Forum Discussion

Perrysburg_Dodg's avatar
Mar 01, 2014

GM facing 35M fine!

Do to GM's slow response they are looking at not only fines from the Feds but big lawsuits from the families of the 13 people killed in the crashes. Seems like they are trying to blame to owners in this.

GM previously said the weight on the key ring, road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the "run" position, turning off the engine and most of the car's electrical components.

NHTSA urged owners to follow GM's recommendation to "use only the ignition key with nothing else on the key ring" when operating the vehicle and seek the repair as soon as replacement parts become available. GM said the initial replacement parts will be available in early April.


So what bean counter figured it was cost effective to ignore the problem? Looks like GM's new CEO is going to have her hands full.

Link to the story

Don
  • Seems to me I remember reading about this problem with steering column mounted ignition switches about the time they took the switches out of the dashboard and put them in the steering column. But back then, the problem was that a heavy key ring could cause the steering to lock. Since so many vehicles then did NOT have power steering, power brakes, or air bags, that wasn't as much of a problem, I guess.
  • Hannibal wrote:
    Never been a fan of 12 lb key rings but still...

    The more I drive the Prius, the more I like the keyless operation.

    Agree. I have not had a conventional key start since 2006. (Toyota, Subaru, Kia all had the push button start). The new Ram 2500 will have it also.
  • Well GM did profit millions of dollars off us tax payers on the bail out so any fine will still be paid by us..
  • Never been a fan of 12 lb key rings but still...

    The more I drive the Prius, the more I like the keyless operation.