GM will “rework or replace the ignition keys” on 3.16 million 2000-2014 model year cars in the U.S. because the ignition switch may move out of the “run” position if the key is carrying extra weight and experiences some jarring event. GM said it is aware of eight crashes and six injuries related to this recall.
GM claimed the use of a key with a hole, rather than a slotted key, addresses the concern of key rotation due to a common road event, such as striking a pothole or crossing railroad tracks.
One of the models included in the U.S. recall of 3,160,725 cars is still in production – the previous generation Chevrolet Impala that is sold to daily rental fleets as the Impala Limited. The total North America population – U.S., Canada, Mexico and exports – is 3,360,555.
The safety recall follows a review of ignition issues following the recall in February of 2.6 million Chevrolet Cobalt models and other small cars.
If the ignition switch moves out of the “run” position, the power steering and power braking go numb. In addition, the timing of the key movement out of the “run” position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may result in the air bags not deploying.
The cars being recalled are the:
- Buick Lacrosse my 2005-2009
- Chevrolet Impala my 2006-2014
- Cadillac Deville my 2000–2005
- Cadillac DTS my 2004–2011
- Buick Lucerne my 2006–2011
- Buick Regal LS & GS my 2004–2005
- Chevy Monte Carlo my 2006–2008
GM will add an insert to the ignition keys of the recalled vehicles to close the slot and leave a 4×6-millimeter hole through which the key ring could be attached. In vehicles where the key cover has been worn, new keys with holes instead of slots will be provided free of charge.
Rework of the keys is expected to begin in the next few weeks. Until the rework or replacement is completed, owners of the recalled cars are urged to remove additional weight from their key chains and drive with only the ignition key.
