GM Recalls 3.2M Midsize, Large Cars Over Ignition-Switch Issue
Automaker GM has announced yet another recall related to its ignition-switch problems, this one affecting more than 3 million vehicles.
While prior GM ignition-switch recalls involved small cars like the Chevrolet Cobalt, the latest announcement covers certain mid-size and large vehicles from model years 2000 to 2014, reports USA Today.
Which cars are included in this updated recall, and how is GM dealing with its liability for the defects?
GM to Rework or Replace 3.2 Million Keys
GM released a statement Monday announcing that it would rework or replace keys on 3.16 million cars in the United States to address a possible ignition switch problem.
Of the recalled models, only one is still in production -- the previous-generation Chevrolet Impala (sold as the Impala Limited). The full recall list follows:
- Buick Lacrosse (model years 2005 to 2009)
- Chevrolet Impala (2006 to 2014)
- Cadillac Deville (2000 to 2005)
- Cadillac DTS (2004 to 2011)
- Buick Lucerne (2006 to 2011)
- Buick Regal LS & GS (2004 to 2005)
- Chevy Monte Carlo (2006 to 2008)
GM says it will fix a potentially dangerous issue: a heavy keyring that may cause the ignition to switch to "off" while driving. To fix this, the head of the key -- through which key rings are threaded -- will be changed from a slot opening to a smaller 4x6-millimeter hole. Drivers whose keys are too worn to be reworked in this fashion will be replaced with new hole-bearing keys for free.
GM believes this will address the problematic ignition-switch issue, but it won't dismiss current lawsuits.
GM Attempts to Shield in Bankruptcy Court
After consolidating dozens of ignition defect cases against GM in federal court and relocating them to New York, the auto company is now hoping to shield itself from litigation in bankruptcy court.
As you may know, GM declared bankruptcy in 2009, creating a legal split between the "old GM" and the "new" post-bankruptcy GM. As The Associated Press reports, the same judge who handled GM's 2009 bankruptcy is now being asked if these defect claims can proceed against "new GM." If not, those who suffered financial losses because of defects in their GM cars may not be able to sue the "new GM" for damages.
To find out if your GM car is affected by the latest recall (or any subsequent recalls), visit GM's website and enter your vehicle's VIN.
Related Resources:
- GM issues recall on 3.1 million vehicles with ignition key issues (Los Angeles Times)
- GM Recall Expands to 1.6M Vehicles; 13 Deaths Reported (FindLaw's Common Law)
- NHTSA Says More Than 13 Deaths Likely Linked to GM Recall (FindLaw's Common Law)
- 5 New GM Recalls Affect 2.7M Vehicles in U.S. (FindLaw's Common Law)