General Motors recalled a defective ignition key more than five years ago. However, Consumer Reports says the automaker has continued to sell it as a replacement part to the owners of the Chevrolet Camaros from 2010 through 2015. General Motors originally recalled the defective key in June 2014 because a driver could knock it with his or her knee and inadvertently change the position of the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of a potential crash. This is because the key’s movement could suddenly shut off the car’s engine, disabling the brakes, power steering, and even the airbags.
Faulty Keys Sold
GM is now recalling the defective key again after an employee discovered it was still for sale as a replacement part. Even though it was recalled for use with the Camaro, the key is still used for other GM vehicles not involved. Consumer Reports found that the key also remains listed for sale from various third-party online sellers as a replacement part for the Camaro.
Consumer Reports’ manager of safety policy, William Wallace, said it is outrageous that GM has exposed thousands of consumers to this danger for more than five years after its ignition switch recalls. Wallace has urged the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to get to the bottom of why this problem was not discovered or reported sooner. A spokesman for GM said the automaker is not aware of any car accidents, injuries or fatalities because of these defective keys.
Dangerous and Defective Products
The original 2014 recall was similar to but separate from a massive recall of more than 15 million Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, Cadillac, and Saturn vehicles that took place around the same time. The recall involved a defective ignition switch, not a poorly designed key. That defect was linked to at least 124 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The recalled keys fit 2010 through 2015 Camaro coupes and convertibles and had a flip design that extended directly from the remote locking fob.
To fix the problem, Chevrolet modified the key design, changing the flip-out blade and replacing it with a traditional key that was attached to the fob with a ring. However, Chevrolet also continued to sell the flip key as a replacement to Camaro owners until a GM employee noticed the issue and brought it up during an internal safety review. Owners of these defective replacement keys may contact customer service at 1-800-222-1020 to get their switchblade key replaced with a traditional key and fob.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to these defective GM keys, you may be able to seek compensation for the injuries, damages and losses sustained. Contact an experienced auto defect lawyer for more information about pursuing your legal rights.
Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/gm-kept-selling-defective-key-years-after-recalling-it/
