Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
What Happened
The ignition switch in your vehicle is the part that helps the engine start and run. In certain models, the weight of items on the key ring could cause the ignition switch to turn off the engine without you realizing it.
Risk if Unfixed
If the ignition switch is turned off unexpectedly, your airbags might not deploy in a crash, and you'll lose power steering and braking, making it harder to control your vehicle and increasing the risk of a serious accident.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the ignition switch with a new one that's designed to prevent this issue, and they'll also give you two new key rings and an insert or cover to prevent the old key from being turned off accidentally. This repair is free, and you'll be notified when it's time to schedule the fix.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Original — Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →