GM Ignition Switch Lawsuit: 2026 Settlement Guide, Claim Deadline & Eligibility

The GM ignition switch lawsuit involves claims that General Motors sold millions of vehicles with defective ignition switches that could shut off while driving, disabling critical safety systems including airbags. GM agreed to multiple settlements totaling over $2 billion to compensate affected consumers. The main class action claim deadlines have passed — the U.S. economic settlement deadline was April 20, 2021, and the Canadian settlement deadline was June 6, 2025. hawthorne residential partners lawsuit

Quick Answer: GM settled class action lawsuits over defective ignition switches in vehicles manufactured between 2003-2014. The settlements included $121.1 million for economic losses, $595 million for injuries and deaths, and $575 million for additional death and injury claims. While the main settlement claim periods have closed, individuals recently injured in crashes involving these defects may still be able to file individual lawsuits.

What Is the GM Ignition Switch Lawsuit About?

Background of the Lawsuit

The GM ignition switch lawsuit centers on a deadly defect discovered in millions of General Motors vehicles. The faulty ignition switches could slip from the “Run” position to the “Accessory” or “Off” position while the vehicle was in motion. When this happened, drivers lost power steering, power brakes, and most critically, their airbags were disabled.

GM knew about this defect for over a decade before issuing recalls in 2014. Internal documents revealed that company engineers identified the problem as early as 2001, but GM failed to notify regulators or consumers. The defect has been linked to at least 124 deaths and 275 serious injuries, though many experts believe the actual numbers are higher.

The cover-up became one of the worst safety scandals in automotive history. Emails showed that GM could have fixed the problem for as little as 57 cents to 90 cents per vehicle. Instead, the company continued selling defective cars for more than a decade, putting millions of drivers at risk. Roundup Cancer Lawsuit

Timeline of Key Events

GM Ignition Switch Lawsuit Timeline

Date	Event	Details
2001-2004	GM discovers defect	Internal engineers identify ignition switch problems but company takes no action
February 2005	Service bulletin issued	GM quietly tells dealers about problem but doesn’t recall vehicles
2007	Fatal crashes investigated	Safety regulators notify GM about fatal accidents linked to ignition failure
2013	GM tracks 31 accidents	Company documents 31 crashes and 12 deaths related to faulty switches
February 7, 2014	First recall announced	GM recalls 800,000 Chevrolet Cobalts and Pontiac G5s
March 31, 2014	Recall expanded	Over 1.5 million additional vehicles recalled
2014	Total recalls reach 2.6 million	Worldwide recalls eventually cover over 30 million vehicles
September 2015	Major settlement announced	$575 million settlement for 1,380 death and injury claims
October 2017	State settlement	$120 million settlement with 49 states and Washington, D.C.
December 18, 2020	Economic settlement approved	$121.1 million settlement for vehicle owners receives final approval
April 20, 2021	U.S. claim deadline	Last day to file claims in U.S. economic settlement (CLOSED)
July 2024	Canadian settlement approved	CAD $12 million settlement approved in Canada
June 6, 2025	Canadian claim deadline	Last day to file claims in Canadian settlement (CLOSED)

Who Filed the Lawsuit?

Multiple class action lawsuits were filed on behalf of millions of GM vehicle owners and crash victims. The lead plaintiffs included families who lost loved ones in crashes caused by the defective switches, as well as vehicle owners who suffered economic losses when their cars lost value after the recalls.

The lawsuits were handled by several prominent law firms, including Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP (lead counsel Steve W. Berman) and Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP (lead counsel Elizabeth J. Cabraser). These firms consolidated hundreds of individual lawsuits into multi-district litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York under Judge Jesse M. Furman.

In Canada, the national class action was initiated by the family of Nick Baker, a 22-year-old man from Cornwall, Ontario, who died in a crash when his 2006 Saturn Ion’s airbags failed to deploy. His parents received a recall notice 18 months after their son’s death.

What Are the Allegations?

The lawsuits made serious allegations against General Motors and Delphi Automotive, the supplier who manufactured the defective switches.

Key allegations against GM:

• GM designed, manufactured, and sold vehicles with defective ignition switches that posed life-threatening safety risks
• The company knew about the defect as early as 2001 but concealed it from regulators and consumers for over a decade
• GM failed to issue timely recalls despite tracking fatal crashes and injuries linked to the defect
• The automaker prioritized profits over safety, choosing not to fix the defect when it would have cost less than $1 per vehicle
• GM misrepresented its vehicles as safe and reliable when it knew they were dangerously defective
• The company violated federal motor vehicle safety standards by failing to report known defects
• GM’s concealment caused vehicle owners to suffer economic losses when their cars lost value after the recalls were announced
• The defect caused wrongful deaths and catastrophic injuries that could have been prevented with timely action

Who Qualified for the GM Ignition Switch Settlement?

