GM blames Chinese supplier for out-of-spec ignition switches

General Motors has named a Chinese supplier as the source of defective ignition switches in millions of newer vehicles that were recalled earlier this month, in a separate campaign from the ignition-switch debacle that began early in the year.

The company commissioned Dalian Alps Electronics to build the switches cited in the latest recall, however the supplier provided components that were slightly below the torque specifications outlined in the initial design.

GM proceeded to install the out-of-spec switches in millions of vehicles spanning nearly a decade, including the Buick LaCrosse, Lucerne and Regal; the Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo; and the Cadillac Deville and DTS.

The problem echoes the February recall that focused on older vehicles equipped with a defective ignition switch built by a Mexican supplier. The component designs and defects were both unique, however in both cases the recalls are said to have been avoidable if the parts were built to the specifications listed in the designs.

Automakers typically test parts in both the prototype and initial production stages to verify that the components meet the design specs, making it unlikely that GM was unaware of the issue before approving the switches for installation.

Details surrounding the latest switch recall appear to corroborate claims that GM was aggressively pushing suppliers to keep costs down, knowingly approving out-of-spec parts to avoid extra costs associated with late revisions during prototyping and initial production.

GM has split its development division into separate groups, organizing a distinct ‘integrity’ unit that focuses on safety, though critics argue that the executive and managerial ranks are still filled with employees that contributed to the cultural problems.