General Motors has another ignition switch problem that can cause engines to shut off, a problem similar to the deadly defect that caused GM last year to recall 2.6 million small cars. Langdon & Emison represents clients nationwide in cases involving GM’s faulty ignition switches.
The automaker is recalling about 3,300 big pickups and SUVs mainly in North America to fix the ignitions, which can get stuck in the “start” position and slip into the “accessory” position, causing the engine to stall and disabling the power steering, power brakes and airbags.
The problem mirrors the one in 2014 that cost the company billions and brought an admission that GM knew about the defect but didn’t act to recall the affected vehicles for a decade. The faulty ignition switches are the subject of ongoing litigation and have been linked to at least 160 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
The newest recall covers some 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty pickups as well as some 2015 heavy-duty pickups and the 2015 Chevy Suburban and Tahoe SUVs.
The trucks have ignition lock gears with an outer diameter that is larger than specifications, making it more difficult to turn the ignition key. The keys can get stuck in the “start” position at high interior temperatures and slip into “accessory” if jostled or the cabin temperature cools, GM said in a recent statement.
GM said it is aware of five unintended shutoffs but no injuries or fatalities. An employee who owned one of the trucks had the problem and informed GM executives through the company’s new “Speak Up for Safety” program, in which workers can get rewards for reporting safety problems.
Contact Langdon & Emison
Langdon & Emison is handling cases nationwide involving defective GM ignition switches. Contact our firm for a free case evaluation at 866-931-2115 or click here.