May 29, 2014 in News Recalls

Recalls: GM fined $35 million over its slow recall

The U.S. Department of Justice came down heavily on General Motors with a $35 million fine, the highest fine imposed by the agency. GM has agreed to pay a $35 million fine for the company's "failure to report a safety defect" in a timely manner," according to CBC News. Similar to Toyota, the government will also review its safety reporting practices. GM has been under fire since its come to light that the company knew about its ignition switch defect, which were linked to airbag deployment, for about a decade. The company only announced recalls this year. While the company reports that only 13 fatal accidents can only be linked to this issue, a U.S. Center of Auto Safety reports much greater numbers. Since the beginning of the year, the company has recalled 11.2 million cars and trucks with an additional recall announced for brake light, headlight lamp and power break issues, which is affecting 194,314 vehicles in Canada. But GM isn't the only automaker issuing recall notices and it's expected that this year, the number of recalled vehicles will break the 2004 record of 11.8 million.

Manufacturers are required to announce vehicles involved in a recall, along with how the safety defect can affect the car's drivers and passengers. Drivers will receive notification letters that will detail the issue, what the manufacturer will do to fix it and how long the repairs will take. In many cases, you'll need to visit the dealership who will service your vehicle, but it's important to ensure that they have the necessary vehicle parts in stock to fix it.

If you have moved, it's important to notify your vehicle's manufacturer of the new address so they're able to notify you. Typically there will also be media coverage of company recalls. Whether you've bought a new or used vehicle, register your vehicle with the manufacturer and get your vehicle repaired quickly if it's involved in a recall. Drivers who are concerned about their vehicles can visit the Road Safety Recalls Database on the Transport Canada website. They can also contact the vehicle's dealership or input their VIN into the manufacturer's recall database. If you suspect your vehicle has a potential safety defect, you can also contact Transport Canada's at 1-800-333-0510 and their Defect Investigations and Recalls Division will investigate.

Drivers have a right to feel safe and secure in the vehicles they operate. The personal injury and accident lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers have been dealing with all product liability issues throughout Ontario for over 50 years. We know how to get you the compensation that you deserve and get your life back in order after being in a motor vehicle accident. Accident benefits are available to drivers, regardless of who caused the accident. Call us at 416-920-4242, set up a free consultation, and come speak with us.