General Motors has issued recalls over a number of major defects, including potential frontal airbag failure to deploy, affecting millions of vehicles nationwide.

Around 3.64 million 2014–2017 GM vehicles were included in the recall due to a software problem that may lead to airbag failure to deploy, a defect that can cause injuries or even fatalities in the event of a car accident. Worldwide, more than 4 million vehicles were affected.

By 2016, GM had learned of at least one fatality and three injuries caused by airbag failure to deploy. Despite these serious risks and the widespread nature of the defects, GM “consider[s] the vehicles safe to drive,” according to company spokesperson Tom Wilkinson.

Dangerous GM Defects

On top of the front airbag failure to deploy defect, GM vehicles have been associated with other dangerous defects as well. A dangerous ignition switch defect may cause vehicles to completely shut down, as the switch can accidentally move to the “off” position with just a little extra weight. Even something as simple as a particularly heavy keychain can trigger the defect.

This can cause engines to shut off, and the power to the brakes, steering, and airbags can be cut off. So far, 169 deaths and several hundred injuries have been linked with the GM ignition switch defect.

Some GM vehicles have also reportedly been linked with a defect with the side-impact airbag. This defect can occur when the wiring harness inside the side airbags gets pinched, which can prevent the airbag from deploying in a crash.

GM Vehicle Recalls

Recalls have been issued over each of these defects. Many vehicles were recalled in 2014 due to both the ignition switch defects and the side-impact airbag defect. The software defect that causes airbag failure to deploy was issued just in 2016.

Some consumers claim that GM was aware of these issues far earlier than the recalls were issued. The delay prior to the recalls, plaintiffs allege, placed consumers at even greater risk of suffering serious injuries or fatalities due to these defects.

Filing a GM Lawsuit Over Defects

GM has recalled millions of its vehicles because of these defects.  So far, the company has already paid billions in penalties and settlements to consumers injured because of these defects and their families.

If you or someone you love were injured in a car accident with a GM vehicle because of a defect with airbag failure to deploy or a defective ignition switch, you may be able to file a GM defect lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by injuries stemming from a vehicle defect, but it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.