power steering issues, and the NHTSA began its investigation into passenger-side airbag malfunctions which had led to serious injuries after car accidents.

As of September, 445 personal injury claims have been submitted to the GM ignition switch injury fund, 125 of which involve wrongful death claims. It is unclear if the original 13 wrongful deaths acknowledged by GM are part of the 19 claims in the fund.

GM faces not just civil lawsuits outside of the personal injury compensation fund – which claim that the fund uses unfair metrics to calculate each claim’s validity – but also numerous criminal investigations for negligence and fraud. A judge in civil court is currently deciding whether the terms of GM’s 2009 bankruptcy filing will protect the company from the personal injury claims or not. GM claims that prior to their bankruptcy, the company was “old GM,” which made numerous mistakes and cut corners on production. The company states that “new GM” should not be held responsible for “old GM’s” mistakes.

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.