GM has recalled about 780,000 small cars because of the defect: Chevy Cobalts from the 2005 through 2007 model years and Pontiac G5s from 2007. The problem is a defective ignition switch in the GM cars that can shut off the engine without warning and lead to crashes. The faulty ignition switch can be jarred out of the run position by rough roads or even a heavy key ring. And our Houston auto defect attorneys caution that when the switch moves out of position, the car will lose both engine and electrical power.
Loss of electrical power means that air bags might not deploy if you crash, and you’ll lose your power-assisted brakes and steering, making a crash more likely. Apparently, GM knew of the problem as early as last May when it received reports of wrecks in which the air bags didn’t inflate. And drivers have posted reports of their cars suddenly turning off while in heavy traffic, and of narrowly averted crashes.
Our Houston auto defect attorneys note that the 6 deaths from the defect occurred in 5 frontal impact crashes at high speeds. GM says the reason for the delay between noticing the problem and issuing the recall was that the company had difficulty pinpointing the source of the problem. (Tom Krishner, Associated Press, 2/13/14)
GM says it will replace the faulty ignition switches free of charge, but until the switches are fixed, the company is urging drivers to take all non-essential items off their key rings. (Fine; but what can drivers do about rough roads?)
It seems odd that many of these cars, and the problems they contained, have been around for 9 years, yet supposedly reports only started coming in last May. Sadly, at least 22 cars wrecked and 6 people died while GM was trying to determine what exactly the flaw was in the Chevy Cobalts and Pontiac G5s.
But our Houston auto defect attorneys point out that sometimes automakers do know what the problem is, and they still refuse to admit there’s a defect in the vehicle. And multiple people crash and die before the company finally agrees to issue a recall. Such was apparently the case with the Ford Explorer rollovers related to inappropriate Firestone tires installed on the SUVs. About 250 deaths and 3,000 serious injuries were attributed to the defect.
When you’ve been injured or you’ve lost a loved one because of a defect in your vehicle, or because an automaker was slow to admit to a flaw in your car, you deserve a full financial recovery for your needless injuries and losses. Contact the Houston auto defect attorneys at Denena Points, PC and let us help you learn how your might hold the automaker financially liable for your suffering after a wreck caused by a vehicle defect.
Reach us for a free and confidential initial legal consultation at 713-807-9500 or just fill out our online contact form. You have no obligation to hire an attorney, and what you learn in your free consultation about your legal options and potential eligibility for fair compensation could put you and your family on the road to financial recovery after a serious accident injury.