The 2007 Pontiac G5 is among the 780,000 cars recalled by GM over an ignition defect blamed for six deaths. General Motors this week announced the recall of nearly 780,000 vehicles due to an ignition defect blamed for six deaths. Auto accident and product liability attorneys are urging drivers of Chevrolet Cobalts and Pontiac G5s to take heed.
Company officials warn that faulty ignition switches installed in Cobalts and Pontiac G5s from the 2005 to 2007 model years a sold in the US, Canada and Mexico can cause the engine to shut off unexpectedly and disable the airbags. The problem thus far has caused 22 crashes, all while the cars were traveling off-road at high speeds. Six people (all drivers or front-seat passengers) have been killed as a result, and the potential for more deaths exists so long as affected vehicles continue to travel the roadways.
If you drive one of the cars, know that US safety regulators warn that heavy key rings and rough roads or terrain can trigger the problem by moving the ignition switch out of the run position. As a result, the engine and all electrical components, including the mechanism responsible for deploying air bags, immediately shut down. In a media statement, GM noted that each of the five fatal crashes “occurred off road and at high speeds, where the probability of serious or fatal injuries was high regardless of airbag deployment. In addition, failure to wear seat belts and alcohol use were factors in some of these cases.” If you own one of the recalled vehicles and have not been injured, take your car to a licensed GM dealership where the company will replace the ignition switch free of charge.
However, if you have suffered an injury, either as a driver or passenger, in an incident that you believe the defect caused, get medical attention immediately. Then, contact an auto accident or product liability attorney with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell. Call 800-251-1111.