Chevy Cobalt Recall Timeline

GM recently issued a recall of Chevrolet Cobalts manufactured between 2005 and 2007. The vehicles are being recalled because of defective ignition switches that can cause a sudden loss of vehicle power and airbag failure. In addition to the Chevrolet Cobalt, GM issued a recall of certain models of Pontiac G5s, Pontiac Solstices, Chevrolet HHRs, Saturn Ions, and Saturn Skies. The recall affects over 1,300,000 vehicles in North America.

The most recent reports regarding this defect indicate that 31 car crashes and 13 deaths have been attributed to the vehicles recalled by GM. If you have been involved in a car accident caused by a defective Chevy Cobalt, you shouldn’t be left shouldering the costs of your injuries on your own. The experienced attorneys at the Willis Law Firm have the knowledge it takes to effectively fight for compensation.

Timeline of Chevy Cobalt Defects

The provided timeline outlines important events leading up to the recent Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5 recall:

  • 2004 – Initial accident reports involving the defective vehicles were given to GM. The main issue of poor key cylinder torque was identified. Despite diagnosing the main issue, GM chose not to act any further.
  • 2005 – GM received more reports of vehicle malfunction, namely, sudden loss of power. The increased number of reports prompted plans to improve the vehicles. The plans were never enforced.
  • 2006 – Designs for an improved ignition switch were accepted by GM. The ignition switch supplier made plans to distribute the improved switch in the 2007 model year.
  • 2007 – NHTSA officials notified GM that a 2005 car accident resulted in fatalities due to airbag malfunction. This failure was attributed to the fact that the key was situated in the “accessory” position. GM went on to conduct an investigation where they discovered 10 similar incidents.
  • 2009 – GM began manufacturing cars with a redesigned ignition switch. The new key switch was shaped like a hole instead of a slot. With new design plans underway, GM discovered 7 more accidents in which the key accidentally switched to the “accessory” position.
  • 2010 – GM stops all manufacturing of the Chevy Cobalt.
  • 2011 – Field Performance Assessment, Product Investigations, and GM’s legal department investigated incidents of airbag malfunction in Chevy Cobalts and Pontiac G5s.
  • 2012 – Ongoing investigations yielded inconclusive results.
  • 2013 – Inconsistencies with the ignition switch parts were discovered between pre- and post-2007 model year vehicles. The ignition switch supplier reported that amendments to improve the switch had been made in late 2006. Performance of the new ignition switch explained the disparity between the performance of different model years. As a result, GM issued a recall for all 2005-2007 Chevy Cobalts and 2007 Pontiac G5s in January of 2014.

Contact a Chevrolet Cobalt Defect Attorney Today

The attorneys at the Willis Law Firm understand that the recovery period following a car accident can take a long time, and accident victims often find themselves facing significant expenses related to the costs of their injuries. If you have been the victim of an accident caused by a defective Chevy Cobalt or Pontiac G5, you could be eligible for compensation to help with these costs. To discuss your legal options with one of our experienced lawyers, call us today at (800) 883-9858.