April 16, 2014 – Ramirez v. General Motors – “Ignition Switches”

 Ramirez v. General Motors

General Motors sold vehicles in the United States, equipped at the time of sale, with defective ignition switches.

Due to defects in their design, the Ignition Switches are, by their nature, loose and improperly positioned, making them susceptible to failure during normal operating conditions.  The ignition module is located in a position in the vehicle that allows a driver to contact the key ring, and inadvertently switch the ignition position.  The Ignition Switches can unexpectedly and suddenly move from the “on” or “run” position while the vehicle is in operation to the “off” or “acc” position (the “Ignition Switch Defect”).  When this ignition switch failure occurs, the motor engine and certain electrical components such as power-assisted steering and anti-lock brakes are turned off, thereby endangering the vehicle occupants and compromising the safety airbag system.

Following, is a list of vehicles known to be affected by the defect:

• 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
• 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR
• 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice
• 2003-2007 Saturn Ion
• 2007-2010 Saturn Sky
• 2005-2010 Pontiac G5

See full First Amended Complaint here.