General Motors has recently been on a roll with its product portfolio and industry awards, but the recent 1.6 million-car recall involving a certain ignition switch design is causing concern for the company.
These days, it seems that recalls are a dime a dozen, being more about PR/corporate image than anything else. But for GM, this particular recall seems to carry much bigger repercussions. At least 12 people have died in 31 crashes related to the ignition issue, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This has prompted federal regulators, congressional investigators, and the Justice Department to initiate an inquiry to find out why GM took so long to recall 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalts, 2003-2007 Saturn Ions, 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstices, and several other vehicles.
As early as 2007, regulators had informed GM about a possible problem with the ignition switch, which could be jostled into a position where power was cut off, causing the airbags to not be activated. But now, the Detroit Free Press reports that an internal investigation has found records showing that GM recognized an issue with the switches as early as 2001, with one 2003 report from an engineer stating that the ignition switch may have been worn out by a heavy key chain.
In a test of her mettle as recently-crowned CEO, Mary Barra has taken the bull by the horns, personally leading the effort to address this recall that has snowballed into GM’s biggest crisis since its bankruptcy almost five years ago.
As if all that wasn’t enough the U.S. Senate subcommittee announced yesterday that it will hold a hearing on this matter in April, complementing a House committee that has already initiated an investigation. Even the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York has begun an inquiry into whether GM may have violated any statutes.
Stay tuned as we let you know how this plays out.
Comments
Adds insult to injury, hell, the poor owners already had the misfortune of owning a Cobalt or Ion. The absolute bottom feeders of the automotive world, even without killing their occupants.
Where is our resident GM apologist, Scott, let’s blame the drivers, why don’t we? Hello? Toyota has recalls, too, GM is coming back in a big way. Let’s hear it.
When it rains, it pours. Poor GM. .
I love you General… but this is all your fault. Pure mismanagement, lack of responsability or whatever you may want call it.
magirus I have a good Idea how about a test drive in a good old Ion as it may improve our perspective and life here on the web site.
Not an apologist just tell it like it is and not like you your distorted world. the negative pile up at your feet on your every post as proof.
To be honest the issue may go as late as the last cars. Hell I have an 08 HHR and Malibu and expect at some point they may be included as they use a similar Dephi Part. I am not worried as this is not all that common issue. Lets face it till this hit the new did anyone here other than myself was aware of the issue. Maybe a couple and I bet they did not know of any accidents. Like stated the most common complaint was the key getting stuck in the switch.
This Is not a good issue but far from the worst the industry or even GM has seen.
You put this all into perspective and drop out the media and idiot trolls like magirus you will realize they will work through it and it will be forgotten in a year.
I always knew (via my brother, a service rep) that when GM went with plastic parts in the ignition switch, that a heavy key ring was not a good idea, so I’ve had only the key and fob on since the 90’s. I have to say, however, that I never thought about the air bag not employing. Also, I have noticed in one of my present vehicles (2007 Solstice) that my knee does hit the fob periodically while driving.
While realizing that this is a serious matter, I truly hope this doesn’t become the ridiculous which hunt that it appears to be becoming, as congress (especially THIS congress) is wont to do.
Why show a picture of a Solstice Coupe with this story? The coupe was only produced for one year MY2009 and is not part of the recall.
Peevish much?