GM News: GM Issues Recall For About 3,300 Pickups and SUVs Over Ignition Switches

[William Maley]

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General Motors has issued a recall for 3,296 pickups and SUVs for a problem for the ignition switch.

 

The Associated Press reports that the key in the switch can get stuck in the "start" position and then slip to "accessory" if bumped. This is due to the lock gears in the ignition have a larger diameter than the specifications allow. If this happens, this will cause the loss of power assistance to the brakes and steering, along with possibility of no airbag deployment. This seems very familiar to another ignition switch problem on older GM compacts last year.

 

The models affected include,

• 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• 2015 GMC Sierra 1500
• 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty
• 2015 GMC Sierra Heavy Duty
• 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
• 2015 Chevrolet Suburban
  

Unlike the recall last year which caused GM to pay a large amount in fines due to the problem being kept under wraps, this one was quickly identified. The AP says an employee had this problem and notified officials at the automaker via the Speak Up for Safety program. GM found five other cases of this fault, but no injuries or deaths were reported.

 

GM says in a statement that dealers will replace the ignition-lock housing on the affected models.

 

Source: Associated Press via The Detroit News, General Motors

 

Press Release is on Page 2

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GM Statement
General Motors is recalling 3,073 full-size trucks from the 2014 and 2015 model years in the U.S. Some of these vehicles may have an ignition lock actuator gear with an outer diameter that exceeds specifications, which may make turning the ignition key difficult. The ignition key could get stuck in the "start" position. This may be more likely at higher interior ambient temperatures. If the vehicle is driven with the key stuck in the "start" position, and the vehicle experiences a significant jarring event or the vehicle's interior temperature cools, the ignition lock cylinder could move out of the "start" position, rotate past the "run" position, and move into the "accessory" position, leading to loss of power steering assist, power brakes and potentially air bag deployment in certain crashes. Dealers will replace the ignition lock housing.
The affected vehicles are the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado LD, and GMC Sierra LD models and 2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD, Suburban, Tahoe, and 2015 GMC Sierra HD. GM is aware of five shutoffs but no crashes, injuries or fatalities related to this condition. Including Canada, Mexico and exports, the total recall population is 3,296.

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[G. David Felt]

So love to see the OEMs stepping up and doing this immediately. Give me much more confidence in them.