GM engineer accused over faulty ignition switch
The allegation appears to contradict information given in legal proceedings against the US car maker in 2013.
GM has recalled almost 2.6 million vehicles because of the defect, which has caused some engines to turn off.
The company has been criticised for not recalling vehicles earlier.
The recall affects 1.6 million cars made before 2007, and last week GM announced it would also cover more than 800,000 made from 2008-11, covering a variety of models including the Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn Ion.
Deaths link
According to documents provided to a US House of Representatives panel, the manufacturer of the defective switch, Delphi Automotive, said the redesigned versions signed off for use in the 2008-11 models still did not meet GM standards.
The assertion could increase the number of deaths linked to the defect.
"An analysis of NHTSA [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration] early warning report data shows that there are 14 fatal crashes in the recalled 2008-2011 vehicles involving a potential problem with an airbag, steering, electrical or unknown component," senior Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee said.
GM has linked the issue to 13 deaths, but a report by the Center for Auto Safety has put the number at 303, a figure GM disputes.
At issue is a flaw in the manufacture of the ignition switch that causes the key to shift on its own from the "run" position to the "accessory" or "off position", even while the car is driving at full speed on the road.
That can shut off the car's engine and disable the airbags, making steering and braking difficult.
GM chief executive Mary Barra is due to testify before the House about the company's actions on faulty ignition switches on Tuesday.
According to documents provided to a US House of Representatives panel, the manufacturer of the defective switch, Delphi Automotive, said the redesigned versions signed off for use in the 2008-11 models still did not meet GM standards.
The assertion could increase the number of deaths linked to the defect.
"An analysis of NHTSA [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration] early warning report data shows that there are 14 fatal crashes in the recalled 2008-2011 vehicles involving a potential problem with an airbag, steering, electrical or unknown component," senior Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee said.
GM has linked the issue to 13 deaths, but a report by the Center for Auto Safety has put the number at 303, a figure GM disputes.
At issue is a flaw in the manufacture of the ignition switch that causes the key to shift on its own from the "run" position to the "accessory" or "off position", even while the car is driving at full speed on the road.
That can shut off the car's engine and disable the airbags, making steering and braking difficult.
GM chief executive Mary Barra is due to testify before the House about the company's actions on faulty ignition switches on Tuesday.
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