General Motors has recalled nearly 15 million cars this year over ignition switch issues, but according to a recent Reuters report, the automaker didn’t put a recall out for 2 million other vehicles which use the exact same switch as some of the recalled models.
When GM recalled fifth-generation Camaros and 2014 Cadillac CTS’, it didn’t put a recall out for the 2007-14 Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse as well, which use the same switch design. The same story goes for the recall of the 2006-2013 Impala and the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse. GM didn’t recall the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander and Pontiac Montana either, which use the same switch as the LaCrosse and Impala.
GM spokesman Alan Adler told Reuters that other factors, including what kind of suspension is in a vehicle, play a role in how likely a switch may be accidentally turned off. The unrecalled models were also put through eight tests such as driving over a pot hole with a key ring weighed down by heavy objects and bumping the switch with the driver’s knee. The unrecalled models passed, while the recalled models failed.
“We do not believe there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in vehicles we did not recall,” Adler said.
The NHTSA isn’t quite as convinced. The safety watchdog group said it is “in communication with GM about this,” but didn’t provide any further information on the matter.
Former NHTSA project engineer and automotive engineering consultant Sheryar Durrani told Reuters design differences, such as the location of the ignition switch, could mean some vehicles pose more of a danger to consumers than others.
The third recall encompassed more than 6 million vehicles including all 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impalas and 1997-2005 Chevrolet Malibus. However GM left out the 2000-2002 Chevrolet Lumina, the 1997-1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass and the 1997-1998 Oldsmobile Achieva, which use the same ignition switch. Adler told Reuters the Uplander, Montana, Lumina, Cutlass and Achieva were not recalled as they passed all necessary tests.
Comment
My 2013 Buick Enclave is now sitting in my driveway with a dead battery because the ignition switch would not release the key. I called the Buick customer hot line yesterday and they told me the defective ignition switch was not covered in the massive GM recall – hmmm. She recommended I take the car to the dealer and have it repaired – at my cost – because it was not safe to continue driving the car, totally missing the point that I couldn’t remove the key! ( I assume she was reading from a prepared script) Now this morning the car won’t start so now I need a jump start to even get it started to go anywhere. I do like the Enclave but for Buick to deny the problem of the defective ignition switch would not be covered by the recall is really a shoddy business practice – I would have expected more from GM and especially Buick!