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GM ignition-switch flaw reported to U.S. 7 years ago – 2/21/14
The Center for Auto Safety is the nation’s premier independent, member driven, non-profit consumer advocacy organization dedicated to improving vehicle safety, quality, and fuel economy on behalf of all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
An ignition-switch problem that prompted General Motors Co. to recall almost 800,000 cars last week was identified in a 2007 report to U.S. regulators who then stopped short of ordering a defect investigation.
GM, the largest U.S. automaker, said six crash deaths may have resulted from faulty switches causing engines and air bags to turn off.
“Any crashes, deaths or injuries that occurred after 2007 shouldn’t have happened,” said Clarence Ditlow, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, a Washington-based advocacy group. “The agency shares as much blame as GM.”