A recently dismissed General Motors Co. engineer who worked directly with the defective ignition switches will give his testimony in a consolidated multi-district litigation later this month. Raymond D. will be questioned for his role in the production of the faulty product that lead to millions of recalled vehicles and at least 100 deaths.

The GM ignition switch in certain car models contains a dangerous flaw that causes the key to slip into the “accessory” or “off” position. This can result in the engine turning off and cause the airbags to be disabled, which is especially troubling if the vehicle is involved in a crash.

According to a report written by former U.S. Attorney Anton Valukas, it took 11 years for the GM ignition recall to occur, which regulators found to be too long. Federal law requires auto makers to address any problems in a “timely manner,” and since GM failed to alert anyone of the faulty ignition switch they were required to pay a $35 million civil fine last year.

The investigative report by Valukas mentioned former employee Raymond numerous times. According to Valukas, Raymond deviated from GM’s ignition switch specifications and later changed the switch design without informing anyone. The design created by Raymond supposedly increased the force needed to turn the key which fixed the problem. The report states that Raymond did not give the switch a new part number which could have tipped-off GM officials that there was a problem.

Raymond is one of several former GM employees who are set to be questioned in the MDL in New York federal court.

GM Recall Overview

The GM ignition switch defect was found in 2.6 million vehicles including Saturn Ion, Saturn Sky, Chevrolet Cobalt, Chevrolet Pontiac, Chevrolet HHR, Pontiac Solstice, Pontiac Pursuit and many more models. GM has replaced 70-75 percent of recalled ignition switches so far.

Regulators are investigating General Motors to find out why they knew about the ignition switch defect but failed to report it for more than a decade. According to the maker of the ignition part, it only costs a few dollars to make and just minutes to install.

The faulty ignition switch has been named as the cause of at least 100 deaths and numerous serious injuries. In 2014, GM set up a $550 million Ignition Compensation Fund to pay out victims injured in accidents related to the faulty switch. So far, 172 individuals were found to sustain injuries that required hospitalization or outpatient treatments and were compensated through the GM fund. In 12 cases, victims were found to suffer severe injuries including loss of limbs, brain damage, or pervasive burns due to accidents that were caused by the defective switch. They will receive significant financial compensation.

The GM recall has prompted many to join a GM ignition recall class action lawsuit. If you sustained injuries or lost a loved one due to an accident caused by the defective ignition switch contact a GM ignition recall attorney to see if you have legal claim.