GM Recalls 8.45M Cars Over Ignition Key Rotation Problems

General Motors (GM) has announced it’s largest auto recall of the year, pulling more than eight million vehicles from the market worldwide due to unintended ignition key rotations that may have caused at least three deaths. 

GM CEO Mary Barra announced an ignition key rotation recall on Monday,  which affects vehicles dating from 1997 to the present and includes some Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Pontiac and Cadillac vehicles.

The world’s largest automaker issued a total of six recalls on June 30, affecting 7,554,458 GM vehicles sold in the U.S., and 8,448,005 sold worldwide.

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GM Ignition Recall Lawsuits

In 2014, GM Recalled 2.6M Vehicles Due to Risk of Airbag Failure from Defective Ignition Switches.

This is the latest in a series of GM recalls issued this year, with nearly 30 million vehicles in all recalled since the beginning of 2014.

The recalls cost the company $1.3 billion in the first quarter of 2014, and Barra said the company expects the recall costs for the second quarter to come in at about $1.2 billion. Barra said the expenses were necessary to rehabilitate the company into a world leader in auto safety.

“We undertook what I believe is the most comprehensive safety review in the history of our company because nothing is more important than the safety of our customers,” Barra said in the press release. “Our customers deserve more than we delivered in these vehicles. That has hardened my resolve to set a new industry standard for vehicle safety, quality and excellence.”

The largest of the latest recalls is due to unintended ignition key rotations, which can cause a vehicle to stall while in motion. The recall affects 7.36 million cars sold domestically, and 8.2 million sold world wide and includes the following vehicles:

  • 1997-2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  • 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue
  • 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  • 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am
  • 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala
  • 2000-2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  • 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  • 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS
  • 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX

GM grouped the Cadillacs as a separate recall, but gave the exact same reason of unintended ignition key rotation, and did not explain why they were considered a different recall than the other vehicles.

According to the press release, GM is aware of at least seven auto accidents, eight injuries and three fatalities that may be linked to the recalled vehicles, but noted that there was no conclusive evidence that the accidents, injuries or deaths were caused by the ignition switch defects.

In addition, GM is recalling 181,984 domestically sold 2005-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender, Saab 9-7x, and 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL vehicles that may have an electrical short in the driver’s door module. This could disable the power door lock and window and could also cause the module to overheat.

The company is also recalling 9,371 domestic 2007-2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD vehicles equipped with auxiliary batteries because an electric overload could cause a vehicle fire that could damage the electrical center cover and wiring.

Another recall warns that insulation on the engine block heater power cord can become damaged during cold conditions, affecting 2,990 2011-2014 Chevy Cruze, 2012-2014 Chevy Sonic, 2013-2014 Chevy Trax, Buick Encore and Verano vehicles.

Another 106 2014 Chevrolet Camaro and Impala, Buick Regal and Cadillac XTS vehicles are being recalled because they do not have a “Superhold” joint fastener torqued to the proper specifications.

GM Ignition Switch Controversy

This latest round of recalls came just hours after attorneys for the company announced the creation of a settlement fund for victims who were injured and killed in auto accidents linked to a GM ignition switch recall.

More than 2.5 million Chevy, Pontiac and Saturn vehicles have been recalled this year due to defective ignition switches, which can cause the vehicles to shut off and disable the air bags if heavy key chains are used or if the ignition is jarred, such as may occur in a crash.

The company said that GM settlements will start at $1 million for families of individuals who died in auto accidents linked to the defective ignition switches, and those with permanent injuries requiring medical care may get much more.

Federal and independent investigations have revealed that the company knew about the ignition switch problem since at least 2002, but failed to take action to protect customers until this year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration fined GM $35 million over the ignition switch recall, and GM’s own internal investigation said the incident revealed a “pattern of incompetence” within the company.

Originally, GM said it was aware of 13 deaths linked to the original ignition switch recall. But today the company boosted that number to 16 deaths and 61 crashes. Federal investigators say that number will likely continue to rise.

At least 15 different GM ignition switch lawsuits have already been filed, and the number of cases is expected to grow.

In early June, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued an order consolidating all economic lawsuits against GM under U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman in federal court in New York for pretrial proceedings.

