Another 3.3 Million Vehicles Recalled Because of Faulty Ignition Switch

Vehicle manufacturer General Motors (GM) has just announced the recall of another 3.36 million vehicles because of the faulty ignition switch issue that has now resulted in more than 20 million GM vehicles being recalled. The ignition switch problem in the vehicles subject to the new recall has been linked by GM to eight crashes according to a CBS News report, although there are other accidents that are being investigated. The faulty ignition switch can rotate out of the run position, which disables the vehicle's power steering and power brakes, causing a dangerous loss of control of the vehicle. According to reports when the key bears additional weight in the form of a simple key chain, the switch can jostle out of position when the vehicle hits bumps or potholes.

The new vehicles covered by the current recall include the following:

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

The announcement comes after a review of the ignition switch issue following the recall of 2.6 million Chevrolet Cobalts for a similar ignition issue. Thirteen deaths have been blamed on the earlier ignition defect problem. Although the current recall is related to the same risk of the ignition switch moving out of the run position, GM spokesman Alan Alder said the problem is different, so a different solution is required.

While vehicle owners involved in the Cobalt recall had to have the defective ignition switch replaced, owners of vehicles subject to the current recall simply need to have the GM dealer add an insert to the key that closes the slot, which leaves only a small hole to which a key ring can be attached. While GM dealerships will start modifying keys during the next several weeks, GM is advising owners of vehicles subject to the new recall to remove all items from their key chain that could weigh it down until the key is modified.

The new recall comes after the just announced investigation conclusions of GM that found a pattern of management deficiency and poor judgment that resulted in this safety issue being neglected for years. However, the findings of the probe that GM CEO Mary Barra released at a recent global town hall did not find that there had been a conspiracy by the company to cover up the problem.

Tragically, the ignition switch defect that has been linked to 13 accident fatalities could have been corrected with a component that cost 57 cents, according to members of Congress. It is this type of product liability case that underscores the need for careful monitoring of those companies who put unsafe products into the market stream, whether that is cars, child safety seats, or pharmaceuticals, among other things. When there is a serious problem, the manufacturers must be held accountable.

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If you have been involved in a car accident caused by a vehicle defect, you may have a right to compensation for your injuries. Our Atlanta auto accident attorneys at Montlick & Associates have been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast for more than thirty years. Our clients are from Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins, and smaller cities and rural areas throughout the state. No matter where you are located, our attorneys are just a phone call away and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.