GM Recalls Continue: Ignition Issues Mar Airbag Operation
General Motors has had to recall millions of vehicles in recent years as news that a faulty ignition switch was causing car engines to shut off during operation. Now, nearly two years since the recalls began in Fberuary, 2014, General Motors continues to take potentially defective cars off the market.
The company announced more cars will be recalled on ignition switch issues earlier this month. It now appears that defective ignition switches impact the operation of airbags.
NHTSA on Latest GM Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced earlier this month that General Motors had notified it of the airbag operation issue and its link to faulty ignition switches. "This is a serious safety issue," the government agency said in a statement.
The NHTSA advises consumers to follow GM's instructions, which are -- strangely -- to only use the ignition key with no other keys on the key ring. The car manufacturer will issue additional instructions about repairs, says the NHTSA. The agency urged GM car owners to contact the company immediately about repairs and alternative transportation.
"Again, until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring," writes the NHTSA. It concludes, "Always wear your seatbelt."
Affected Vehicles and Contact Information
The recalled GM vehicles include:
- All 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
- 2007-2010 Pontiac G5
- 2003-2007 Saturn Ion
- 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR
- 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice
- 2007-2010 Saturn Sky
The NHTSA urges owners of these recalled vehicles to contact GM immediately and to access additional information provided by the company on their corporate recall website.You may also contact the GM Customer Engagement Center at 1-800-222-1012 or direct questions to customer service for your specific GM model:
- Chevrolet: 1-800-222-1020 (TTY 1-800-833-2438)
- Pontiac: 1-800-762-2737 (TTY 1-800-833-7668)
- Saturn: 1-800-553-6000 (TTY 1-800-833-6000)
Talk to a Lawyer
If you have a GM vehicle and have had issues due to a faulty ignition switch or for any other reason, contact a lawyer. Counsel can consult with you about your case and clarify any potential claims.
Related Resources:
- Injured in a recalled GM vehicle? Have an attorney review your claim for free. (Consumer Injury)
- Is Your Keyless Ignition Deadly? (FindLaw's Common Law)
- GM Recall Cases Consolidated, Sent to NY Federal Court (FindLaw's Injured)