GM Customers Can't Have Data from Federal Ignition Switch Probe

A federal judge says customers suing General Motors Co. to recover lost value of cars recalled to fix defective ignition switches don't have the right to view documents collected by a federal probe into the recall.

Owners wanted federal subpoenas, witness lists and details uncovered about the recall. But U.S. District Judge Jess Furman in New York City ruled the plaintiffs "do not have a right of access to ongoing government investigations or an entitlement to the work of criminal and regulator investigators."

The owners are demanding as much as $10 billion in compensation because their vehicles are worth less since GM recalled them to replace ignition switches that can unexpectedly cut off the engine, power brakes, power steering and airbags.