Quick Answer: You qualified if you owned or leased a GM vehicle affected by one of five specific recalls before the recall was announced. You needed proof of ownership and the claim had to be filed by April 20, 2021 (U.S.) or June 6, 2025 (Canada). Both deadlines have now passed for the main economic settlements.

Eligibility Requirements

The main economic settlement covered individuals who owned or leased affected vehicles before GM announced the recalls. Eligibility depended on which specific recall your vehicle was subject to.

Eligibility Checklist

Requirement	Details	Documentation That Was Needed
Vehicle ownership/lease	Must have owned or leased eligible vehicle before recall announcement	Title, registration, lease agreement, purchase receipt
Covered by specific recall	Vehicle must be included in one of five GM recalls (see below)	VIN number, recall notice
Owned before recall date	Must have owned vehicle prior to recall being announced	Purchase date documentation
Filed before deadline	Claim form submitted by April 20, 2021 (U.S.) or June 6, 2025 (Canada)	Claim confirmation number

The five recalls covered by the economic settlement were:

• Delta Ignition Switch (NHTSA Recall No. 14v047)
• Key Rotation (NHTSA Recall Nos. 14v355, 14v394, and 14v400)
• Camaro Knee-Key (NHTSA Recall No. 14v346)
• Electronic Power Steering (NHTSA Recall No. 14v153)
• Side Airbag (NHTSA Recall No. 14v118)

Eligible Products/Models

Covered Vehicle Models (Primary Ignition Switch Defect)

Brand	Model Numbers	Years	Primary Defect
Chevrolet	Cobalt	2005-2010	Delta ignition switch
Chevrolet	HHR	2006-2011	Delta ignition switch
Pontiac	G5	2007-2010	Delta ignition switch
Pontiac	Pursuit	2005-2006	Delta ignition switch
Pontiac	Solstice	2006-2010	Delta ignition switch
Saturn	Ion	2003-2007	Delta ignition switch
Saturn	Sky	2007-2009	Delta ignition switch

Additional Covered Vehicles (Key Rotation/Power Steering Recalls)

Brand	Model Numbers	Years	Recall Type
Chevrolet	Malibu	1997-2005	Key rotation
Chevrolet	Malibu Maxx	2004-2006	Key rotation
Chevrolet	Monte Carlo	2000-2007	Key rotation
Chevrolet	Impala	2000-2013	Key rotation
Pontiac	Grand Am	1999-2005	Key rotation
Pontiac	Grand Prix	2004-2008	Key rotation
Pontiac	G6	2005-2009	Key rotation
Oldsmobile	Intrigue	1998-2002	Key rotation
Oldsmobile	Alero	1999-2004	Key rotation
Buick	Regal	2004	Key rotation
Buick	Allure	2005-2009	Key rotation
Buick	Lucerne	2006-2011	Key rotation
Cadillac	DeVille	2000-2005	Key rotation
Cadillac	DTS	2006-2011	Key rotation
Cadillac	CTS	2003-2014	Key rotation
Cadillac	SRX	2004-2006	Power steering

Over 2.6 million vehicles in the United States and more than 30 million vehicles worldwide were eventually recalled.

Who Did NOT Qualify?

You were NOT eligible for the economic settlement if:

• You purchased your vehicle after the recall was announced for that model
• Your vehicle was not included in one of the five specific recalls covered by the settlement
• You already received compensation from the GM Victim Compensation Fund
• You opted out of the class action settlement to pursue an individual lawsuit
• You filed your claim after the deadline (April 20, 2021 for U.S. or June 6, 2025 for Canada)

However, if you were injured or a loved one died in a crash involving one of these defective vehicles and you did not participate in previous settlements, you may still have options to file an individual lawsuit. The class action deadlines don’t prevent you from pursuing a new personal injury or wrongful death claim if you were recently harmed.

How to Prove Your Claim

Required Documentation (For Past Claims)

Document Type	Why It Was Needed	Where to Find It	Alternatives
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	Confirmed your vehicle was part of recall	Dashboard, driver’s side door jamb, registration, title	Contact DMV for vehicle records
Proof of ownership/lease	Showed you owned vehicle before recall	Title, registration, bill of sale, lease agreement	Insurance declarations page, DMV records
Purchase date documentation	Proved you owned vehicle prior to recall announcement	Sales contract, title transfer date	Registration date, insurance start date
Repair records (if applicable)	Documented issues or repairs related to defect	Service records from dealership or mechanic	Dealership repair database
Sale/trade-in documentation (if sold)	Showed economic loss from reduced value	Sales receipt, trade-in appraisal	Carfax report, dealer records

How Much Money Could You Get from the Settlement?

