General Motors is offering to fix certain Chevrolet Cobalts, Saturn Ions, Pontiac G5s and other affected models which may have an ignition switch cylinder that keys can get stuck in, Automotive News reports. This problem affects the same 2.2 million small cars recalled due to an ignition switch which may slip out of position while the car is in motion, disabling the brakes airbags and other crucial systems.
GM said it isn’t issuing a recall for the problem, as it doesn’t pose a safety risk to the customer. The key will only get stuck in the ignition if the car is stationary, which may cause the battery to go flat if it cannot be moved out of the “accessory” position to the “off” position. The problem is reportedly caused by the automatic transmission shifter, which doesn’t transmit an electrical signal to allow the switch to be turned off.
Yesterday GM notified customers of a “special coverage adjustment” that will offer a free fix to any owners whose cars are experiencing the stuck key problem. The automaker estimates the defect affects about 3 or 4 percent of the 2.2 million cars, all of which are automatics. Around 1.4 million of the affected cars have already been repaired under GM’s ignition switch recall.
The stuck key repair could take about 3 hours depending on the model, with GM advising dealers to provide a courtesy car to customers while the necessary fixes are made. Letters will be mailed to the 2.2 million owners next week informing them the warranty for the fix is good for 15 years after the car’s sale, making all affected models eligible for repair.
Models with a key-sticking issue, AN says, include the 2005-2010 Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevy HHR, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2005-2006 Pontiac G4/Pursuit, 2007-2010 Saturn Sky and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion.
Comments
Does that include the cost to tow the car to a GM dealership when you can’t get the key out and cannot start the car?
This was a much more common issue and complaint than the other ignition issues. In all the years I had read the HHR forum I never once heard anyone say that their key kicked off but I have seen many where the key got stuck. Most just drove it to the dealer and got it fixed.
They were not happy but few were stranded unless they had some poor planning on stopping where they may kill the battery.
Maybe I’m one of the lucky ones…but I haven’t experienced any of these problems with my Sky. It (the ignition) was replaced under the recall…though it wasn’t a problem for me.And I never had the key or ignition get stuck.I’m@ 99,655 miles…and the only part that has ever been replaced due to failure is a thermostat. That was at ~80,000 miles..and…it happens…great car…never a problem…And I’ve had a Hahn Stage II turbokit on it for the last ~20,000 miles…GREAT CAR!
Not so much luck as neither issue is as common as the media likes to make it out. A lot of them were made but very few have had either issue.
The stuck key is the only one we have ever seen on HHR web site. The other issue was never mentioned till it was reported and I have not seen a post where anyone has claimed it happened to them.
God forbid you press the key-release in the bottom of the steering column…
I’ve had it happen in my Cobalt – but only because I’ve made it do it on purpose, never on it’s own (i.e. if I need to, for some reason, have the car in drive but the key out). Just like how I’ve never experienced the recall “issue”. Probably because I wasn’t driving drunk, off-road at high speeds without seat belts (aka, I haven’t activated natural-selection mode) – and the lowered suspension and Poly mounts haven’t done it either, so….
There is no Key Release on the bottom of the steering column in my 2014 Captiva. The key gets stuck, literally, every time we drive it, and the GM dealership has not been able to fix the problem.
Install a quick disconnect on your negative battery terminal, then when the key is stuck disconnect the battery then reconnect and the key will turn and release. Mine is manual so I do have to open the hood, turn the knob off and on, then it releases. All I lose is the time setting. The root problem seems to be a switch on the shifter mechanism, or the plunger behind the ignition key/ switch.
2008 Saturn Vue XR which became the Chevy Captiva when Saturn discontinued operations.
To MP81 God forbid..you make an assumption like this..You may not have this issue with the electronics not allowing the key to disengage but I do..I do not drink so I am not drunk..I am not stupid but I can recognize it when someone is,
Namely you. What gives you the feeling you can insult a person’s intelligence because they have an Issue that you don’t? That is plain ignotance and you wear it well. Sorry, but I am quite offended by your personal assumptions here.
