Revealed Emails Show GM Placed Replacement Ignition Switches Order Before Vehicle Recall

According to an investigative report from the Wall Street Journal, General Motors placed an “urgent” replacement ignition switches order for 500,000 ignition switches in December 2013, although the automotive manufacturer did not issue its first ignition switch vehicle recall until February 2014.

Earlier this year, GM issued a small vehicle recall because some older model cars – many dating back to 2004 and 2005, before GM won a bankruptcy filing in 2009 – could have faulty ignition switches. The automobile manufacturer admitted to knowledge of several personal injuries due to crashes from the ignition switch problem, as well as 13 car accident deaths.

Since the initial vehicle recall, GM has issued recalls for around 30 million cars, trucks, and SUVs, many of which are directly related to the ignition switch problem. The company set up a compensation fund for victims of the faulty ignition switches as well, with the end of December this year as the deadline for filing for compensation. Through that fund, the company has so far acknowledged over 100 personal injuries directly caused by the ignition switch problem, along with 30 wrongful deaths.

Now, emails between GM team members reveal that, the day after a large committee meeting on December 17th, there was concern about the ignition switches and an employee ordered half a million from Delphi.

Delphi, the ignition switch manufacturer, recently turned the emails over to prosecutors as part of a huge class action lawsuit filed by those who do not believe the GM compensation fund will rule fairly. Delphi added that the company was confused by the size and urgency of the order, when GM had, the previous year, ordered only 11,000 replacement ignition switches.

The odd news comes also after GM said it would incentivize vehicle owners to go to local dealerships to have their replacement ignition switches  installed immediately, because the company had suffered a shortage of ignition switches and feared many customers had not received notice that they were back in stock.

“These emails are further confirmation that our system needed reform, and we have done so,” said the GM statement. “We have reorganized our entire safety investigation and decision process and have more investigators, move issues more quickly and make decisions with better data.”

The first trial in the consolidated class action ignition switch lawsuit has been scheduled for January 11th, 2016.

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.