Quick Answer: Settlement payouts from the economic class action ranged from approximately $20 to several hundred dollars depending on the recall category and number of claims filed. Death claims through the compensation fund received $1 million or more. Injury claims ranged from $20,000 to $500,000. The economic settlement deadlines have passed. Prime Energy Drink Lawsuit

Settlement Fund Breakdown

Total Settlement Amounts Across All GM Ignition Switch Cases

Category	Amount	Purpose
Economic Loss Settlement (U.S.)	$121.1 million	Vehicle value depreciation claims
Victim Compensation Fund	$595 million	Death and injury compensation
2015 Injury/Death Settlement	$575 million	Additional death and injury claims
State Settlement	$120 million	Penalties to 49 states + D.C.
Criminal Penalty to DOJ	$900 million	Deferred prosecution agreement
Canadian Economic Settlement	CAD $12 million	Vehicle value depreciation (Canada)
Total Paid by GM	Over $2 billion	All settlements and penalties combined

Payout Tiers and Amounts

Estimated Payouts by Claim Type

Claim Category	Payout Range	Requirements	Payment Form
Death Claims (Compensation Fund)	$1 million+	Confirmed death linked to ignition defect, filed before fund deadline	Check
Catastrophic Injury (Category One)	$20,000-$500,000	Severe injuries requiring extensive hospitalization	Check
Serious Injury (Category Two)	$20,000-$100,000	Injuries requiring hospitalization or outpatient treatment	Check
Economic Loss (Delta Ignition Switch)	$75-$400 estimated	Owned affected vehicle with primary defect	Check
Economic Loss (Key Rotation)	$50-$300 estimated	Owned vehicle affected by key rotation recall	Check
Economic Loss (Other Recalls)	$20-$150 estimated	Owned vehicle affected by power steering or other covered recalls	Check

These payout amounts varied significantly based on the number of valid claims filed. Some claimants in the economic settlement reported receiving checks as small as $73, while others received several hundred dollars.

Factors That Affected Your Payout

Your compensation depended on:

Type of recall – The Delta ignition switch defect (the most serious) resulted in higher payouts than the power steering or other recalls

Number of valid claims – More claims meant smaller individual payments as the settlement fund was divided among all claimants

Whether you sold the vehicle – Some claim categories required different documentation if you’d already sold or traded in the vehicle

Timing of ownership – How long you owned the vehicle before the recall was announced could affect certain claim amounts

Legal fees and administrative costs – Attorney fees (typically around $34.5 million) and settlement administration costs were deducted from the total fund before distribution

When Would You Have Received Payment?

Payment Timeline (For Closed Settlements)

Stage	Timeframe	What Happened
Claim Submission	By April 20, 2021 (U.S.)	Last day to file claims
Claims Review	April-October 2021	Administrator processed and validated claims
Final Approval	December 18, 2020	Court granted final approval to settlement
Payment Distribution	Late 2021 – Early 2022	Checks mailed to approved claimants
Cashing Deadline	Typically 90-180 days after issuance	Must cash check before expiration

Most U.S. economic settlement payments were distributed in late 2021 and early 2022. Canadian settlement payments from the CAD $12 million fund are still being processed as of early 2026, but the claim deadline of June 6, 2025 has passed.

Important: If you received a settlement check and didn’t cash it before the expiration date, the money typically went back into the settlement fund for redistribution or to charity. Most settlement checks expire 90-180 days after issuance.

How to File Your Claim – Settlement Deadlines Have Passed

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE: The claim deadlines for the GM ignition switch class action settlements have CLOSED. The U.S. economic settlement deadline was April 20, 2021, and the Canadian settlement deadline was June 6, 2025. You can no longer file claims for these past settlements.

What Options Remain If You Missed the Deadline?

While the main class action settlements are closed, you may still have legal options if:

You were recently injured in a crash – If you or a loved one was injured or killed in an accident involving one of these defective GM vehicles and you did not participate in previous settlements, you may be able to file an individual personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Personal injury claims have different deadlines (statutes of limitations) that vary by state, typically 1-3 years from the date of injury.

You never received settlement money you were entitled to – If you filed a valid claim before the deadline but never received payment, contact the settlement administrator or an attorney immediately.