To the best of my recollection , I recall Delphi’s response to the question about the ignition switch build quality and they said that they met the original specs called for , but GM afterwards revised the specs which produced a weaker spring . Perhaps to save more money , who knows what their thousands of purchasing agents are capable of ?… evidently the company executive aren’t informed !! Nation wide , people deal with keys every day , they are fundamental to our existence . GM can’t even get this simple device to work properly spells volumes of its abysmal relations with its parts/components suppliers , the worst relationship of the 6 major vehicle manufacturers . . GM may think that settling 38 death claims will signify some closure , but the the floodgates are just opening . One State has already filed suite and probably more to come . I hate to say it , but this will add untold billions to the mix and could even result in a permanent bankruptcy or selling off a few divisions . Ms Barra looks like she has aged ten years since becoming CEO , I think the executive board threw her to the wolves , great job guys ! This cloud hanging over GM won’t go away ,so it is a testament to some of the fine products being sold that they may be able to weather the storm , here’s hoping !
just encountered that particular key stuck in the ignition problem. have a 2011 chevy cruze LTZ 48,000 miles. does not have a release button at bottom of steering wheel.
can someone please help. does anyone know if this type of car was a recall?
Chevy malibu 2013 having this issue! Car won’t start; key is stuck! Help!
2013 Malibu LT having same issue. Key stuck in ignition and battery is dead.
had the same issue with my 2013 malibu. Key stuck in the ignition 🙁 ended up being one of my hair ties i had on the shifter. it got stuck in the shifter button causing it not to release .
Same Problem, 2008 Equinox
My 08 equinox just started doing this too. Going to call the dealership to see if this is covered.
My 08 Equinox key got stuck today and I couldn’t get the car to shut off. I finally had to pull the fuse for the fuel pump.
There is a quick cheap fix for this. Pull the cover off around your gear shift, and down on the left hand side of it, there is a little black box with a brass arm extending out from it. When your shifter is in Park, it is supposed to push that little brass bar down, and push the button in on the little black box, sending the signal to your SUV that it is properly in Park, and will release the key. If that bar isn’t going down all the way, your system doesn’t think your vehicle is in Park properly, and won’t allow your key to be removed. Pull the black box out (It’s only about an inch long and 1/4″ wide) and take a small zip tie and zip it shut. Install the box back into it’s holding place. You shouldn’t have anymore problems with your key getting stuck. I did this to my 08 Equinox about two years ago, and haven’t had the issue since.
Why is gm not offering to fix Cadillac CTS that have key sticking problem? I’ve been having trouble with mine a WK and a half. I finally learned how to get it out but now it won’t start. Nothing working. And tried getting it jumped still won’t work. But the battery is ok???
GM dealership says the 2011 Cruze I have is not covered, it has happened to my daughter twice in the past couple of weeks, she could not get the car to shut off the first time it happened. This is my family’s first and last Chevy will we ever own, never thought there would be worse cars made than Yugo’s, I was wrong.
just happened to my 2013 cruze, not a good start of a work day. hoping dealership will take care of this or else.
Having the exact issues with the key being stuck in ACC position. Have to unhook batttery if it will be parked (?) more than 10 minutes. At dealers now. No free fix and no recall. This is on 2009 Acadia.
Ladycarrier, did you find out what was the cause? My 2008 Acadia is doing the same thing…not sure where to begin
2014 Chevy Captiva – same issue. Owned less than a year with 42K miles. Not covered by dealership and no warranty. Car spent 10 days in dealership being troubleshoot for cause and removal. Two days ago and $400 later, key continues to stick, leaving me stranded – missed medical appointment, business appointments, which far exceeds the $400 I paid for a problem that still exists and which GM denies is an issue.
I have the same car with the same issue and the dealership tells me it’s not covered. Although GM is aware of this problem, just that the Captiva is not on “The List” as having this problem so it’s not covered! It’s a bunch of Red Tape and BS!
I have a 2014 Chevy captivated and I am having problems with key getting stuck in acc and not going to lock position.
i have 2014 chevrolet captiva sport ltz i am also having the same problem with the key getting stuck and not releasing.
My key gets stuck also. Dealer wants over $600.00 + diagnostic cost! I’ve already replaced the battery! Why isn’t the 2014 Chevy Captiva on the “fix” list? GM should fix all their vehicles with a known defect.
Captiva, unlike the other cars, only has issues when the car already will not start – it has not been shown thus far to die while running (creating a safety risk). Recalls are issued for cars with safety problems. General defects, even widespread, are not covered.
