GM may be required to pay significant compensation due to a defect in the Onix model.

A significant scandal is unfolding in Brazil surrounding the Chevrolet Onix. General Motors, which sold approximately 1 million units of this model in the country between 2012 and 2018, is being accused of failing to meet safety standards. According to federal prosecutors, vehicles assembled at the local factory for the domestic market lacked additional safety features, while the export versions were equipped with such enhancements.

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Federal prosecutors are planning to seek a substantial amount from GM as compensation for the victims of accidents involving unsafe vehicles. The total claims could reach 2.5 billion reais (approximately 425 million dollars).

The lawsuit against the automaker was filed based on the fact that in 2017, the independent organization Latin NCAP conducted safety tests on the Onix, and the model failed the side impact test, receiving no stars. This sparked outrage among consumers, leading to a class-action lawsuit in 2020.

GM maintains that Latin NCAP is not an official regulatory body and that the vehicles sold complied with national safety standards at the time of production.

Notably, in addition to the Onix, other popular models such as the Renault Sandero, Renault Logan, Hyundai HB20, Citroën C3, Citroën C3 Aircross, Ford Ka, and Fiat Argo received low ratings in crash tests.

Following the scandal, GM promptly equipped the Onix for the Brazilian market with the same additional side protection systems as the export versions.