In another embarrassing setback for General Motors, federal safety regulators announced that a website set up for GM customers to check if their vehicle needs to be recalled is defective, and doesn't accurately inform people if their vehicles need a recall.
When users try to check if a recall has been issued for their cars via their vehicle identification number, the site will tell them their vehicle is not being recalled if the repair parts aren't in. This includes cars that are, in fact, part of an active recall. (Via General Motors)
According to USA Today, a GM spokesman says the company is aware of the glitch and is actively working to resolve the issue. In the meantime, the rep suggests calling the customer care numbers listed on the website to double-check if your vehicle is being recalled.
The glitch was spotted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which recently created new guidelines that require all automakers to provide a free online tool that allows owners to search for the vehicles.
This goes into effect Aug. 20 and, as Automotive News points out, GM's website certainly doesn't meet those regulations.
It's been a particularly rough year for GM. CEO Mary Barra has appeared in front of Congress several time to testify over faulty ignition switches linked to at least 13 deaths and 54 car accidents. (Via CBS)
A fund for victims of the defective ignition switches started accepting claims Friday. The New York Times reports that less than 10 claims have been filed as of Friday evening, but GM expects that number to increase dramatically over the next few weeks.
GM estimates it will pay out $400 million in victim compensation. So far this year, the company has recalled nearly 29 million vehicles in North America alone.
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