You’re dealing with a GM lemon law issue – If your GM vehicle has ongoing defects that can’t be repaired, you may have a separate lemon law claim regardless of the class action settlement.

Complete Filing Process (For Historical Reference)

For those researching how class action claims work, here’s how the GM ignition switch claim process worked:

Step 1: Gathered Documentation Claimants needed their VIN, proof of ownership (title, registration, or lease agreement), purchase date documentation, and if applicable, proof of sale or trade-in.

Step 2: Accessed the Claim Form The official settlement website was gmignitionswitchsettlement.com (U.S.) or gmignitionswitchsettlement.ca (Canada). Claim forms could be submitted online or by mail.

Step 3: Completed the Claim Form The form required personal information (name, address, contact details), vehicle information (VIN, make, model, year, purchase date), and documentation upload showing proof of ownership.

Step 4: Submitted the Claim Online submissions were processed immediately with a confirmation number. Mailed claims had to be postmarked by the deadline and sent to: GM Ignition Switch Economic Settlement Claims Center, c/o JND Legal Administration, P.O. Box 91354, Seattle, WA 98111.

Step 5: Saved Confirmation Claimants received a confirmation number and email receipt that served as proof of submission.

Step 6: Tracked Claim Status
Status could be checked on the settlement website using the confirmation number.

Step 7: Responded to Requests If the administrator needed additional documentation, claimants had a deadline to provide it or risk claim denial.

Step 8: Received Payment Approved claims received payment by check, typically 3-6 months after the claim deadline.

Critical Deadlines – All Have Passed

Past Deadlines

Deadline Type	Date	What It Meant
U.S. Claim Submission Deadline	April 20, 2021	Last day to file economic loss claim (CLOSED)
Canadian Claim Submission Deadline	June 6, 2025	Last day to file Canadian claim (CLOSED)
Opt-Out Deadline (U.S.)	October 19, 2020	Last day to exclude yourself from settlement
Objection Deadline (U.S.)	October 19, 2020	Last day to object to settlement terms
Final Approval Hearing (U.S.)	December 18, 2020	Court granted final approval
Canadian Approval Hearing	July 30, 2024	Canadian courts approved settlement

Common Filing Mistakes (For Future Reference)

When class action settlements do occur, these are common mistakes to avoid:

Waiting until the last minute – Technical issues and website crashes often happen near deadlines. File early.

Incomplete documentation – Missing proof of ownership or purchase dates led to claim denials.

Wrong claim form – Some people filed using forms from other GM settlements. Always use the official form for the specific settlement.

Missing deadline – No exceptions were made for late claims, even by one day.

Not saving confirmation – Without proof of submission, there’s no way to track your claim or prove you filed.

Ignoring requests for information – If the administrator asks for additional docs, respond quickly or your claim gets denied.

Current Lawsuit Status & Latest Updates

Settlement Status (as of February 2026)

The major GM ignition switch class action settlements have been fully resolved and claim periods have closed. Here’s the current status of each settlement:

U.S. Economic Settlement ($121.1 million) – Fully closed. Final approval was granted December 18, 2020. Claims were due April 20, 2021. Payments were distributed in 2021-2022. No further claims are being accepted.

Victim Compensation Fund ($595 million) – Closed. This fund, administered by Kenneth Feinberg, reviewed 4,343 claims and paid out compensation to 399 eligible claimants, including all 124 death claims and 221 of 257 eligible injury claims. The fund stopped accepting new claims in 2015.

2015 Injury/Death Settlement ($575 million) – Closed. This settlement resolved 1,380 death and injury claims in the multi-district litigation. All claims have been paid.

State Settlement ($120 million) – Closed. This settlement with 49 states and Washington D.C. was finalized in October 2017. The money was distributed to state attorneys general offices.

Canadian Economic Settlement (CAD $12 million) – Claims closed June 6, 2025. Payments are being processed in early 2026. This was the most recent GM ignition switch settlement to close.

Recent Developments

As of February 2026, the GM ignition switch litigation has largely concluded. Recent updates include:

Canadian settlement payments beginning (Late 2025-Early 2026) – After the June 6, 2025 deadline, Canadian claimants began receiving their settlement checks. Individual amounts vary based on the recall category and total number of claims filed.

Tax reporting reminders (April 2025) – Some claimants who received settlement payments in 2024 reported questions about whether their payments are taxable income. Generally, payments for economic losses may be taxable, while payments for physical injuries are not.

Individual lawsuits continue (Ongoing) – While the class actions are closed, individual personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits can still be filed by people who were recently injured and did not participate in previous settlements. These are handled separately from the class actions.

