In the wake of another recall of vehicles built with faulty ignition switches, Mary Barra, General Motors' chief executive, is expected to report to Congress as news arrives that the auto company intends to begin processing claims from victims affected by GM's malfunctioning vehicle components.
Barra's April 2014 testimony to the congressional panel left many unanswered questions, as the GM CEO pointed to an internal investigation that was still in progress.
GM's faulty ignition switches were sourced as the cause for 13 deaths and have been the subject of the company's latest recall, in which it called back approximately 3.36 million vehicles on June 17. At Barra's June 18 appearance before the panel, she's expected to announce that the company will process victim's claims starting Aug. 1.
The list of cars and their model years subject to the June 17 recall include Buick Lacrosse (2005-2009); Chevrolet Impala (2006-2014); Cadillac Deville (MY 2000-2005); Cadillac DTS (2007-2011); Buick Lucerne (2006-2011); Buick Regal LS & GS (2005); and Chevy Monte Carlo (2006-2008).
The fault with the recalled vehicles' ignition switches can be exploited by rough terrain or heavy items on a keyring attached to the car key. In a June 16 release, GM detailed the trouble the faulty ignition switches could cause.
"If the ignition switch moves out of the 'run' position, there is an effect on power steering and power braking," stated the press release from GM. "In addition, the timing of the key movement out of the 'run' position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may result in the air bags not deploying."
GM's ignition-switch woes weren't exactly a secret, as the company's internal investigation revealed that several of the company's engineers had knowledge of the issue for roughly a decade.
While the Saturn Ions and Chevy Cobalts involved in a previous recall will receive new ignition switches, other recalled models were reportedly receiving new keys and, or, insert to prevent movement within the troubled switches.
So far, GM has spent $2 billion in recall efforts and has called back a total of approximately 20 million vehicles this year alone.
GM's internal probe into the company's faulty ignition switch was headed up by Anton Valukas, who is expected to appear alongside Barra at the June 18 hearing.
Individuals unsure whether or not their vehicles have been recalled at any point can visit the National Highway Safety Administration's website to view an exhaustive list of all motor vehicles that have been called back by auto manufactures.
