Personal injury attorneys at Messa & Associates recently read a news release from the Detroit Associated Press indicating that General Motors (GM) issued a voluntary recall of 92,221 full size trucks and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) due to a defect in their ignition lock systems. The defect has the potential to cause safety hazards in hot weather conditions. The personal injury attorneys at Messa & Associates would like to provide more information to help prevent injuries or deaths caused by this dangerous defect.
The vehicle model years included in the recall range from 2007 to 2014, some fitted with defective parts in the factory and others repaired with defective parts after purchase. Models affected include the Chevy Silverado light duty and heavy duty pick-ups; Chevy Avalanche; Chevy Tahoe; and Chevy Suburban. GMC vehicles include the Sierra light and heavy duty pick-ups; and the Yukon and Yukon XL. Cadillac vehicles include the Escalade, Escalade ESV, and the Escalade EXT. The recall was issued for North American and exported vehicles.
In a statement to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, General Motors described the safety issue;
“The ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the ‘start’ position. If stuck in the ‘start’ position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the ‘accessory’ position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.”
This most recent recall continues a year long battle GM has had with defective ignition switches, having recalled 2.6 million vehicles in 2014 for ignition switches that were linked to at least 42 deaths and 58 injuries.
New Jersey and Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorneys
The personal injury and products liability attorneys at Messa & Associates are skilled and experienced when it comes to representing victims of defective products. If you or a loved one have fallen victim to injuries caused by a defective vehicle or any other defective product, contact the personal injury attorneys at Messa & Associates for a free consultation. You can call 877-MessaLaw or submit your inquiry online for a free case evaluation.
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