Photo Courtesy of Mrs. FireMom via Flickr Creative Commons

19 Comments

  • RustyFebruary 2, 2024 at 2:18 pm

    Would the recall make my 2004 Chevy Malibu classic go into theft mode every now and than

  • HeatherAugust 21, 2023 at 11:16 am

    My car has the recall for the ignition switch key rotation and it has died on me multiple times just pulling away from a stop sign or trying to pull out onto the highway, it has died going into the highway three times with my three kids in the car. It will not start now I have contacted diff dealerships for GM and Chevy and nobody will help me. I'm beyond pissed I have three kids that go out of to[Show More]My car has the recall for the ignition switch key rotation and it has died on me multiple times just pulling away from a stop sign or trying to pull out onto the highway, it has died going into the highway three times with my three kids in the car. It will not start now I have contacted diff dealerships for GM and Chevy and nobody will help me. I'm beyond pissed I have three kids that go out of town in Preston to school and need my car.

  • TrudyJanuary 26, 2023 at 3:44 pm

    Is my daughters 2014 Chevy impala part of these recalls

  • CassieSeptember 27, 2022 at 7:04 pm

    I have a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix & I have been having nothing but trouble with this car & now everything makes sense about the recalls with the key rotation ignition switch I've already had someone hit me because my car stalled out in the middle of traffic I could have died & I had my children with me so this is totally uncalled for it makes me scared to trust any car makers because of all of thes[Show More]I have a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix & I have been having nothing but trouble with this car & now everything makes sense about the recalls with the key rotation ignition switch I've already had someone hit me because my car stalled out in the middle of traffic I could have died & I had my children with me so this is totally uncalled for it makes me scared to trust any car makers because of all of theses recalls.

  • JacqieApril 19, 2022 at 8:38 am

    I do not own this vehicle anymore. How do I get the recall notices to stop?

  • UbronaNovember 6, 2020 at 4:37 am

    Who do you call, or go to for your car to get fixed? I have a 2006 Cadillac CTS an I have the ignition key rotation problem. Please help me so I can get it fixed.

  • RachelFebruary 17, 2020 at 5:28 am

    I’ve never had a problem with Chevy until now. I got my 2004 Chevy classic from my grandma. This is my 4th Chevy in 20 years. I just received the recall for the unintended ignition key rotation. The driver side window screeches when it goes down and back up. The power switch panel on the door is popping out. It has started making the the clicking noise behind the dash. It’s so bad sometimes it act[Show More]I’ve never had a problem with Chevy until now. I got my 2004 Chevy classic from my grandma. This is my 4th Chevy in 20 years. I just received the recall for the unintended ignition key rotation. The driver side window screeches when it goes down and back up. The power switch panel on the door is popping out. It has started making the the clicking noise behind the dash. It’s so bad sometimes it activates the dinging. I replaced the hazard switch and it’s a little better. Going to replace the signal switch next to see if that stops it. Little scared to drive long distances after reading what can happen if car shuts off while I’m driving.

  • vivOctober 8, 2017 at 11:01 pm

    They continue to send me these 14350 unintended ignition key rotation post cards. My car is 18 years old. You are going to tell me this is a problem after 18 years? I look at it this way, first after a life time of owning only General Motor vehicles, I do not trust them these days. Secondly, if I were to be hurt in this car, I would be dead. My whole body would be crushed behind the wheel. I [Show More]They continue to send me these 14350 unintended ignition key rotation post cards. My car is 18 years old. You are going to tell me this is a problem after 18 years? I look at it this way, first after a life time of owning only General Motor vehicles, I do not trust them these days. Secondly, if I were to be hurt in this car, I would be dead. My whole body would be crushed behind the wheel. I have more issues with the windows falling into the doors on this vehicle. Now the driver's window will not open! What if I had to get out of this vehicle in a hurry? I am stuck in this 1999 Grand AM SE vehicle. To top it off in 2005 the windshield was hit by a rock. I pay for insurance and that lousy Geico sent out an idiot. The car has always been garaged in Phoenix, AZ. until I sold that home. It now sits in the elements so the windshield leaked water into the car. In 2015 a new windshield was put on this vehicle in Denver, Colorado due to a life time warranty on windshield glass, so don't let them fool you, it is warranty regardless!!!! The idiot did not glue the window in correctly. Meanwhile they truly destroyed the molding on the driver and passenger side of the window. Now the moldings flip out in the air while you drive. I want to say that mankind is a bunch of misfits. They actually get paid to be stupid. They are greedy and careless at another's expense. If I get killed in this vehicle do you actually think they would care? This is why the world is in the shape it is! Right now we are on the corporation level of failure's, next we will enter onto the insurance arena. I can't wait till it's all said and done because the government is last. It will take a while, but all these things will come to pass-- it's been 7 years in the making thus far. America, the once great nation might ever awaken from it's greedy, false, fake, cheating, lying dreams to stop the rotten egg from bobbin.