GM safety monitoring continues (2024-2026) – As part of the state settlement, GM remains under monitoring by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for compliance with safety reporting requirements.

What Happens Next?

For the closed settlements, no further action is expected. The litigation has concluded. However:

Unclaimed funds distribution – Any settlement money from expired, uncashed checks may be redistributed to charity or used for consumer protection programs as specified in the settlement agreements.

Ongoing individual cases – People injured in crashes involving the defective ignition switches who never participated in settlements may continue to file individual lawsuits, subject to statutes of limitations in their states.

Vehicle repairs continue – GM must still repair any recalled vehicles that haven’t been fixed. Owners of affected vehicles can check for open recalls at www.nhtsa.gov/recalls or contact a GM dealership.

Safety improvements – Under the state settlement terms, GM must implement improved safety procedures and cannot sell recalled vehicles without completing repairs first.

GM Ignition Switch Settlement vs Similar Cases

How This Settlement Compares

The GM ignition switch scandal resulted in one of the largest automotive safety settlements in U.S. history. Here’s how it compares to other major auto defect class actions:

Comparison with Similar Automotive Lawsuits

Lawsuit	Settlement Amount	Affected Parties	Payout Range Per Person	Status
GM Ignition Switch	$2+ billion total	30 million vehicles	$20-$500,000+	Closed
Toyota Sudden Acceleration	$1.6 billion	16 million vehicles	$37-$10,000	Closed
Volkswagen Dieselgate	$14.7 billion	475,000 vehicles	$5,000-$10,000	Closed
Takata Airbag Recall	$1 billion+	67 million vehicles	Varies	Ongoing repairs
Ford Explorer/Firestone Tire	$51.5 million	13 million vehicles	Varies	Closed
Honda Airbag Settlement	$605 million	16.5 million vehicles	$100-$1,000	Closed

What Makes This Lawsuit Unique?

The GM ignition switch case stands out for several reasons:

Longest corporate concealment – GM knew about the defect for over 13 years before issuing recalls, making it one of the longest cover-ups in automotive safety history. Internal emails showed GM could have fixed the problem for less than $1 per vehicle but chose not to.

Highest death toll from a single defect – With at least 124 confirmed deaths and likely many more unreported, the ignition switch defect was deadlier than most other automotive recalls. The defect didn’t just cause accidents — it disabled airbags, making crashes that might have been survivable into fatal incidents.

Bankruptcy complications – GM’s 2009 bankruptcy created unique legal challenges. The company initially tried to use bankruptcy protection to avoid liability, arguing that “Old GM” was responsible for the defects, not “New GM.” Courts ultimately rejected this argument.

Criminal prosecution – Unlike most automotive settlements, GM faced criminal charges and agreed to a $900 million deferred prosecution agreement with the Department of Justice. This is rare for product defect cases.

Multiple settlement streams – Instead of one large settlement, GM paid out through several different mechanisms: an economic settlement, a victim compensation fund, injury/death settlements, state penalties, and federal criminal fines. This complex structure meant different groups of victims received different types of compensation.

Extremely low fix cost – Most auto defects are expensive to repair. The GM ignition switch could have been fixed for 57-90 cents per vehicle, making GM’s decision not to fix it even more egregious.

Do You Need a Lawyer to File a Claim?

Quick Answer: For the closed class action settlements, you did NOT need a lawyer to file a claim. The process was designed for people to file directly. However, if you’re considering an individual personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit now, you should consult with an attorney as these cases are complex and require legal expertise.

Filing Without a Lawyer (For Past Class Actions)

The GM ignition switch economic settlement was structured so that individual vehicle owners could file claims without hiring an attorney. The settlement administrator (JND Legal Administration) provided free online claim forms and phone support to help people through the process.

Most people who received economic loss payments ($20-$400 on average) did not need individual lawyers. The class action attorneys (Hagens Berman and Lieff Cabraser) represented all class members collectively and received their fees from the settlement fund (approximately $34.5 million), not from individual claimants.

The process involved:

• Filling out a simple online form with vehicle and ownership information
• Uploading basic documents like registration or title
• Receiving a confirmation number
• Waiting for payment

When Legal Help Is Useful

You should consult an attorney if:

You were injured in a crash involving the defect – Personal injury cases require proving that the ignition switch defect caused your accident and injuries. This involves accident reconstruction, expert witnesses, medical documentation, and complex legal arguments. These cases can result in much larger settlements than the class action (hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars).

A loved one died in a crash – Wrongful death lawsuits are legally complex and emotionally difficult to handle alone. An experienced product liability attorney can help you pursue full compensation for your loss, including funeral expenses, loss of income, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering.

