The faulty ignition switches in GM vehicles that were recalled last year has so far been the cause of 57 deaths in the U.S. GM, based in Detroit, admitted to knowing about the fault in their ignition switches for years, but only recalled the cars in 2014 to have them replaced.
The issue is that the ignition switch on small cars, including the Chevy Cobalt, can slip out of the on position while driving. This is very dangerous since the car will stall, the power steering will not work and the airbags are then disabled.
Each accepted death claim is being paid a $1 million dollar settlement according to GM’s attorney. Injury claims are being decided on a case to case basis.