A General Motors ignition switch class action lawsuit seeks to hold GM responsible for risking the safety of millions of people by selling vehicles it allegedly knew had defective ignition switches that could cause accidents and disable safety systems.

Nearly 70 plaintiffs joined this GM class action lawsuit (66 individuals or couples and two auto dealers). The plaintiffs, who come from 40 states, all reported that they experienced car problems relating to the ignition switch, and many cannot fix their cars due to the GM parts being recalled. 

Old GM vs. New GM 

Defendant General Motors LLC (the “New GM”) was established in 2009, assuming the old General Motors Corporation after the auto industry bail out. The company is legally mandated to “comply with the certification, reporting and recall requirements” of previously established laws, safety codes, and standards “to the extent of applicable in respect of vehicles and vehicle parts manufactured or distributed by [Old GM],” according to the GM class action lawsuit. 

With the rise of the New GM, GM cars were sold by the millions across the world. The company claimed that safety had returned to the auto industry. Sales increased based on the new image they created through GM’s marketing campaigns. The GM class action lawsuit alleges that these were false claims of safety. 

The GM ignition switch lawsuit claims that GM was aware of the defects in its products almost immediately. Old GM workers were allegedly aware of existing problems, which allegedly continued into the new GM’s products. GM initially recalled 2.1 million vehicles, but in June and July, more than 10 million other vehicles were recalled due to ignition switch defects. Another recall was issued in September.

The GM ignition switch class action lawsuit additionally claims that these recalls are “inadequate and poorly conducted.” The GM lawsuit alleges that there are issues with many of the safety features of GM vehicles including defects in the airbag systems, seat belt systems, brakes, and steering. 

GM-branded vehicles include Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Saturn. The GM ignition defect has been linked to hundreds of serious injuries and numerous deaths.

This GM Ignition Switch Class Action Lawsuit is In re: General Motors LLC Ignition Switch Litigation, Case No. 1:14-md-02543-JMF, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.