Defective Accelerators in Chevy Malibu May Put Alabama Drivers at Risk

Experienced Attorneys Helping Alabama Drivers File Claims and Join a Class Action.

If you drive a 2016-2018 Chevy Malibu, you could be at risk for serious injury. A class action lawsuit was filed against General Motors, alleging that the electronic throttle controls and/or accelerator pedal position sensors are defective, causing the cars to lose power while driving abruptly. It further alleges that GM knew about potential defects in their vehicles and sold/leased those vehicles anyway, despite the risks. The Alabama products liability attorneys from Mezrano Law Firm are reviewing cases against GM for defective Chevy Malibu vehicles. Don’t hesitate to contact our Defective Accelerators Chevy Malibu lawyers for more information.

The Dangerous Deceleration of the Chevy Malibu

The 2016-2018 Chevy Malibus use an electronic throttle system containing an electronic sensor in the accelerator pedal (the gas pedal). This sensor was mechanically linked to the throttle system in older models, but the newer models have newer technology.

The problem with the newer Chevy Malibu cars is that the throttle/sensor combination doesn’t always work. This causes the car to slow down, even when traveling at high speeds abruptly. The deceleration is accompanied by an alert reading “Engine Power Is Reduced.”

This is incredibly dangerous because there is no warning. If a person travels along a highway at 65mph and the throttle/sensor suddenly causes the car to drop to 20mph, that driver could be hit by another car whose driver cannot physically stop or move in time. It can also cause the person driving the defective Chevy Malibu to lose control of the car.

General Motors Knew There Was a Problem

The class action lawsuit alleges:

“GM sold, leased, and continues to sell and lease the Class Vehicles despite its awareness of the defect. GM chose and continues to choose financial gain at the expense of consumers by concealing and omitting a disclosure of this critical powertrain component and potential safety hazard to consumers who purchase or lease Class Vehicles.

Despite its knowledge, GM has failed to recall the inherently dangerous electronic throttle control and/or accelerator pedal position sensors or reimburse vehicle owners for the inevitable failure of this critical part.”

The lawsuit says that GM has still not issued a recall, offered to replace the defective parts, or offered to reimburse people who have already had the defective parts replaced. Furthermore, it cites the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration’s data that “scores of complaints consistent with the symptoms of the Engine Power Reduced defect in Class Vehicles” were reported to GM – and still, GM failed to warn potential customers or disclose the information.

Should I Join a Class Action For a Defective Chevy Malibu Part?

If you own or lease a 2016-2018 Chevy Malibu and have experienced an abrupt loss of power and/or replaced a defective throttle/sensor system in your car, you could be eligible to join the class action.

But should you?

Class actions can take longer to settle, and the amount you are entitled to receive may be less than you expect. However, class actions are generally reasonably easy to join, and you won’t have to pay anything. As the class has just been filled, there is still time to join. Class actions often have better odds at success, too.

Filing a Product Liability Lawsuit For a Defective Auto Part in Alabama

If you decide not to join a class, you can file a product liability lawsuit against GM. This might be the better option for you if the sudden deceleration of your Chevy Malibu leads to a car accident in which you sustain injuries. This is because every member alleges the same thing in a class action. As such, you cannot collect damages for any personal injury or trauma.

But in a product liability lawsuit, you can. If a defective Chevy Malibu part caused you harm, you could make a claim for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capability
• Property loss and repair costs
• Pain and suffering

If your loved one was killed due to a defective auto part, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit and make a claim for punitive damages instead. Wrongful death and product liability lawsuits generally have a two-year statute of limitations, so you must contact an Alabama injury lawyer immediately if you think you have a claim.

Your rights are protected in Alabama under our civil statutes for injury claims and our “lemon law” statutes. Whether you file an individual lawsuit or as part of a class, this is true. At Mezrano Law Firm, we help serious injury victims seek the justice they deserve and the compensation they need to start the healing process.

Does your Chevy Malibu have a defective part? Call us to learn about your options.

Mezrano Law Firm proudly represents Alabama injury victims in their quest for justice. Suppose you drive or lease a 2016-2018 Chevy Malibu. In that case, you could be entitled to compensation for any injuries and costs you incurred replacing a defective electronic throttle/pedal sensor system. To learn more about making a claim or to find out if you are eligible to join a class action, please call 205-850-2133 or fill out our contact form. Mezrano Law Firm maintains offices in Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery, Florence, Gadsden, and Tuscaloosa.