GM board hires law firm to find out why ignition defect data didn't reach them

General Motors Co has hired a law firm to review how information about defective ignition switches in its cars reached board members, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing a person close to the board.

Board members were not apprised of the matter, in which small cars stalled due to faulty switches, and called for a review to ensure vehicle safety issues are brought to their attention quicker, the newspaper reported late Wednesday.

The board has appointed New York law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to conduct the review, the Journal said.

Neither General Motors nor Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz were immediately available for comment outside regular U.S. business hours.

The defect led GM to recall 2.6 million cars, including Chevrolet Cobalts and Saturn Ions.

[Image via Agence France-Presse]