You have questions about whether you qualify – If you’re unsure whether the ignition switch caused your accident, whether you’re still within the statute of limitations, or whether you gave up your rights by participating in a class action, an attorney can evaluate your specific situation.

Your claim involves significant damages – If you have large medical bills, permanent disability, or other major losses, an attorney can help you recover full compensation. Individual lawsuits typically result in much higher payouts than class action settlements.

You missed the class action deadline but were affected – If you owned an affected vehicle but missed the settlement deadline, an attorney can advise whether you have any remaining legal options. How Do Truck Accident Lawsuits Work

Free Legal Consultation

If you believe you may have a personal injury or wrongful death claim related to the GM ignition switch defect, many attorneys offer free initial consultations. During a consultation, an attorney will:

• Review your accident details
• Determine if the ignition switch likely caused or contributed to your crash
• Explain whether you’re within the statute of limitations
• Estimate the potential value of your case
• Explain whether previous settlements affect your ability to sue
• Work on contingency (no fee unless you win)

To find an attorney with experience in GM ignition switch cases:

Contact consumer protection attorneys specializing in product liability and automotive defects. Many of the law firms that handled the class action settlements also handle individual injury claims.

For attorney referrals, you can contact: admin@bestlawyersinunitedstates.com

Important: The statute of limitations for personal injury cases varies by state but is typically 1-3 years from the date of the accident. If you were injured, don’t delay consulting an attorney, as you may lose your right to sue if you wait too long.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GM ignition switch lawsuit?

Quick Answer: The GM ignition switch lawsuit is actually a series of class action lawsuits filed against General Motors over defective ignition switches in millions of vehicles that could shut off while driving, disabling airbags and causing crashes.

The lawsuit centered on GM’s knowledge of the defect dating back to 2001 and the company’s failure to recall vehicles until 2014. Over 30 million vehicles were eventually recalled worldwide. GM paid over $2 billion in settlements and penalties, including $121.1 million for economic losses to vehicle owners, $595 million through a victim compensation fund, and $575 million for additional death and injury claims.

Who was eligible for the GM ignition switch settlement?

Quick Answer: You were eligible if you owned or leased a GM vehicle affected by one of five specific recalls before the recall was announced, and filed your claim by April 20, 2021 (U.S.) or June 6, 2025 (Canada).

Eligible vehicles included 2003-2010 Chevrolet Cobalts, Saturn Ions, Pontiac G5s, and many other GM models from 1997-2014 that were subject to recalls for ignition switch, key rotation, power steering, or airbag defects. You needed to prove ownership with documentation like your title, registration, or lease agreement. The deadlines have now passed for these settlements.

How much money did people receive from the settlement?

Quick Answer: Economic loss payments ranged from approximately $20 to several hundred dollars per vehicle. Death claims received $1 million or more. Injury claims ranged from $20,000 to $500,000 depending on severity.

The amount you received depended on which recall affected your vehicle, with the Delta ignition switch defect (the most serious) paying more than other recalls. The total amount also depended on how many people filed claims. Many claimants reported receiving checks between $73 and $400 for economic losses. Death and injury claims from the compensation fund were significantly higher.

When was the deadline to file a claim?

Quick Answer: The U.S. deadline was April 20, 2021. The Canadian deadline was June 6, 2025. Both deadlines have passed and no new claims are being accepted for these settlements.

The claim deadlines were strictly enforced with no extensions granted. If you owned an affected vehicle but didn’t file by the deadline, you cannot receive money from the class action settlements. However, if you were injured in a crash, you may still be able to file an individual lawsuit.

How do I file a claim now?

Quick Answer: You cannot file a claim for the class action settlements because the deadlines have passed. However, if you were injured in a crash involving these defects, you may be able to file an individual personal injury lawsuit.

The class action settlement claim periods are closed. If you believe you have grounds for an individual lawsuit based on injuries from a crash involving the defective ignition switch, contact a product liability attorney immediately. Personal injury claims have different deadlines (statutes of limitations) that vary by state, typically 1-3 years from the date of injury.

Do I need a lawyer to file a claim?

Quick Answer: For the class action settlements, you did not need a lawyer — but those deadlines have passed. If you’re considering an individual injury lawsuit now, you should consult with an attorney.

The class action settlements were designed for people to file claims directly without hiring individual attorneys. The class action lawyers represented everyone collectively and took their fees from the settlement fund. However, individual personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits are complex and require experienced legal representation to navigate successfully.

What documents did I need to file a claim?