  • JocelynSeptember 6, 2017 at 4:26 am

    Took my 2001 Intrigue to have keys fixed according to recall 14350. Ever since the fix~sometimes turn signals won't work~sometimes headlights won't come on~sometimes key won't turn at all(jammed) WORST: Won't start at all. Wait 15-20min. It starts! Sonoma Chevrolet couldn't find problem (had it for 3days!! Only 64,000 miles. Broke my heart! My deceased mom's car-beautiful. I've been dealing with t[Show More]Took my 2001 Intrigue to have keys fixed according to recall 14350. Ever since the fix~sometimes turn signals won't work~sometimes headlights won't come on~sometimes key won't turn at all(jammed) WORST: Won't start at all. Wait 15-20min. It starts! Sonoma Chevrolet couldn't find problem (had it for 3days!! Only 64,000 miles. Broke my heart! My deceased mom's car-beautiful. I've been dealing with this since May 2015. I'm 66 and poor. I'm stuck??☹

  • NasirJune 19, 2017 at 8:39 pm

    I have a 2005 impala and when it ran the water run down into my driver side floor every time. My girlfriend dad car does the same shit but on his passenger side

  • DaphneApril 21, 2017 at 6:36 am

    My 07 Monte Carlo also has the clicking all times of day and night on off it doesn't matter it clicks. My friend has the same Carano the same problem. It's killed 2 batteries in less then a year and now it won't start having my mechanic come by on Sat hoping for some answers.

  • SeanMarch 5, 2017 at 10:08 pm

    I have 2000 Grand Am GT. I have recieved recalls in the mail for different things, wich my car was having problems with at that exact same time. Passlock security, turning signals, fuel system etc. Every single dealership I took my vehicle to said my car wasnt part of that recall even though I recieved a notice in the mail an my car was doing it. I called GM and got the run around. Still to this d[Show More]I have 2000 Grand Am GT. I have recieved recalls in the mail for different things, wich my car was having problems with at that exact same time. Passlock security, turning signals, fuel system etc. Every single dealership I took my vehicle to said my car wasnt part of that recall even though I recieved a notice in the mail an my car was doing it. I called GM and got the run around. Still to this day i have not had my passlock fixed. Today I recieved a recall for "unintended ignition key rotation"causing the car to die. Last week with both my kids in the car 9yr old daughter and 11yr old son. My car died and came inches from being killed. I wonder what the dealerships are going to tell me tomorrow?

  • stevenNovember 5, 2016 at 8:09 pm

    my deville was taken in for the key rotation and the problem is now worse. so now what

  • RussellMay 20, 2016 at 6:37 am

    I have an 05 Chevy Malibu classic and I've had my steering wheel lock up twice both times my ignition shut off but the second time as of 2 1/2 weeks ago the second time cause me to crash into a Lightpost because my steering the lock to the right…… I had a minor in my car... a friend of mine if she would've gotten hurt there would've been a lot of issues with them I have the window problems, my air[Show More]I have an 05 Chevy Malibu classic and I've had my steering wheel lock up twice both times my ignition shut off but the second time as of 2 1/2 weeks ago the second time cause me to crash into a Lightpost because my steering the lock to the right…… I had a minor in my car... a friend of mine if she would've gotten hurt there would've been a lot of issues with them I have the window problems, my airbag light is on, and from this crash I have to pay for a new control arm on the right side a new fender a new bumper and serpentine belt pulley I was told to fix everything would cost me right around $400+ and I feel as though GM is taking advantage of everybody just to put money in their pocket I think this is selfish, incompetent, an a neglective act and it disappoints me to The upmost highest level almost 3 years an I'm just getting the recall notice for my car an it may of 2016

  • JacobApril 17, 2016 at 9:28 am

    I just got something in the mail saying to call them for this I got a 2003 malibu and got many problems I got the stupid ticking to in my car i love chevy and it disapoints me how there cars and trucks are made I know alot of LOYAL chevy customers who have problems with there cars so scary to not feel safe in your car these days I can't afford to just get another car im young and this is my first [Show More]I just got something in the mail saying to call them for this I got a 2003 malibu and got many problems I got the stupid ticking to in my car i love chevy and it disapoints me how there cars and trucks are made I know alot of LOYAL chevy customers who have problems with there cars so scary to not feel safe in your car these days I can't afford to just get another car im young and this is my first car bought it on my own spent most of my money and need the rest to get my own place

  • JeannieMarch 15, 2016 at 2:13 pm

    I own a 2010 Impala. I've enjoyed my car except for the "ticking". My hair dresser has the same car and same problem! She calls it the Inpala tick!! I've called the dealership and they stated its the actuator fans (something like that) under the dash on both sides. It would cost me $600 to have them fix it!! So I've opted to listening to ticking for two years now. I keep hoping GM will recall this[Show More]I own a 2010 Impala. I've enjoyed my car except for the "ticking". My hair dresser has the same car and same problem! She calls it the Inpala tick!! I've called the dealership and they stated its the actuator fans (something like that) under the dash on both sides. It would cost me $600 to have them fix it!! So I've opted to listening to ticking for two years now. I keep hoping GM will recall this problem!! Anyone else have the "Impala Tick"? Urg.....

