Buick Lucerne Recalled due to Ignition Problems

Four months ago, General Motors recalled 2.6 million older compact cars with defective ignition switches. Now, the automaker is recalling 3.16 million mid- to large-size vehicles with a similar, but different, ignition problem. According to the New York Times, the newest recall includes certain model years of the Buick Lucerne.

About the Buick Lucerne Ignition Key Recall

On Monday, GM announced it was recalling 3.16 million vehicles due to a faulty ignition key design that can cause ignition switches to inadvertently move out of the “run” position. The latest recall includes seven vehicle models, including the 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne.

GM says it is aware of eight crashes and six injuries related to the ignition key recall.

Because of a slot design at the head of the key, when extra weight is placed on the key chain, it is possible for the ignition to shut off if the car hits bumps in the road or experiences a “jarring road event.” Owners are strongly advised to remove any extra items from the ignition key until repaired. GM says dealers will put a key insert into the slot which leaves only a hole for the key ring.

GM says the problem is different than the small-car ignition recall. In those vehicles, the problem was caused by a defective ignition switch whereas the latest recall is a problem with the key design. However, the end result is the same: the ignition switch moves out of “run,” causing engine stalls and safety features such as airbags, power steering, and power brakes may become disabled. Last week, the automaker recalled over 500,000 Chevy Camaros with a similar key problem.

Description of the Recalled Vehicles

• 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse
• 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala
• 2000–2005 Cadillac Deville
• 2004–2011 Cadillac DTS
• 2006–2011 Buick Lucerne
• 2004–2005 Buick Regal LS and GS
• 2006–2008 Chevy Monte Carlo

GM has issued 44 recalls this year which affect more than 20 million vehicles worldwide. The automaker raised its expected second-quarter charge of $400 million to $700 million to cover the expenses of the new recalls. Overall, GM has taken $2 billion in charges this year.

Thomas J. Henry Representing over 1,000 GM Recall Victims

Thomas J. Henry is representing more than 1,000 GM recall victims across the United States and has been investigating injuries and deaths linked to the recall since day one. The firm launched a nationwide media investigation into the recall in April, which brought forth thousands of affected individuals who had information critical to the investigation – information that the firm has handed over to federal agencies also investigating GM’s sluggish response the recall.

As more and more individuals have flocked to Thomas J. Henry for representation, the firm has continued to push GM for a victim settlement fund. The firm has had several talks with GM’s victim compensation expert Ken Feinberg regarding appropriate victim compensation for the thousands affected by a fatal design flaw in ignition switches which left numerous dead and countless others seriously injured.