After tax payers provided billions of dollars in loans to GM in 2009, the now infamous ignition switch recall has come to light. It is unclear how far prior to the bailout GM knew of this defect and hadn't instated a recall, but it is clear that they seem to have known of the problem before taking tax payer money.
This defect has caused 13 deaths and 54 accidents amongst the same tax payers whom GM took funds from in 2009.
Beyond the incalculable cost of human life, tax payers who own these vehicles are left with a vehicle for which they still have payments on the vehicle, but the vehicle has depreciated in value below what they can trade the car in for a safer one. GM should provide incentives to these consumers to trade to a safer vehicle, not just another GM product.