What is the lawsuit on the Chevy Cobalt?
The Chevy Cobalt lawsuit centers on a defective ignition switch that could move out of the Run position and cut power, including to the airbags, prompting recalls and a wave of civil and criminal cases against General Motors. The litigation includes a federal multi-district suit, a high-profile criminal settlement, and a victims’ compensation program.
In more detail, the issue arose when investigators found that the ignition switch in certain GM small cars could shift from Run to Accessory, turning off the engine and disabling crucial safety systems during crashes. GM issued a recall in 2014 that covered several models beyond the Chevy Cobalt, including the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, Saturn Ion, Pontiac G5, and Chevrolet HHR. The legal response spread across thousands of civil claims consolidated in a federal MDL, along with government action and a corporate settlement meant to address victims and families affected by crashes linked to the defect.
What models were affected by the ignition-switch recall
The recall targeted a family of GM vehicles known for sharing the same underlying ignition-switch design. Here are the principal models cited in the recall, which collectively represented millions of cars on the road at the time.
- Chevrolet Cobalt (2005–2010)
- Pontiac G5 (2007–2009)
- Saturn Ion (2003–2007)
- Saturn Sky (2007–2009)
- Pontiac Solstice (2006–2009)
- Chevrolet HHR (2006–2011)
The breadth of the recall underscored the scale of the defect and its potential risk to drivers and passengers alike, not just in the Cobalt but across several GM small-car platforms.
Legal actions and settlements
These actions took shape as a combination of civil litigation, a centralized federal case, and government penalties. The following items highlight the main channels through which claimants sought redress.
- Multidistrict Litigation: In re General Motors LLC Ignition Switch Litigation, consolidated in federal court (Southern District of New York), bringing thousands of injury and wrongful-death claims related to the defect.
- Criminal settlement: In 2015, GM agreed to pay about $900 million to resolve criminal charges brought by the U.S. Department of Justice and other authorities for concealing or downplaying the defect.
- Victims’ compensation program: GM established a compensation fund to pay claims from crash victims and families affected by the ignition-switch defect, with payouts across hundreds of millions of dollars.
- Civil settlements and individual lawsuits: A broad array of driver-, passenger-, and family-claims were filed, with many resolved through settlements within the MDL framework or separate state actions.
These legal developments reflected a broader reckoning over auto-safety disclosure and corporate oversight, and they produced both financial redress for some victims and ongoing legal actions for others.
Impact on drivers and families
The ignition-switch crisis and subsequent lawsuits had a lasting effect on how automakers address safety defects, communicate recalls, and compensate those harmed. It intensified regulatory scrutiny, prompted improvements in internal safety standards, and reshaped the public conversation around vehicle safety and corporate accountability.
How to pursue compensation
If you or a loved one was affected by the ignition-switch defect in a Chevy Cobalt or other GM small car, you may be eligible for compensation through the national victims’ fund or related settlements. A qualified plaintiffs’ attorney can help evaluate eligibility and guide you through potential claim options.
Current status and what to know today
The Chevy Cobalt ignition-switch case remains a landmark example of auto-safety litigation. The major criminal settlement is in place, the victims’ compensation program has paid a portion of claims, and the civil litigation involved thousands of claimants with a mix of settled and ongoing matters within the MDL framework and related actions. For current claim status or eligibility, consult a qualified attorney or the official case updates.
Summary
The Chevy Cobalt lawsuit is part of the broader General Motors ignition-switch litigation. It arose from a defective ignition switch that could shut off the engine and disable airbags, leading to recalls in 2014 and a cascade of legal actions. The settlement landscape includes a $900 million criminal penalty, a victims’ compensation program, and a centralized MDL that addressed thousands of civil claims, shaping auto-safety accountability for years to come.
