GM fesses up about ignition key defect that killed 13 people

After the untimely death of 13 people, GM has finally fessed up about a manufacturing defect that lead to airbags not deploying in accidents.

GM has issued an unequivocal public apology for having dithered nearly a decade after it knew about a ignition switch defect in more than 1.6 million cars.

The Detroit News reports GM issued a directive to dealers in 2005 warning them about the problem. But then they denied there was need for a recall when they were repeatedly approached by federal regulators.

Here’s what happened: The ignition switches were not tightened properly. Driving with a heavy key ring apparently had the effect of disengaging the airbags, resulting in the deaths of 13 people.

The takeaway here is do not have a heavy key ring. If you have a GM car, separate your key from the key ring.

The vehicles affected by the recall include the following:

• 2003-07 Saturn Ion
• 2005-07 Chevrolet Cobalt
• 2005-07 Pontiac G5
• 2006-07 Chevrolet HHR
• 2006-07 Pontiac Solstice
• 2006-07 Saturn Sky