It would be hard to miss the multiple news releases and stories that General Motors has some big problems with its 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt and its 2007 Pontiac G5. General Motors is recalling these vehicles because a heavy key chain or rough roads can jar the key, turn off the engine and disable the airbags. According to recent reports, General Motors has linked the defect to 31 crashes and 12 deaths.
However, there were no recalls of these vehicle until this year, so used car buyers considering a General Motors model may not have known of the faulty ignition switches.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has said that on outstanding recalls, about 30% of the owners do not return the car to the dealer for the recall fix. Carfax, which sells reports tracing the history of used cars, says that 3.5 million vehicles were sold last year that had defects subject to a manufacturer’s recall but had not had the repair done.
Many of these recalls do not involve life-threatening problems. For those considering a purchase of a used car, it would be wise to check the NHTSA website for more information. A potential buyer of a used car could also consider the Carfax website for a free search. In order to do that, the buyer would have to know the brand of the vehicle and then enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If the car intended to be purchased has a recall defect that has not been fixed, the website would give a brief description as to what the defect is and what needs to be done.
In addition, potential buyers should avoid vehicles that have been recalled with serious defects whether they are fixed or not.
For those who own cars already but have questions about possible recalls, the Carfax website is valuable for checking on recalls that may have been fixed. If an owner of a motor vehicle is having a particular problem with a model, check the NHTSA website to see if there are any other complaints registered. The public is invited to register complaints with NHTSA for similar or different problems with vehicles.
Kreisman Law Offices has been handling automotive defect cases for individuals and families who have been harmed, injured or died as a result of the carelessness or negligence of another for more than 38 years in and around Chicago, Cook County and its surrounding areas, including Melrose Park, East Hazel Crest, Elk Grove Village, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Olympia Fields, Northbrook, Northlake, Mount Prospect, Markham, Matteson, Maywood, Justice, Hoffman Estates, Tinley Park, Harwood Heights and Hanover Park, Ill.
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