$600 ignition switch repairs are part of why I defected to Fiat Chrysler, the only brand offering lifetime warranty extensions today. And no, they don’t pay me to say that today – at all.
I posted last year with the same problem on my 2014 Chev Captiva. GM would do nothing to help me because my VIN wasn’t on the list even though they acknowledged it was a known problem. The dealership replaced the shifter assembly twice and the ignition switch once. Luckily the dealership gave me a loaner because their fix kept failing and I would have been without a vehicle for 3 weeks. Very frustrating not being able to shut my vehicle entirely off and then having to open the hood and pull the battery cable to stop it from going dead. I paid over $600. for exact repair that was “covered” on other vehicles. I traded the car into the dealer shortly after. Although I most likely could have gotten more money, I refused to sell it outright to an individual knowing that it would probably fail again and the warranty on the work I had done was only for one year – not 15 years like GM gave the owners under the covered repair.
It may sound like the exact same problem, but the Captiva does use a different ignition switch module that is indeed less likely to fail – and does not pose a safety risk.
Worse, hate to break it to you but the labor is not covered under the one year warranty. If it fails again, you would have to pay to get it fixed.
My advice would be to consider purchasing an aftermarket extended warranty if you can get one, and only use the key standalone – with nothing on the keychain.
2013 GMC terrain having stuck key problem. Dealer said it’s not covered will cost 500.00 for a new shifter
MY FRIEND HAS A CHEVY IMPALA THAT THE KEY GOT STUCK IN THE ACCESSORIE POSITION. SHE TOOK TO THE BRADLYBOURBONNAIS CHEVY DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND WOULD COST HER OVER $600 FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE AND FIXING THE PROBLEM. I JUST READ WHERE GM KNEW OF A KEY STICKING PROBLEM IN SOME OF THEIR CARS BUT DID NOT SEND OUT A RECALL OR EVEN A LETTER EXPLAINING THIS COULD HAPPEN. IS GM GOING TO PAY FOR THE COST OF FIXING THIS KNOWN PROBLEM
That’s not how it works. Unless GM knew of the problem during manufacturing, they aren’t under obligation to fix things that systemically happen outside of the warranty period. Class action lawsuits can happen, but usually are only successful if they can prove that GM knew (or should have known) about the problem during production.
GM is no different than any auto maker, and just about every car has flaws. So it’s unlikely this will get any product-wide fix beyond a revised ignition switch.
I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 2014 TRK CHEVROLET KEY STUCK ,I WAS STRANDED CALL THREE DIFFERENT ROAD SERVICES WITH MY GROCEY IN THE CAR ,FIRST ONE COULD NOT GET KEY OUT SECOND ONE WAS TO TORE IT COULD NOT GET IT ON TRUCK THIRD TORED IT TO BOB BELL,S THEY KEPT IT FOR THREE DAYS REPLACED THE BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE PRICE 620.32.REMOVED KEY THREE DAYS LATER IT LOCKED AGAIN AND IS STILL LOCKED ,I HAVE NOT DRIVEN IN A MONTH I PURCHASED IT IN 08/2020 DO NOT HAVE THAT TYPE OF MONEY RETIRED FOURTEEN YEARS AGO. THIS IS AWUFUL,
I just got a 2016 equinox brought it home couldn’t get key out tried everything!
Please read my comment above. For some reason, all these GM “mechanics” can’t figure out this simple solution. They’ll replace battery cables, entire shifter assemblies, etc, costing hundreds and hundreds of dollars. But they won’t replace the little box that is the cause of the problem. This can be fixed for about $1. $20 if you need to buy Allen keys (hex keys) to take the top of the gear shift off.
Recently started having this issue with my 2014 Camaro RS. Took to Chevy dealer, of course it didn’t do it while I was there so they couldn’t do anything except note it down for future.
What if, like me, the key won’t come out AFTER the dealer repairs?
i have a 2011 cruze same problem key stuck wont shift the battery died .told bey the dealer bridgewater chevy the battery was bad .the why when i jump it runs for a wile it restarts no problem. but the key still doesnot come out so the power stay on and kills the battery again over night. common sense.o if my vin doesn,t come up with chevy . its not cover . another way big buiss steals from every day people .they make this stuff happen so you pay .yes they tested the battery said it bad well ive worked on cars all my life if the battery bad it wont turn over the car .help let see if they help.
