Number of Deaths Rise in GM Recall Statistics

The number of deaths caused by the ignition flaw in General Motors (GM) vehicles seems to be rising according to recent litigation news. General Motors CEO Mary Barra is under pressure to deal with the 1.6 million vehicle recalls, and the numerous GM lawsuits the company is now facing.

The number of deaths supposedly caused by the ignition flaw in eight small car models sold by GM a decade ago is likely to rise. GM’s liabilities are also expected to increase as lawyers and advocates pressure the biggest American automaker to pay restitution to the victims of this design flaw.

GM has officially identified 12 deaths in connection with the recall of 1.6 million models made in the 2000s. GM owners have filed ignition recall lawsuits to receive compensation for wrongful deaths or injury allegedly caused by the defective vehicles.

Overview of the GM Recall

The company’s rising reputation has taken a major hit, with the recall costs to fix the vehicles expected to reach $100 million, as well as the fines from the National Highway Traffic Safety Admission (NHTSA) at $35 million. The cost for the GM class action lawsuits and settlements is still unknown, but is expected to be comparable to the vehicle amount. However, the biggest concern the company has faced from the public was their lateness in responding to the vehicle defects and initiating the recall.

GM has apologized for the delay in recalling the defected vehicles, and admits that the pre-examination of the cars was not as thorough as it should have been. The company also stated that it was looking for ways to further improve vehicle safety as well as how to better address defects.

“GM is focused on ensuring the safety and peace of mind of our customers involved in the recall. … It is true that new GM did not assume liability for claims arising from incidents or accidents occurring prior to July 2009. Our principle throughout this process has been to put the customer first, and that will continue to guide us,” GM said in a statement.

The defect causing so much controversy comes from the ignition key slot. It has been reported that when the key is shifted or weighed down, the engine gets shut down and cuts power to the airbags. NHTSA’s Fatal Analysis Reporting System shows that there were 303 deaths of front seat passengers in 2005-2007 Cobalts and 2003-2007 Ion models in which the airbag failed to deploy.

The defect has been linked to as many as 300 deaths, according to an independent review by The Center for Auto Safety.  The recalled GM vehicles affected by this defect include:

• 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
• 2005-2007 Pontiac G5
• 2003-2007 Saturn Ion
• 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR
• 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit
• 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice
• 2007 Saturn Sky

Former NHTSA administrators sent a letter to Barra asking her to establish a $1 billion fund to cover losses for victims and their families for any claims that have been extinguished by the company’s bankruptcy, even beyond the ignition complaints. GM hasn’t responded to that request.

Join a Free GM Recall Injury Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you or a loved one were severely injured or died in an automobile accident related to the GM ignition recall, you may be eligible participate in the class action lawsuit and pursue compensation. The GM recall class action lawsuit will attempt to hold the automaker accountable for manufacturing and selling defective vehicles and failing to address safety flaws that endangered hundreds of thousands of customers. See if you qualify now at the GM Ignition Switch Recall Class Action Lawsuit Investigation.