GM Recall: GM And Other Manufacturers Recall Faulty Airbags Due to Injuries

In 2014, there have been a number of  GM recalls, beginning with a recall for 2.6 million model year 2004 and 2005 vehicles due to an ignition switch problem that caused several injuries and deaths. Now, the plagued automotive manufacturer, GM, has issued a faulty airbag recall for one of their most popular cars, the Chevrolet Cruze, due to defects in airbags manufactured by Takata.

Earlier this month, other automotive manufacturers, including Nissan, Honda, and Mazda, issued faulty airbag recalls after discovering a problem with air bags manufactured by Japanese manufacturer Takata. According to regulators, the airbags can rupture and injure passengers, not only with an explosion of hot air, but with shrapnel from the exploding pieces. On Monday, the airbags recalled expanded as the three Japanese automotive companies widened their recalls to 3 million cars.

The defective Takata airbags are used by at least seven automobile manufacturers. On June 11th, Toyota began the sweep of vehicle recalls by voluntarily recalling 2.3 million cars worldwide. BMW issued a faulty airbag recall last spring for the same problem.

“We are working diligently with the supplier of the defective part to identify specific vehicles affected and expect to resume deliveries by the end of this week, once those vehicles are identified,” a G.M. spokesman, Greg Martin, said. According to GM, about 33,000 Cruzes may have a faulty driver’s side air bag inflator.

However, GM did state that their specific problem with Takata’s air bags might be different from other manufacturers’ problems. “Theirs is a chemistry issue, and ours is a mechanical issue,” another spokesman for G.M., Jim Cain, said.

Two deaths so far have been linked to the exploding airbags, both in 2009 model year Hondas. Both Honda and Takata have settled wrongful death lawsuits with the families.

GM CEO Says More Vehicle Recalls Possible as Company Reviews Safety Data

During an interview on Thursday, June 26th, General Motors CEO Mary Barra said that more vehicle recalls are possible as the company, with the help of unaffiliated attorneys, sort through safety data.

GM has issued several vehicle recalls this year, covering 20 million cars so far. (link to full list of cars?)

“We’re going to continue to look at the data that we get, and we’re going to take the action that we need,” she told NBC’s “Today” show. “If we find an issue, we’re going to deal with it.”

GM has particularly focused on the vehicle recall covering ignition switch problems in 2.6 million older model cars, which resulted in at least 54 injuries related to crashes, and 13 deaths. The manufacturer is finalizing a compensation program for victims of the long-delayed vehicle recall.

“We want every single person who either lost a loved one or has a serious physical injury to be a part of that program,” Barra said.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Personal Injury and Vehicle Recalls

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, so contact us today at (803) 252-4800.