A class-action lawsuit was recently filed by Chevy Impala owners against General Motors because of alleged manufacturing ignorance.
According to the plaintiffs, GM knowingly ignored problems regarding the vehicle line’s rear suspension spindle rods. These parts control the rear wheel alignment, and defective parts can eventually lead to premature tire wear.
While the company did issue a service bulletin regarding models of the car built for law enforcement, however, it did not address civilian cars. According to reports, some owners of the 2007 and 2008 models have had to replace tires after as few as 6,000 miles, while others have had to replace them after 25,000.
The lawsuit seeks replacement of the defective parts, as well as rear tires for some. The suggested repairs would be through the same the company offered in its previous service bulletin, which was issued in July 2008.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had received many complaints regarding the defective vehicles during the last several years, which may support the plaintiffs’ case.
The lawsuit highlights the importance of ensuring a company’s product is made correctly and that a business has effective processes in place in case any problems arise. Failure to do so may land companies in expensive lawsuits regarding the company’s professional liability.
