Following G.M’.s announcement last week that they will recall another 8.4 million cars and trucks for a range of defects, it appears that the recall is a direct result of the company’s newfound vigilance to rooting out safety issues. But despite the company’s new roster of product investigations, the increasing number of recalls – which has surpassed 29 million worldwide this year – is threatening to undermine the company’s reputation.
The majority of these recalls this year alone have come after the company admitted in February that it failed for years to address a deadly defect in the Chevrolet Cobalt and other small cars. The company is issuing a new recall almost every week!
Among the recalled vehicles from last week are 8.2 million cars that have faulty ignition systems and could cause the vehicle to lose power. This issue caused 13 deaths and 54 accidents among the 2.6 million Cobalts recalled. Defective ignition switches have also forced the recalls in June of 3.4 million midsize cars and more than 500,000 Camaros.
Chrysler also announced last week that it will recall 696,000 sport utility vehicles and minivan made between 2007 and 2009 over a concern that the ignition key might turn off the engine.
Since the Cobalt scandal, the company has adopted a more rigorous investigation process, including assigning a new vice president, Jeff Boyer, to oversee all safety activities with G.M.
Last week, G.M. announced six recalls, two of which were for 8.2 million cars with safety problems involving the faulty ignition switch. The company said three people have died in those cars but could not tie them to the defect.
The vehicles covered in the recall included:
• 1997-2005 Chevrolet Malibu
• 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrique
• 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero
• 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am
• 2000-05 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo
• 2004-08 Pontiac Grand Prix
• 2003-14 Cadillac CTS
• 2004-06 Cadillac SRX
• 2011-14 Chevrolet Cruze; 2012-14 Chevrolet Sonic
• 2013-14 Chevrolet Trax, Buick Encore and Verano
• 2014 Chevrolet Camaro and Impala, Buick Regal,
• Cadillac XTS
• 2007-11 Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD equipped with an auxiliary battery
• 2005-07 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC
• Envoy, Isuzu Ascender, Saab 9-7x
• 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL
The company said it would retrofit keys for those models with an insert that has a hole at the end rather than slots on the key. The change will increase the force needed to turn the key, so that it cannot be easily bumped out of position.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident due to a defective product in your G.M. vehicle, contact Finkelstein & Partners immediately.
If your car is listed above, you will receive a recall notice from the manufacturer.
Source: NYTimes
Mr. Finkelstein is the Managing Partner of Finkelstein & Partners, LLP. He has become a noted consumer activist through his representation of injured individuals against corporate wrongdoers and irresponsible parties.
An accomplished litigator, Mr. Finkelstein has represented Plaintiffs in wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury cases. He has successfully handled dozens of multi-million dollar cases.