General Motors has recalled another 2.7 million cars, bringing the troubled automakers total for the year to about 10 million. GM has been under fire for its botched recall of millions of vehicles with an ignition switch problem that the automaker had known about for 10 years. The Department of Justice, Congress, and federal auto regulators are currently investigating the decade long delay. The majority of the newest recall applied to cars with a wiring problem that has been tied to at least 13 accidents. The wiring problem could cause the brake lamps to fail to light up when the brakes are applied or to light up when the brakes are not engaged. Cruise control, traction control, and panic braking assist can also be disabled.
GM’s handling of the ignition switch situation has subjected it to investigations from two congressional committees, the Justice Department, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The company issued a service bulletin to dealerships in 2008 about the flaw, but it never ordered a recall. The ignition switch recalls which have been tied to 13 deaths, also started out as a service bulletin. CEO Mary Barra has repeatedly said that the 10 year delay in that the recall was unacceptable and has promised it would not happen again.
GM’s recalls raise concerns about how many more safety issues remain undiscovered. About 477 trucks have steering problems that can cause accidents. Truck owners were notified by phone, overnight letter, and via the in-vehicle communication system OnStar that they shouldn’t even drive their trucks to dealers for repairs.
Benny Agosto, Jr. is a partner at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner in Houston, Texas. For over 65 years, Abraham Watkins has successfully represented injured people and families who fall victim to catastrophes. Our attorneys have the knowledge, experience and resources necessary to obtain just compensation their clients. For more information, please contact the office of Benny Agosto, Jr. at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, by letter at 800 Commerce Street, Houston, Texas 77002, or by phone at (713) 222-7211.