CONSUMER ALERTS - Ignition Switch Failures Can Result in Serious Injuries

General Motors has recalled over 2.6 million vehicles due to defective and dangerous ignition switches. Following a “jarring event” or use of a heavy key ring, the ignition switch may slip out of the "run" position, shutting down the engine, power steering and the braking system. This loss of power may cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle and, if the car crashes, the airbags to fail to deploy. The results may be fatal.

The ignition switch defect was discovered by GM a decade before the 2014 product recalls were issued. In 2005, GM engineers considered resolving this problem but decided any solution to make the switches safer would be too costly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration fined GM $35 million for failing to disclose the problem, and the U.S. Justice Department is investigating the case for possible criminal charges.

The recalls are sweeping, including 2005-10 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-10 Pontiac Solstice, 2007-10 Pontiac G5 and Saturn Sky, 2006-11 Chevrolet HHR and 2003-7 Saturn Ion, 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2005 Chevrolet Malibu, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. All have the same ignition switches.

We are now pursuing civil suits against GM for the injuries and deaths resulting from accidents where the car has “turned off.” If you believe you or a loved one have had an accident as a result of a faulty ignition switch of a GM vehicle, please contact us to discuss your options.