Canadian vehicle owners affected by faulty GM ignition switches have until June 6, 2025, to submit claims for compensation as part of the $12 million class-action settlement reached between General Motors and plaintiffs.
The settlement addresses claims related to faulty ignition switches that could cause vehicles to turn off unexpectedly, potentially disabling critical safety features such as airbags, power steering, and brakes.
Background of the GM Ignition Switch Lawsuit
The ignition switch defect came to light in 2014, when General Motors recalled millions of vehicles worldwide due to safety concerns.
The faulty switches could inadvertently move out of the “run” position, leading to sudden engine shutdowns. This defect was linked to multiple accidents and fatalities, triggering lawsuits in both the United States and Canada.
In Canada, a class-action lawsuit was filed against GM, culminating in the $12 million settlement for economic losses sustained by affected vehicle owners and lessees.
While this settlement does not cover personal injury or wrongful death claims, it compensates those who experienced financial losses due to the defect.
Who Is Eligible for the Settlement?
The settlement applies to individuals who owned, purchased, or leased affected GM vehicles in Canada before the 2014 recall announcements. Excluded from the settlement are:
- Daily rental fleet companies
- Government entities
- Certain commercial buyers
List of Affected Vehicles
The settlement covers multiple GM models, including:
Delta Ignition Switch Recall:
- 2003–2007 Saturn Ion
- 2005–2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
- 2006–2011 Chevrolet HHR
- 2006–2010 Pontiac Solstice
- 2007–2010 Pontiac G5
- 2007–2009 Saturn Sky
Key Rotation Recall:
- 1997–2005 Chevrolet Malibu
- 1999–2004 Oldsmobile Alero
- 2000–2013 Chevrolet Impala
- 2003–2014 Cadillac CTS
- 2004–2006 Cadillac SRX
- 2005–2009 Buick Allure
Camaro Knee-Key Recall:
- 2010–2014 Chevrolet Camaro
Electric Power Steering Recall:
- 2004–2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
- 2005–2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
- 2008–2009 Saturn Aura
- 2008–2009 Pontiac G6
A full list of affected vehicles is available on the official settlement website.
How to File a Claim
Eligible Canadian vehicle owners and lessees must file their claims before June 6, 2025. Claims can be submitted online or by mail through the official claims portal.
Claim Process Steps:
- Visit the official settlement website: gmignitionswitchsettlement.ca
- Check eligibility by entering vehicle details.
- Gather required documentation, including proof of vehicle ownership or lease during the recall period.
- Submit the claim electronically or via mail before the deadline.
Important Deadlines to Remember
- Claim Submission Deadline: June 6, 2025
- Final Recall Repair Deadline: August 5, 2025
What Compensation Can Owners Expect?
Compensation varies based on economic losses, including expenses related to:
- Repair costs due to ignition switch failure
- Diminished vehicle value caused by the defect
- Out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to ignition switch issues
While individual payout amounts have not been disclosed, affected owners can expect pro-rata compensation from the $12 million settlement fund.
Why This Settlement Matters
The GM ignition switch controversy remains one of the most significant automotive safety recalls in history.
GM has paid billions in settlements globally, and this Canadian settlement ensures that vehicle owners receive compensation for financial damages incurred due to the defect.
According to Transport Canada, timely vehicle repairs and safety recalls are critical to preventing accidents and ensuring public safety. GM has since implemented stricter quality control measures to prevent future defects.
Where to Get More Information
For further details on the settlement or to check your vehicle’s recall status, visit:
- Official GM Settlement Website: gmignitionswitchsettlement.ca
- Transport Canada – Vehicle Recalls: https://tc.canada.ca/en
- General Motors Recall Lookup: https://www.gm.ca/en/owners/recalls
Final Thoughts
If you owned or leased an affected GM vehicle before the 2014 recall, you may be entitled to compensation, but you must act before the June 6, 2025 deadline.
With millions of vehicles recalled worldwide, this settlement represents a critical step in compensating Canadian owners for economic losses related to the ignition switch defect.
Visit gmignitionswitchsettlement.ca today to determine your eligibility and file your claim before the deadline passes.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
A senior at Yale-NUS College with interests in developmental and labour economics, as well as creative non-fiction and poetry. Currently, I’m studying as an Economics major and an Arts and Humanities minor (focusing on Creative Writing) with heavy involvement in the Singaporean journalism scene and involved in research on economic history and educational policy. I’m working as an author for The Octant, Yale-NUS’ student publication, as a writer for Wingspan, Yale-NUS’ alumni magazine, and as a tutor for the NUS Libraries Writer’s Centre. | Linkedin