General Motors has issued a number of recalls in recent years for significant defects in certain car parts. For instance, GM recalled certain vehicles due to a faulty ignition switch defect. However, the company has since admitted that it actually knew about the issue for years about the defect, and delayed recalling it for quite some time.

Again in March 2014, GM issued a recall over a serious airbag defect affecting a number of its vehicles. However, documents indicate that the company may actually have known about the serious airbag defect—a flaw that could prevent side airbag deployment during a crash—for several years.

Indeed, GM may have known about the flaw as early as 2008, and was researching the defect for years in at least four separate investigations prior to finally issuing the recall. The side airbag deployment recall affected 1.2 million vehicles, including model years 2008–2013.

This defect can occur when the wiring harness inside the side airbags gets pinched, which can prevent the airbag from deploying in a crash.

Other Dangerous GM Defects

On top of the side airbag deployment defect, GM vehicles have been associated with other defects as well. Some GM vehicles have been recalled due to frontal airbag failure.

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 like a particularly heavy keychain can trigger the defect. This can cause engines to stall, 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.

Filing a Side Airbag Deployment Lawsuit

Some consumers claim that GM was aware of these safety defects 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.

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 side airbag deployment 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.