General Motors recently expanded its ignition switch recall at the end of December 2014 to include 92,000 trucks and SUVs that have the potential for ignition switch failure. Millions of GM vehicles have already been recalled in one of the most highly publicized vehicle recalls in history.

This addition to the original GM ignition switch recall involves the following 2011-2012 vehicles:

• Cadillac Escalade (Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT)
• Chevrolet Avalanche
• Silverado
• Suburban
• Tahoe
• GMC Sierra
• Yukon (Yukon XL)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officially announced the ignition switch recall to include the above vehicles on Dec. 31, 2014.

GM Recall

GM ignition switch failure has reportedly caused serious injuries and over 100 deaths across the country. GM consumers and the public have watched this number continue to rise as more reports of injuries and deaths are being filed.

While in motion, the key may suddenly switch to the “off” or “accessory” position, turning off the engine. This can cause problems with the steering and braking, leading to dangerous and deadly accidents.

The ignition switch defect also causes the airbags to fail to deploy should the car crash. This problem comes from a serious design defect that causes the ignition to get stuck in the “start” position. If the vehicle is jostled, it may suddenly switch to the “off or “accessory” position. This can be caused by something as insignificant as driving over a pothole.

Hundreds of claims have been filed against GM. Victims have until Jan. 31, 2015 to make a complaint with GM and receive compensation. So far, no claims have been rejected. The ignition switch recall may ultimately cost GM between $400-$600 million.

Defective ignition switch recall claims fit into three categories:

• Deaths caused by ignition switch failure
• Severe injuries with permanent implications
• Injuries which required hospitalization

GM Ignition Switch Lawsuits

GM ignition switch recall lawsuits
have claimed that GM was aware of the ignition switch defect at least 10 years prior to issuing the recall. It has also been suggested that GM was aware of the flaw before filing for bankruptcy.

GM lawsuits have been consolidated into a GM ignition switch recall MDL (multidistrict litigation). MDLs are used to reduce duplicate discovery, avoid conflicting rulings, and to simplify the legal proceedings for both parties.

U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman will be presiding over the GM MDL. First trials are expected to begin in January 2016.

Millions of people were put in danger because of the GM ignition switch flaw. Several GM ignition switch class action lawsuits have been filed against the company for negligence.