It’s been learned that General Motors (GM) is performing an internal investigation with regard to the recent recall of more than 1.6 million vehicles for a defective ignition switch. It can slip out of the “run” position (caused by jarring or even heavily weighted key rings), resulting in the engine and most of the vehicle’s electrical components turning off. This defect has been linked to 13 deaths.
Sources indicate that all employees involved in the process are being questioned. Although the issue was first discovered in 2004, the recall didn’t occur until Feb 2014.
Safety regulators from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have submitted a 27-page list of questions to GM. They pertain to the company’s handling of the recall, to learn if it reacted swiftly enough.
NHTSA also requested details of the problem with the ignition switch, along with any lawsuits filed against them, copies of depositions provided by employees and anything else of relevance. Their responses must be submitted by April 3.
GM could face a maximum $35 million fine because of its failure to notify NHTSA about the defect in a timely manner. Car manufacturers have five days to report safety-related defects.
The company has indicated that initial replacement parts won’t be available until April. Meanwhile, they urge consumers to use only the ignition key and nothing else on their key rings.
While GM continues its internal probe and NHTSA performs its own investigation, the risk of injury (or even death) still exists for car owners, particularly considering it will take time before all of the vehicles are fixed.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a vehicle that was subject to a recall, a Hyundai Genesis or Honda Odyssey for example, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice. An attorney at Gacovino, Lake & Associates can begin the process of collecting your needed evidence to file a claim. Call 550-800-0000 for a consultation.
