Is Your Car on GM’s Re call List?
To correct a hazardous condition with ignition switches, General Motors (GM) is recalling more than 1.6 million older-model vehicles. Dealers will replace the ignition switch to correct the problem. Until this condition is corrected, drivers should use only the ignition key with nothing else on the key ring.
Recalled vehicles:
- 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
- 2005-2007 Pontiac G5
- 2003-2007 Saturn Ion
- 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR
- 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice
- 2007 Saturn Sky
While you’re making sure you’ve got your safety issues covered, check to see that your vehicle is covered by a valid car insurance policy.
The problem with the ignition switch: the ignition key may unintentionally move or switch to the “accessory” or “off” position, turning off the engine and most of the electrical components on the vehicle. This recall concerns reported incidents involving frontal crashes, in which the ignition switch condition may have caused or contributed to the non-deployment of the frontal airbags.
GM states they are recalling these vehicles “because the ignition switch torque performance may not meet GM specifications. If the torque performance is not to specification, and the key ring is carrying added weight or the vehicle goes off road or experiences some other jarring event, the ignition switch may inadvertently be moved out of the “run” position.” GM said the new ignition switch will be available for dealers to order starting April 7.
In addition, three separate GM recalls for other problems are ongoing. The U.S. recalls affect:
• 303,000 units of the 2009-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans. GM says it will rework the material used in their instrument panels to satisfy U.S. crash standards meant to protect unbelted passengers. GM has stopped delivery of the vans until they have resolved the problem.
• 63,900 units of the 2013-2014 Cadillac XTS full-size luxury sedan. GM says it needs to fix a problem with brake booster corrosion that can lead to overheating and pose a fire danger.
• 1.18 million units of the 2008-2013 Buick Enclave, 2008-2013 GMC Acadia, 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook. The wiring harness for the seat-mounted side airbags can get pinched, turning on a warning light in the instrument panel. Ignoring the warning “will eventually result in the non-deployment of the side impact restraints,” including side airbags.
Don’t neglect correcting any safety issues with your car – if you fail to have a known safety defect fixed, your car insurance may not cover you if the defect was responsible for an accident.
Do you think GM’s response was too slow? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
