General Motors has recently recalled the following vehicles for ignition switch malfunction:
- 2005-2007 Chevy Cobalt
- 2005-2007 Pontiac G5
- 2006-2007 Chevy HHRs
- 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice
- 2006-2007 Saturn Sky
A malfunctioning ignition switch is especially dangerous. Drivers may be traveling at a high rate of speed when the car suddenly turns off, causing the driver to lose power steering control. If the vehicle is off, the airbags will not deploy in the event of a crash.
So far, GM has traced the malfunctioning ignition switch to 12 deaths. A safety group is alleging that 303 deaths can now be related to the faulty ignition switches. Sadly, it has recently been reported that GM was aware of the fatal problem as early as 2001. An investigation by the NHSTA is ongoing.
GM is recommending that owners of these vehicles remove all extra keys and key fobs from the key ring and to only use the vehicle key when starting the ignition. While extra weight has been an established contributor to the defect, rough road conditions and jarring have also been cited in the investigations. Potholes, accidently hitting curbs, striking road debris, veering off of the edge of the road and other unavoidable road hazards can potentially cause the ignition switch to turn off.
If you or a loved has been injured or killed by GM’s failure to report and repair this obvious threat to public safety, call The Thomson Law Firm for a free consultation today (540) 777-4900.
