GM Recall Expands to 1.6M Vehicles; 13 Deaths Reported
A GM recall linked to an ignition issue has more than doubled to 1.6 million vehicles, mostly in North America.
A fault involving the ignition switch in certain makes and models can potentially shut off all electrical power, including to the engine and airbags, while the car is in motion, Reuters reports. GM now says the problem may have caused or contributed to 31 crashes, inlcuding 13 deaths.
Which GM vehicles are affected by the expanded recall?
More GM Models Affected
The recall expanded to include more than 1.6 million vehicles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and a smaller number overseas, Reuters reports.
Earlier this month, GM said it was recalling 778,562 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 compact cars from model years 2005 through 2007.
But GM is now adding to the recall list:
- Saturn Ions from model years 2003 to 2007,
- Chevy HHRs from 2006 and 2007,
- Pontiac Solstice vehicles from 2006 and 2007, and
- Saturn Sky sports cars from 2006 and 2007.
Of the new recalled total, more than 1.3 million vehicles are in the United States, according to GM.
Recall Remedies
If you own an affected car, you are entitled to recall remedies. At the very least, owners of recalled vehicles are entitled to a free repair or replacement of the defective parts.
In this case, dealers will replace the ignition switch at no charge. But GM cautions drivers that until the fix is made, customers should remove nonessential items from their key rings.
Sadly, the ignition issue may have caused multiple fatalities and crashes. Even though GM has recalled the vehicles for a safety-related defect, these people can still bring independent legal action against the manufacturer for the injuries they have suffered, which may include wrongful death.
Affected vehicle owners should be receiving a letter from GM notifying them if their cars are part of this large recall. GM owners can also visit GM's website and enter their cars' Vehicle Identification Numbers to verify if the vehicles are under recall.
For additional help, you may want to consult an experienced motor vehicle defects attorney in your area.
Related Resources:
- GM adds 842,000 vehicles to ignition switch recall (The Associated Press)
- GM Recall Announced on Hummer and Corvette Vehicles (FindLaw's Common Law)
- GM Recall on 243,000 SUVs and Crossovers for SeatBelt Problems (FindLaw's Common Law)
- The 10 Car Makers With the Most Recalls in 2013 (FindLaw's Common Law)