— At this point most logical people would ask why anyone would buy a car from General Motors after the automaker announced another 3.3 million cars have defective ignition keys and switches that can easily move out of position.
These cars are in addition to the 2.6 million cars GM recalled because the ignition switch can move out of the "run" position. A simple bump in the road or any items on a key ring can move the switch and cause a loss of power steering and power braking. More importantly, the air bags will fail in a crash because the key isn't in the "run" position.
Additionally, GM is recalling 165,000 vehicles in five separate recalls, none related to an ignition switch.
Defective Ignition Keys/Switch
GM said the newest batch of 3.3 million cars go all the way back to model year 2000 up to year 2014, with the defect currently traced to eight crashes and six injuries.
The recalled cars include the:
- 2005–2009 Buick Lacrosse
- 2006–2014 Chevrolet Impala
- 2000–2005 Cadillac Deville
- 2007–2011 Cadillac DTS
- 2006–2011 Buick Lucerne
- 2005 Buick Regal LS & GS
- 2006–2008 Chevy Monte Carlo
GM says the weight of the key ring is again the problem and is advising owners of the recalled cars to remove all items from the key and use only the key in the ignition. The current key is slotted (below left) and GM says that's the problem dealers will fix by adding an insert to the key to close the slot. The insert will leave a 4x6-millimeter hole for a key ring (below right.)
GM will provide new keys for the cars if the key cover is worn out.
Incredibly, just days ago GM recalled 511,000 model year 2010-2014 Chevy Camaros because bumping the key FOB can turn the key, thereby turning the ignition switch out of the "run" position.
Additional to the recall of 3.3 million cars is the announcement of five separate recalls involving 165,770 vehicles.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, GMC Sierra, Sierra 2500/3500
Over 57,000 trucks will be called back because power steering fluid could leak and cause a loss of power steering without warning. The trucks are the model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 HD, GMC Sierra HD, and GMC Sierra 2500/3500.
GM says the power steering hose clamps could detach from the power steering pump. A detached hose will cause a rapid leak of power steering fluid and a loss of power steering and Hydro Boost brakes. A driver will still have manual braking abilities but the truck will be a pain to handle.
GM dealers will inspect and make sure the hose clamps are properly attached.
Cadillac ATS, Cadillac CTS
GM is recalling over 68,000 model year 2013-14 Cadillac ATS and 21,863 model year 2014 Cadillac CTS sedans because of transmission problems. The cars have automatic transmissions with a shift cable that can come loose from the transmission or shifter brackets. GM says they are unaware of any crashes or injuries, but if the cable comes out of the brackets the transmission won't shift in or out of gear.
Cadillac CTS
In a separate Cadillac recall, almost 17,000 model year 2011 Cadillac CTS sedans with all-wheel-drive have air bags that could deploy without the need of a crash. Now, try to follow this.
GM says a gasket leak where the constant velocity joint meets the rear propeller shaft can cause the rear propeller shaft to separate or become loose. If the shaft touches the floor of the car above, the contact can and cause the rollover sensor to trigger the roof rail air bags.
What are the odds of that happening? So far, GM is aware of 15 unintended air bag deployments, but the automaker hasn't yet calculated the injury toll.
Chevrolet Corvette
Over 700 model year 2014 Chevy Corvettes with optional "competition sport seats" are recalled because the cars have defects that will require a complete redesign of an air bag. GM says an unbelted child can block the passenger seat side air bag vent in a crash.
GM doesn't know of any accidents or injuries but is warning customers to not allow small children in the front seat until the car is fixed. GM didn't say when the repairs will be made but the remedy to the problem is to replace the air bag with a new redesigned air bag.
Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra
About 184 model year 2014-15 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups have floor mats that need to be returned to GM dealers. The trucks have vinyl floors and all-weather floor mats that should be secured to each other, but aren't.
GM says the mats can slip under the feet of the driver and cause a safety hazard. The mats should be returned for a full refund.
General Motors hasn't released all recall information yet, including when each recall will begin. CarComplaints.com will update you with further developments.
Read Complaints or File Your Own
These vehicles are not being recalled for nothing. Read what owners have said about the vehicles listed in the GM recalls, or simply file your own complaint here.