6 New GM Recalls: 7.6M U.S. Vehicles Affected
General Motors has announced six new recalls affecting about 7.6 million U.S. vehicles after reports of crashes, injuries, and deaths.
Most of the vehicles are being recalled over the same ignition-switch problem linked to at least 13 deaths in some compact models made by GM, the Detroit Free Press reports. Other vehicles are being recalled to fix separate potential safety issues.
The new GM recalls follow reports of seven crashes, eight injuries, and three fatalities, but a GM press release emphasizes "[t]here is no conclusive evidence that the defect condition caused those crashes."
Many Makes, Models Affected
The recalls cover:
- About 6.8 million vehicles for the ignition-switch issue, including Chevy Malibu, Oldsmobile Intrigue, Oldsmobile Alero, Pontiac Grand Am, Chevy Impala, Chevy Monte Carlo, and Pontiac Grand Prix models from 1997 to 2008;
- More than 554,000 Cadillac CTS (from model years 2003 to 2014) and Cadillac SRX models (model years 2004 to 2006), also for the ignition-switch issue;
- Nearly 182,000 Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles (from model years 2005 to 2007), along with Chevy TrailBlazer EXTs and GMC Envoy XLs (from 2006), for a possible electrical issue that may affect power lock and window switches;
- More than 9,000 Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD models from 2007 to 2011, for a potential electrical issue that could result in smoke or fire;
- Nearly 3,000 Chevy Cruze, Chevy Sonic, Chevy Trax, Buick Encore, and Buick Verano vehicles from 2011 to 2014, for a possible engine block problem; and
- About 100 Chevy Camaro, Chevy Impala, Buick Regal, and Cadillac XTS models from 2014, for a potential joint-fastener issue.
Details on these six GM recalls can be found alongside GM's recall announcement.
What Can Consumers Do?
For owners of vehicles recalled over the ignition-switch issue, GM advises that "customers remove all items from their key ring, leaving only the vehicle key ... the key fob, if present, should also be removed from the key ring." Owners of all recalled vehicles will receive information about repairs in the coming weeks.
If you're affected by this recall, you may also want to reach out to an experienced motor vehicle defects lawyer to see if you have a case. Anyone injured or killed in a crash linked to a defective vehicle can potentially receive compensation for damages such as medical bills and lost wages; even those who suffered only "economic harm" (such as a loss of resale value) may also be entitled to compensation.
Related Resources:
- GM to Recall 8.45 Million More Vehicles in North America (The Wall Street Journal)
- GM Recalls 3.2M Midsize, Large Cars Over Ignition-Switch Issue (FindLaw's Common Law)
- GM Recall Cases Consolidated, Sent to N.Y. Federal Court (FindLaw's Injured)
- What is Motor Vehicle Defects Law? (FindLaw)