GM’s Recall List Keeps Getting Longer and Longer

One day after GM released a scathing report on their safety shortcomings, they announced four additional recalls, three of them involving air bags that may not deploy in a crash. Including the latest four, GM has now had 34 recalls this year involving 13.9 million vehicles in the U.S.

The report berated GM for the infamous defective ignition switch in the Saturn Ion, Chevrolet Cobalt, and other small cars which has been responsible for 13 deaths and 47 crashes. The ignition switch could be jostled, either by a driver’s knee or by the weight of multiple key chains, causing it to slip into accessory mode, cutting off electricity to power steering, air bags, and other features. GM engineers discovered the problem no later than 2004 but decided not to order a recall because of the cost. After the report was released on June 5, 2014, GM CEO Mary Marra ordered a compensation plan for crash victims of the defect.

One day later on Friday, June 6, 2014, GM called back 36,012 model-year 2012 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze, and Sonic. The recall involves a defect that could prevent the vehicle’s air bag from deploying. Likewise, GM called back 87 model-years 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Spark and model-year 2013 Buick Encore, as well as 37 model-year 2014 Chevrolet Corvette for similar defects.

GM also called back 69,552 model-years 2014 and 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra, as well as model-year 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and GMC Yukon. This fourth recall involves defects with the base radio which controls the vehicle’s audible chime. The defect prevents audible warnings if the key is in the ignition when the driver’s door is open, and prevents audible warnings if the front seat belt is not buckled. GM has said that they will send letters letting customers knows when and if they need to bring their vehicles to be repaired.

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.