With the recent announcement that General Motors will be recalling 1.6 million of its vehicles, we’ve been getting a lot of calls and emails asking questions about the GM ignition switch recall.
I wanted to put this article together to cover the most frequently asked questions about the recall, and let you know what to do if your vehicle is one being recalled.
GM Ignition Switch Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What vehicles are a part of the GM Ignition Switch Recall?
A. The vehicles that are being recalled are:
- 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
- 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR
- 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada Only)
- 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice
- 2007 Pontiac G5
- 2003-2007 Saturn Ion
- 2007 Saturn Sky
Please note that not every single one of these vehicles that were produced and sold are being recalled.
We can help you determine if your specific vehicle is a part of this recall. Call us at (877) 997-0012 and we’ll be able to look your vehicle for you.
Q. Are these vehicles safe to drive?
A. There is a risk, under certain conditions, that your ignition switch may move out of the “run” position, resulting in a partial loss of electrical power and turning off the engine.
This risk increases if your key ring is carrying added weight (such as more keys or the key fob) or your vehicle experiences rough road conditions or other jarring or impact related events.
If the ignition switch is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury or fatality.
Q. Should I take everything off my key ring then?
A. Yes. Until the safety recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that you use the ignition key and nothing else (including fob) on your key ring.
Q. How do I know if my vehicle specifically is affected by the GM ignition switch recall?
A. If you are affected by this recall, GM will be mailing you a letter the week of March 10 informing you of the recall. You will also get a second letter informing you when you can contact dealers for repair appointments.
If you have not received a letter, but own one of the recalled vehicles, call us at (877) 997-0012 and we’ll be able to look your vehicle up by its VIN to see if it is included in the recall.
Q. When can I reasonably expect to be able to get my car fixed?
A. General Motors expects the first parts to be available beginning in April, with parts availability improving as time goes on.
GM will be working with you on an individual, case by case basis to minimize inconvenience associated with the recall. GM is also working diligently with their suppliers to develop and validate replacement parts and to have increased production in place to meet demand.
After you receive your second letter from GM stating that you can contact your local GM Dealer for repairs, call us at (877) 997-0012 and we’ll schedule your recall repair appointment with the LaFontaine GM Dealership nearest you.
Q. If my Pontiac or Saturn vehicle is a part of the recall, where should I take it to have the recall repairs performed?
A. All LaFontaine GM Dealerships can perform the ignition switch recall service on any GM vehicle, including Pontiac and Saturn:
- LaFontaine Buick GMC in Ann Arbor, Michigan
- LaFontaine Cadillac Buick GMC in Highland, Michigan
- LaFontaine Chevrolet in Dexter, MI
Q. Do I have to pay for the repair?
A. The ignition switch repair will be done at no cost to you.
Q. What exactly is the repair?
A. The ignition switch will be replaced.
Q. How long does the repair take?
A. Normally this repair can be performed in less than an hour. However with the increased volume of repairs we’re expecting, it may take longer than usual to perform the repair.
We highly recommend that you schedule an appointment so we can minimize the time spent waiting for the repair to be performed.
Call (877) 997-0012 if you’d like to schedule an appointment.
Q. Will I be able to get a loaner vehicle while my car is being repaired?
A. GM has provided us a means for providing our customers with a courtesy vehicle if needed on a case-by-case vehicle.
However, we expect the majority of these repairs to be complete during our hours of operations and without much delay.
Q. Once the ignition switch is replaced, can I put all my keys and fobs back on the key ring?
A. As a matter of practical car safety, we recommend that you only have your ignition key and single key fob on your key ring.
Q. What if I’m afraid or don’t feel safe driving my car while I wait for the repair parts to arrive?
A. If you are concerned about operating your vehicle, each of our LaFontaine GM Dealerships has a number of courtesy vehicles available for use until the parts are made available and your vehicle can be repaired.
Please note we’ll do our best to accommodate all our guests, however our supply of available courtesy vehicles may be limited.
Q. What should I do if I am experiencing the described condition or have already experienced it?
A. Call us at (877) 997-0012 and we will call GM Roadside Assistance on your behalf to have your vehicle towed to the LaFontaine GM Dealership nearest you.
We just need your VIN, contact information and vehicle pickup address to make the call to Roadside Assistance for you.
Q. If I don’t feel safe in my vehicle, will GM just buy my car back?
General Motors is not offering to buy back your vehicle as a remedy for this recall. We are confident that once the ignition recall switch is replaced, your vehicle will be safe to drive once again.
However, if you’d like to discuss options for getting out of your recalled vehicle and into a new one, we’d be more than happy to assist you.
GM is also offering affected owners a $500 incentive to use towards the purchase or lease of a new vehicle if you so choose to go that route.
Q. What if I have previous repair expenses related to the ignition switch, will I be reimbursed?
A. Yes. You will be reimbursed for prior ignition switch repairs, even if you no longer own the recalled vehicle.
The letter advising you that parts are available for the recall repairs will also include instructions on how to request reimbursement for ignition switch repairs you have paid for.
Please note, that if the vehicle previously had the ignition switch replaced, it still must be replaced again as part of this recall.
Let Us Know How We Can Help
If you still have questions about the GM ignition switch recall, we’d be more than happy to take the time to answer your lingering concerns. Feel free to call us directly at (877) 997-0012. Thank you!