Quick Answer: You needed your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), proof of ownership (title, registration, or lease agreement), and purchase date documentation. If you sold the vehicle, you needed sale or trade-in documentation.

The claim form required your VIN to verify your vehicle was part of the recall, along with proof that you owned or leased it before the recall was announced. Acceptable documents included vehicle titles, registration cards, bill of sale, lease agreements, or insurance declarations. The settlement administrator could verify some information through GM’s records.

What if I don’t have my purchase receipt?

Quick Answer: You didn’t need a purchase receipt for the economic settlement. Your vehicle registration, title, or lease agreement showing the date you acquired the vehicle was sufficient.

The settlement administrator understood that many people don’t keep purchase receipts for years. They accepted various forms of proof including DMV registration records, title transfer dates, insurance policy start dates, or even statements from dealerships. The key was showing you owned the vehicle before GM announced the recall for that model.

When did people receive their settlement payments?

Quick Answer: U.S. economic settlement payments were distributed in late 2021 and early 2022, about 6-9 months after the April 2021 deadline. Canadian payments began in late 2025 after the June 2025 deadline.

After the claim deadline passed, the settlement administrator reviewed and validated all claims, which took several months. Approved claimants received checks by mail. The compensation fund for deaths and injuries paid out earlier, between 2015-2017. Individual settlement amounts from the 2015 injury/death settlement were paid over 2015-2016.

How were payments distributed – by check or direct deposit?

Quick Answer: All settlement payments were distributed by check mailed to the address you provided on your claim form. Direct deposit was not offered.

The settlement administrator, JND Legal Administration, mailed physical checks to all approved claimants. Checks typically came with instructions and had an expiration date of 90-180 days. If you moved after filing your claim, you should have updated your address with the administrator or your check may have been returned as undeliverable.

What is the total GM settlement amount?

Quick Answer: GM paid over $2 billion total across all settlements and penalties related to the ignition switch defect.

The settlements included: $121.1 million for the U.S. economic class action, CAD $12 million for the Canadian economic class action, $595 million for the victim compensation fund, $575 million for the 2015 death and injury settlement, $120 million to states and D.C., and $900 million in criminal penalties to the Department of Justice. Additional confidential settlements were reached in individual cases.

Has the GM ignition switch settlement been approved?

Quick Answer: Yes, all major settlements have been approved by courts and are now closed. The U.S. economic settlement received final approval on December 18, 2020. The Canadian settlement was approved on July 30, 2024.

The settlements went through extensive court review including preliminary approval, a fairness hearing where objections were considered, and final approval. All settlement funds have been paid out to GM and distribution to claimants has occurred or is underway. No further court action is needed.

Can I opt out of the GM ignition switch settlement?

Quick Answer: The opt-out deadline was October 19, 2020 for the U.S. settlement. That deadline has passed, so you can no longer opt out.

Opting out allowed you to pursue an individual lawsuit instead of participating in the class action. If you owned an affected vehicle and did not opt out by the deadline, you were automatically included in the settlement and gave up your right to sue GM separately for economic losses. However, you may still be able to sue for personal injuries if you were in a crash.

What if I already threw away my defective GM vehicle?

Quick Answer: You could still file a claim for the economic settlement even if you no longer owned the vehicle. You just needed proof that you owned it before the recall was announced.

Many people sold or traded in their affected vehicles before the settlement. The claim form had options for people who no longer owned their vehicles. You needed documentation showing when you sold it (like a bill of sale or trade-in receipt) and when you originally purchased it. Selling the vehicle didn’t disqualify you from the economic loss settlement.

Do I have to give up my right to sue GM separately?

Quick Answer: If you participated in the economic class action settlement, you gave up your right to sue GM for economic losses related to the defect. However, you could still sue for personal injuries if you were in a crash and didn’t participate in the injury settlements.

Class action settlements include a “release” where participants agree not to sue over the covered claims. The economic settlement only covered vehicle value depreciation and economic losses. If you were injured in an accident caused by the defect and didn’t participate in the compensation fund or injury settlements, you may still have the right to file an individual lawsuit for those damages.

What if I missed the settlement deadline?

Quick Answer: If you missed the claim deadline, you cannot receive money from the class action settlements. However, you may still have legal options if you were injured in a crash involving the defect.

The claim deadlines were strictly enforced with no exceptions. Missing the deadline means you cannot participate in the economic loss settlement. But if you suffered personal injuries or a loved one died in a crash caused by the ignition switch defect, you may be able to file an individual lawsuit. These claims have different deadlines based on statutes of limitations in your state, typically 1-3 years from the date of injury.

How do I check my claim status?

