GM Ignition Defect Can Prevent Air Bags From Deploying in a Car Accident
Was your car manufactured by General Motors? If so, it is critical for you to read about this recent recall in its entirety so you are able to avoid getting seriously injured in a car accident.
General Motors has said that there is a defect in some of their vehicles that can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. The weight on your key ring, bumpy road conditions and/or some other jarring event can cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. If the key is not in the run position, the car’s air bags may not deploy if you are involved in a crash, which greatly increases your chance of injury. Cars affected by this defect include:
- Chevrolet Cobalt, model years 2005-2010
- Chevrolet HHR, model years 2006-2011
- Pontiac G5, model years 2007-2010
- Pontiac Solstice, model years 2006-2010
- Saturn Ion, model years 2003-2007
- Saturn Sky, model years 2007-2010
If you own one of these vehicles, the first thing you should do is remove your car key from your key chain. Most people have various keys, cards, and knick-knacks hanging from their key chains, and the weight of these can cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position. If you must drive your car, only put the single key into the ignition with no attached key chain.
General Motors is replacing these ignition switches free of charge, so if you have not done so already, head to your local dealer to make a repair appointment. Do not risk driving any more than you need to before your car is fixed because it is not worth the risk of being injured in an auto accident.
Do you know anyone who drives any of the vehicles listed above? Be sure to share this article with them!