Details Emerge in GM Faulty Ignition Switch Recall Inefficiency
- Home /
- Details Emerge in GM Faulty Ignition Switch Recall Inefficiency
On Tuesday, April 1, 2014, General Motors CEO, Mary Barra, was pressed for details on what the company knew about the defect and for how long at the House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing.
Since February, GM has recalled more than 6 million vehicles globally for various issues. However, at the heart of this meeting was what really took place nearly 10 years ago when the first reports of failing air bags were filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Did GM take the necessary steps or not? Why didn’t the NHTSA issue a recall in 2005 when they were aware of the problem?
Since the initial recall announcement, Barra has remained apologetic and said at the hearing I consider this to be an extraordinary event and we are responding to it in an extraordinary way.
She went on to say that the way GM handled the faulty ignition switch problem in 2005 Chevy Cobalt models was unacceptable and very disturbing.
According to documents supplied to a congressional subcommittee by Delphi, the original ignition switch manufacturer, project engineer for the Cobalt ignition switch Ray DeGiorgio signed off on a design switch change in 2006. However, in 2013, DeGiorgio testified that he was not aware of any design change. Nonetheless, such documentation indicates that GM took some active steps toward a timely correction.
A subcommittee also analyzed GMs warranty complaint database, which tracks complaints made by owners whose vehicles are still under warranty. It was revealed that at least 133 complaints had been made about vehicles stalling when the ignition switch was jarred or when the vehicle went over a bump on the road. More than 85 complaints involved the Saturn Ion while 22 were about the Chevrolet Cobalt.
Barra confirms that GM has retained a lawyer to oversee victims compensation claims and an internal investigation is scheduled to take place with Barra at the helm of the effort in cooperation with a second attorney.
GM will not be held liable for any deaths that occurred before the auto manufacturer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2009. One day before Barra spoke in front of the congressional committee, she met with 22 families who had lost a loved one because of vehicle defects and also apologized for their suffering at the hearing.
It could take up to 60 days for a plan of action to be set for victims compensation, but Barra emphasized that a new standard will be set in the management of the issue.
Free Case Evaluation
By submitting your contact information, you agree that we may contact you by telephone (including text) and email in accordance with our Terms and Privacy Policy

Your message has been sent
Thank you for your message, we will get back to you soon.
-
I would have no hesitation at all recommending Phillips Law Group. In particular, Juan Roque has impressed me with his professionalism, his integrity and his heart for the community!
-
Jasmine helped me so so much I want to thank her ! And also Aaron , i was always scared after an accident , knowing I would have to deal with lawyers but not here . Luckily I’ve only been in 3 accidents but this time it was fast and easy . And i received all the treatments I needed to help me recover ! Thank you Jasmine and Aaron!
-
I didn’t know anything about the area, and Phillips Law Group just took care of everything. They helped made sure I knew where I was going, made sure I didn’t have to worry. They literally just took care of me.
-
Although my accident was fortunately not a major one, The Phillips Law Group AZ treated it as such. Their staff, specifically Mr Juan Roque was very professional, courteous and most importantly very informative. Mr Roque's attentive service was phenomenal and I highly recommend this firm!
-
Juan Roque has been integral with my legal needs. Communication has been easy. He conveys information I can easily understand without a lot of "Legal Fluff" jargon. I will certainly do business with Phillips Legal team again and refer them to my friends and family.
-
Jasmine Delgado is an amazing paralegal. She was patient, kind and extremely knowledgeable. Highly recommend Phillips law group
-
Phillips Law Group is a company that has taught me so many things. Here your work, your dedication, effort and discipline are valued, in addition to the fact that, as a woman, as an immigrant and as a human being, I have been given value and empowerment. We are a successful law firm because all workers feel part of a great family. I am very proud and honored to work at Phillips Law Group.
-
I would like to send special thanks to Phillips Law Group for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Best Law Firm here in the Valley. During these troubling times with the epidemic, Phillips Law Group has masterfully created this family-like environment while still maintaining a professional and business-like approach for all their clients. Thru impeccable leadership that is unmatched by other law firms to the Multi-diverse employment opportunities that many employees advance within the firm; Phillips Law Group has not only distanced themselves from all other competition in the Personal Injury field but also has innovatively changed the narrative of being a great law institution. From providing Employee Appreciation Day to celebrating all major Holiday including great competitive contests; Phillips Law Group has the total participation of all employees to help contribute to the continued success of this firm. So in closing I would like to thank Senior Administration (Jeffery Phillips, Eva Chiaramonte, and Tim Tonkin) along with all of my colleagues and many friends for help making Phillips Law Group a unique and wonderful place to call my place of employment for 6+ years.
-
The lawyers here are of top quality. Especially Trey Dayes, who was always respectful and hard-working.
-
Phillips Law Group has a proven track record of success. Juan Roque, in particular, is integral to that. He works with integrity, compassion, and an undefeated optimism that makes him a valuable asset.