GM Issues Recall on 778,562 Vehicles in North America
GM Issues Recall on 778,562 Vehicles in North America
Update: GM Lawsuits to Be Consolidated
Lawyers who are suing General Motors Co. have put in a request with the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation in Washington to consolidate the lawsuits filed due to the faulty ignition switch.
With more than three million vehicles recalled, it is likely that the situation will result in a high volume of lawsuits filed in multiple jurisdictions. Currently, 15 lawsuits have been filed in federal courts by consumers who seek to represent other GM customers in class-action cases.
One lawyer is asking the judge to order General Motors to issue a “Park It Now” order which would urge owners to not drive their recalled vehicle until it has been repaired. The request also asks that GM pay for rental cars or provide loaner vehicles for all affected GM vehicle drivers.
On Thursday, General Motors announced it will be issuing a recall on nearly 778,562 Chevrolet Cobalt’s and Pontiac G5 compact cars. This recall will include all 2005 to 2007 model years due to a weight on the key ring and rough roads causing the ignition switch to move out of the run position. This issue may result in the engine to cutting off along with all electricity, including the airbags.
In total, 619,000 vehicles will be recalled in the United States, 153,000 in Canada, and over 6,000 in Mexico, according to the company. All but 33,000 vehicles recalled are Cobalt’s, while the Pontiac G5 is nearly identical.
GM has reported 22 car accidents, 17 injuries, and six front seat fatalities resulting from this defect where the frontal airbags did not deploy. All of these accidents occurred off the road and happened at high speeds. A spokesman for General Motors also stated that failure to wear seatbelts and alcohol were factors in some of the cases.
General Motors dealers are to replace the ignition switch free of charge, while vehicle owners are advised to remove all nonessential items from the key rings until the problem is solved.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of this defective product, contact our Baton Rouge auto accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