Quick Answer: For past settlements, you could check status at gmignitionswitchsettlement.com using your claim confirmation number. Since payments have been distributed, the website may now be inactive.

If you filed a claim and never received payment, contact JND Legal Administration at 1-877-545-0241 (U.S.) or info@GMIgnitionSwitchSettlement.ca (Canada). Have your claim confirmation number ready. If you lost your confirmation number, they may be able to look up your claim using your VIN and personal information.

What if my claim was denied?

Quick Answer: If your claim was denied, you should have received a notice explaining why. Common reasons included missing documentation, filing after the deadline, or your vehicle not being covered by the settlement.

Denied claimants were given an opportunity to provide additional documentation or correct errors within a specific timeframe. If that deadline has also passed, there may be no way to appeal the denial for the class action settlement. However, if you believe you were wrongly denied and suffered actual injuries, consult an attorney about whether an individual lawsuit is possible.

Will my GM settlement payment affect my taxes?

Quick Answer: Economic loss payments may be taxable as ordinary income. Payments for physical injuries are generally not taxable. You should receive a 1099 form if your payment was $600 or more.

GM or the settlement administrator should send you a Form 1099-MISC if your payment was $600 or more. Even if you don’t receive a 1099, you’re responsible for reporting the income if it’s taxable. Payments compensating you for economic losses (like vehicle depreciation) are typically taxable. Payments for physical injuries or medical expenses are usually not taxable. Consult a tax professional for guidance on your specific situation.

Where can I find the official GM settlement claim form?

Quick Answer: The official website was gmignitionswitchsettlement.com (U.S.) or gmignitionswitchsettlement.ca (Canada), but claim periods have closed so the sites may no longer accept new submissions.

Since the deadlines have passed, the claim forms are no longer active. If you need information about the settlement or have questions about a claim you previously filed, you can try contacting the settlement administrator at the phone numbers or email addresses listed on the official settlement websites.

Which law firms handled the GM ignition switch lawsuit?

Quick Answer: The lead class counsel were Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP (Steve W. Berman) and Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP (Elizabeth J. Cabraser).

These firms represented millions of GM vehicle owners in the class action litigation. Additional law firms involved included Podhurst Orseck P.A. (Matthew Weinshall) and others. The class action attorneys received approximately $34.5 million in fees from the settlement fund. If you’re considering an individual lawsuit now, you would need to hire your own attorney.

Can I still get my ignition switch repaired by GM?

Quick Answer: Yes, GM is still required to repair recalled ignition switches for free. Contact a GM dealership with your VIN to schedule the repair.

Even though the settlements are closed, GM must still fix any vehicles that haven’t had the recall repair completed. This is a lifetime obligation. You can check if your vehicle has open recalls by entering your VIN at www.nhtsa.gov/recalls or by calling a GM dealership. The repair is free and typically takes 1-2 hours.

How many people died from the GM ignition switch defect?

Quick Answer: At least 124 deaths were officially confirmed and compensated through GM’s victim compensation fund. Experts believe the actual number may be much higher — possibly over 200 deaths.

GM initially claimed only 13 deaths were linked to the defect. As investigations continued, that number grew to 124 confirmed deaths that received compensation. However, many accidents may have been misclassified or not investigated thoroughly enough to link them to the ignition switch defect. Safety advocates estimate the true death toll could exceed 200 fatalities.

Is GM still being monitored for safety violations?

Quick Answer: Yes, as part of the state settlement, GM remains under monitoring by federal safety regulators to ensure compliance with safety reporting requirements.

Under the terms of the $120 million settlement with 49 states and Washington D.C., GM must implement improved safety procedures and is subject to ongoing oversight by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The company must also ensure that all recalled vehicles are repaired before being sold as certified pre-owned vehicles.

What should I do if I was recently injured in a crash involving my GM vehicle?

Quick Answer: Contact a product liability attorney immediately. While the class action settlements have closed, you may still be able to file an individual lawsuit if your accident was caused by the ignition switch defect.

Individual personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits are separate from class action settlements. If your GM vehicle shut off while driving, the airbags failed to deploy, or you experienced other signs of ignition switch failure before a crash, document everything and speak with an attorney right away. These cases have strict deadlines (statutes of limitations) that vary by state, so time is critical.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The major GM ignition switch class action settlement claim deadlines have passed. If you believe you have an individual claim for personal injury or wrongful death, consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction. Statutes of limitations apply and may bar claims if not filed timely.

For legal assistance or questions about potential individual claims, contact experienced product liability attorneys or email admin@bestlawyersinunitedstates.com for attorney referrals.