GM ignition death toll rises to 49

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The death toll linked to a faulty ignition switch in GM vehicles is now 49.

GM recalled more than 2 million cars due to ignition switches that can inadvertently turn off the engine and in turn disable the car's power steering and air bags.

As of last week, General Motors had repaired 1.26 million of the 1.95 million cars recalled because of the faulty ignition switches.

The deadline to seek compensation for injury or death attributed to the defective switches is January 31st.