Latest General Motors Recalls Affect an Additional 1.5 Million Vehicles
Just one month after recalling 1.6 million cars with faulty ignition switches, General Motors has announced three new recalls affecting another 1.5 million vehicles.
The biggest recall, announced on March 17, affects the seat-mounted side airbag wiring in 1.2 million crossover sport utility vehicles. Recalled models include the 2008-13 Buick Enclave, the 2008-13 GMC Acadia, the 2009-13 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook. These vehicles have a “Service Air Bag” warning light, which can result in the non-deployment of the air bags and other safety features in a side impact collision.
The second recall is for 64,000 2013-2014 Cadillac XTS luxury sedans, which have a problem with overheating brakes due to a potential short in the brake assembly that can cause an engine compartment fire. The Cadillac brake system has been linked to two recent vehicle fires, prompting the recall.
The third recall involves 303,000 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans, which require modifications to the instrument panel to reduce injuries to unbelted passengers who hit it during an accident.
In a new video posted on the GM website, company CEO Mary Barra attempts to reassure customers that the company is trying to fix the problems that have vexed some of its most popular vehicles in recent years.
Since February, GM has recalled 3.3 million vehicles. Last month, the company recalled 1.6 million cars with faulty ignition switches that can shut off power to the front airbags. Vehicles affected by the previous recall include the 2005-07 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2007 Pontiac G5, 2003-07 Saturn Ion, 2006-07 Chevrolet HHR, 2006-07 Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky.
According to a recent New York Times article, “a new review of federal crash data shows that 303 people died after the airbags failed to deploy on two of the models that were recalled last month.” That number is significantly higher than previously acknowledged by GM.
GM admits that defective ignition switches caused the engine to inadvertently turn off and disable the airbags, causing a number of fatal car accidents. The company previously blamed the problem on excessive key ring weight and road conditions.
However, significant evidence demonstrates the automaker knew about the problem since 2004, but didn’t issue a recall until a full decade later. The House Energy and Commerce Committee recently announced plans to launch an official investigation into GM’s lengthy recall process.
Ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers on the road should be of the utmost importance to automobile manufacturers. It’s important for companies like GM to issue recalls in a more timely fashion and to take responsibility for faulty designs that have caused deaths and contributed to serious injuries.
Harris Lowry Manton has experienced attorneys who can investigate accidents related to various GM recalls. Contact us today to discuss your legal options. All information is kept strictly confidential, and the consultation is free.
RELATED MEDIA:
https://money.cnn.com/2014/03/17/autos/gm-recall/
https://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-gm-recall-barra-chevrolet-20140317,0,5854548.story
https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/17/gm-recall-idUSL2N0ME0SH20140317
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/14/business/gm-air-bag-failures-linked-to-303-deaths.html?hp&_r=1
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