GM Will Fix Or Replace Ignition Keys

An Additional 3.16 Million Vehicles Will Receive Repairs

On Wednesday, June 16, 2014, General Motors (GM) announced that it will fix or replace ignition keys on an additional 3.16 million vehicles. The additional vehicles are from model years 2000-2014 and cover a range of models ranging from Buicks to Chevys.

The vehicles are being recalled because an internal GM safety review revealed that the ignition switch could be pushed out of gear and impact power steering and power breaking. The ignition switch could be impacted if the key is carrying additional weight on the key ring and a sudden or jarring movement occurs.

Most of the vehicles that have been recalled are no longer in production. The only recalled vehicle still in production is the Chevrolet Impala. The latest round of recalls should begin work at GM dealerships across the country within the next few weeks.

As a precautionary measure, owners whose vehicles have not yet been fixed are encouraged to drive with only the ignition key and no additional key rings or keys to weigh down the ignition switch.

The company is recalling:

• Buick Lacrosse
  • [MY 2005-2009]
• Chevrolet Impala
  • [MY 2006-2014]
• Cadillac Deville
  • [MY 2000-2005]
• Cadillac DTS
  • [MY 2007-2011]
• Buick Lucerne
  • [MY 2006-2011]
• Buick Regal LS & GS
  • [MY 2005]
• Chevy Monte Carlo
  • [MY 2006-2008]

Reuters conducted an independent review and analysis of government crash data and discovered that “at least 74 people” have died in car accidents involving General Motors vehicles. The Reuters article notes that the additional fatalities that were identified were very similar to the 13 deaths announced by GM to have been caused by malfunctioning ignition switches.

The Reuters report relied on data available in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). It is unclear whether data from FARS reflects the cause of the fatalities. What is clear though is that the 13 deaths cited by GM were derived from the lawsuits filed against the auto giant, and the company has refused to say whether it has or will consider data from FARS in its safety analysis.

The company’s awareness that there may be multiple safety defects may have figured highly in the decision to announce another round of voluntary recalls. In addition to the 3.16 million ignition key recalls, the company also announced an additional 165,000 recalls for vehicles with suspected transmission, power steering or air bags defects.

GM announced that the additional 3.16 million recalls will require GM to take a $700 million hit during the second quarter.

To see a full list of the recalled vehicles, consult the GM Press Release.