  • JohnDecember 2, 2015 at 1:04 am

    Problems w. Electric windows, I had to get fixed, now again one back window is still messed up, all my lights come on at same time, literally every light, everything I read about that this recall can cause I'm having problems with. This needs to be addressed.

  • JhonMarch 24, 2015 at 5:02 am

    My Chevrolet trax 2014 doesn't want to turn off I keep turning it on and off and nothing's happening it just keeps running it's probably gonna run all night till it runs out of gas so idk what the problem is first time this has happened

  • EileenJuly 25, 2014 at 7:23 am

    My 02 Pontiac Grand AM has had 68 at least problems 11 recalls an another110 complaints. Some of GMs files seem to hide and theta lie. MY LAST 2 Oldsmobile an Pontiac had same issues. Friend of mine who has 97 AM an couple in past have window problems. This is at least my 3rd Car that has costly ex an interior electrical problems. Headlites,turn signals,etc Hazard switch an ,Orwhole Columbia need [Show More]My 02 Pontiac Grand AM has had 68 at least problems 11 recalls an another110 complaints. Some of GMs files seem to hide and theta lie. MY LAST 2 Oldsmobile an Pontiac had same issues. Friend of mine who has 97 AM an couple in past have window problems. This is at least my 3rd Car that has costly ex an interior electrical problems. Headlites,turn signals,etc Hazard switch an ,Orwhole Columbia need fixed. NOT cheap. I KNOW a mechanic who fixes quite a few an both problems at once. Had recall in past about fuel system .could blow up. Leaking oil an power steering fluid. HAVE sunroof an when Rains.leaks on both sides, but not from window.My floorboards get 3 inches of water. GM or(General Murderers) as I Call Them say expired recalls on some of my issues. Told them had previous owner.I had no idea till rdcdntly I was driving a time bomb! Read the ignition could start fire. They say expired, or it isnt recall,or isnt active recall right now even though onlist. One lie after lie. For yearS keep putting out one dangerous car over an over. I Am a 59 yr. Old disabled woman. There is so much more, cant ksep track. PAST 02s front brKe problems, cant remember if recall but I Had to replace front brKes twice in a year. MY mechanic was very surprized. Cost me ig bucks for a gal on fixed income.They say expired recall or problems,but murder has. No statue of limitations,!Called GM July 5th when saw recall for my car. A guy said not on list an then said ignition switch. Gave info since had previous owner. Said I would get notice in mail in 2 weeks, which would have been bout week ogo. SAID wanted loaner. Afraid to drive. Hadcar accident years ago. He said rent an I said no this isnt my fault. So he said ok,wouldwould fax info to dealer in my town When I called dealership said nothing faxed on loaner and knew of no recall. CLWX GM back on 12th, Some gal said not all Of 02.Grand AM were on list. Mine not. I said 02 is 02.she said get parts from differsnt places an mine not. On list. Called, backTues or Wed 23rd July, Got hung up on. Then talked to guy an offered to put me thru to boss. He past me on to another liar.but not a lying manager. JusJust another person answering calls. THEY HAVE TONS OF JOBS AT Least. This gal number 5 or 6 have talked to even though have acase number. NATIONAL Highway safety division didnt sddsee recall on it. Now I need a moment to remember what this gal said. Has been so hard to keep track of. Asked her to read baxk from 1st call on July 5th. She said the first guy Ryan Think, have it written down.She said he didnt have me down for ignition switch. Bur for rotating ignition, neither wereon my 02 as a recall. I ASKED HOW ONE PART CAN HAVE 2 OR 3 PROBLEMS. So the onethat cN start ignition on fire, forgot what read bout that I ,said if manager does not call me will find lawyer to sue. HOPE SOMEONE CAN HELP ME. No wonder Grand AM 04 or so changed name of car, so the sneaks could continue on their greedy money hungry bail out money taking rats. Could continue on ripping off an killing koyL customers like me who got taken. MY 2 CARS B FOR THIS WENT TO HELL IN A HAND BASKET. And I want what is coming to me, b for they kill me!

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