Two days ago, General Motors’ recall, due to faulty ignition switches and poor key functionality, increased to 20 million vehicles.
Months after the Cobalt started a recall with 700,000 vehicles, the issues continue to grow and spread to models dating back almost 10 years.
The most recent focuses on 3.2 million vehicles, all of which may turn off accidentally if the key carries extra weight or if the car experiences a “jarring” incident. This group joins 2.6 million GM vehicles with faulty ignition switches and all Chevy Camaros manufactured since 2010.
For the Camaro specifically, the design causes the vehicle to automatically turn off if the driver’s knee bumps the key.
Along with these, smaller recalls totaling to 166,000 cover faulty automatic transmission shift cables, power steering hoses, and drive shafts. The list of vehicles so far includes the following makes and models:
2005 to 2009 Buick Lacrosse
2006 to 2014 Chevrolet Impala
2000 to 2005 Cadillac Deville
2004 to 2011 Cadillac DTS
2006 to 2011 Buick Lucerne
2004 to 2005 Buick Regal LS and GS
2006 to 2011 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
2005 to 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
2006 to 2011 Chevrolet HHR
2007 to 2010 Pontiac G5
2006 to 2010 Pontiac Solstice
2003 to 2007 Saturn Ion
2007 to 2010 Saturn Sky
2007 Opel GT
2005 to 2006 Pontiac Pursuit
2004 to 2006 Malibu Maxx
2004 to 2006, 2008 to 2009 Chevy Malibu
2005 to 2009 Pontiac G6
2008 to 2009 Saturn Aura
2008 to 2013 GMC Acadia
2008 to 2013 Buick Enclave
2009 to 2013 Chevrolet Traverse
2008 to 2010 Saturn Outlook
2014 Chevrolet Silverado
2014 GMC Sierra
2015 GMC Yukon
2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
2015 Chevrolet Suburban
2009 to 2014 Chevrolet Express
2009 to 2014 GMC Savana
2013 to 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
2013 to 2014 Cadillac XTS
2014 Cadillac ELR
More information about the defects and vehicles can be read at the following link.
As well, GM recommends removing all items from the key ring, including the fob, until ignition recall repairs are made.
The recent recalls resulted in eight crashes and six injuries. This is in addition to 13 deaths and dozens of crashes related to the ignition switch. In all instances, the vehicle lose power, which in turns makes steering and braking difficult; reports further claim the airbag system may not deploy in the event of a crash.
GM engineers allegedly knew of this issue 10 years ago. However, reports dating back four months claim the company decided the small number of crashes did not warrant a recall.