My 08 Chevy Cobalt having the same issue. Car wont turn off key stuck in Acc. Tried everything. Have to pull my fuel pump fuse and disconnect my battery everytime i park so I dont run out of gas or kill the battery.
They say we were supposed to be notified. I wasn’t. Anyone else not notified, besides the moment your key got stuck??? My can has had the key stuck for three days. Disconnecting the battery is a pain in the backside, but the only way to not kill the car. Soooo glad this happened on a long holiday weekend.
The Cruze has a visit tomorrow with a service department. If I am asked to pay one freakin penny, I can assure you that they will be keeping the car, and my lawyer will make sure of it. This is such CRAP!
They say we were supposed to be notified. I wasn’t. Anyone else not notified, besides the moment your key got stuck??? My can has had the key stuck for three days. Disconnecting the battery is a pain in the backside, but the only way to not kill the car. Soooo glad this happened on a long holiday weekend. (insert sarcasm here)
The Cruze has a visit tomorrow with a service department. If I am asked to pay one freakin penny, I can assure you that they will be keeping the car, and my lawyer will make sure of it. This is such CRAP!
I am experiencing the stuck key problem with my 2013 Chevrolet Captiva. I took it to the dealer (Dave White Chevrolet – Sylvania, OH) and they stated that although the problem is in the transmission shift not sending the signal to release the key, it is not covered for that vehicle. The cost is $762.54 to fix it with the possibility that GM MIGHT reimburse us for the repair cost. Unfortunately, I called the GM 800 number and they were closed (although they state that they are opened Mon – Sat 8:00am to 9:00pm) today, Saturday, at noon. This is really bad!!! The dealer has disassembled my vehicle to determine the “problem” and I can’t get it back until Monday. GM should know that this is not the way to build loyal customers!
Hello
I wondered if you got any financial help from GM to fix your vehicle. I posted here about the same problem with my 2014 Captiva. I got ZERO help from GM even though they are well aware of the problem.
2011 Chevrolet Equinox, we purchased for my daughter used. Not long after the vehicle started having this same issue with the key NOT disengaging from the ignition. Upon taking to dealership we are told they will fix however we have to pay for them to fix the problem. WHY? If this is a known GM product vehicle having these same issues is there not a recall on the ignition. Who do we need to contact, report and file formal complaints on the problem with ignitions in the General Motors vehicle’s.
-Same vehicle also has major issues and costly problems with drive train assembly etc.
Apparently even though GM knows they have tons of people who have needed new ignitions installed they will not just do a voluntary recall without being formally mandated to issue a recall and replace parts at there cost.
PLEASE note: I have found out today you can file formal complaints by calling —
1-888-327-4236 Transportation complaints
Once they receive so many complaints on the same parts or issue they will make General Motors Corporation issue a formal recall.
2014 Chev Captiva key stuck in acc position wouldn’t release. Took to the dealer and shifter assembly was replaced. The cost was $580 out of pocket. Now less than 2 months later the key is stuck again. Repair is under warranty but it’s a huge hassle to take it back and I have no idea what the next fix will be. GM is aware of this problem yet there isn’t even a service bulletin on it.
I have a 2014 Chevy captiva and key gets stuck in acc position too. After starting car again I can get it out some times on second or third time.
I don’t know why Chevy opts to do this. Remove the cover around your gear shift (Just Youtube it. It’s pretty easy to remove the covers). On the side of it, there should be a little box with a small button on it. When your vehicle is put into Park, it is supposed to press that button down all the way, and send the signal to your vehicle that your car is in fact in Park and is safe to shut the engine off and remove the key. If this button isn’t being depressed all the way, your key won’t release. This relay box on my ’07 Equinox is only about 3/4 of an inch long, and 1/4 inch wide. It is not very big at all. Mine has a small copper/brass bar on it that is supposed to push the button down. All I did was remove the relay box, and took a small zip tie, and sealed it in the closed position. I have not had a single issue with it since. Mine was located under the “P” position on the left hand side. The repair cost me about 5 cents for the zip tie, and about 20-30 minutes of work. You may also need an Allen key (commonly called a HEX key) to remove the handle on your gear shift to remove the cover. It is located just under the knob you press in to put it into drive/reverse/neutral etc. Take a small flat head screwdriver and slide the ring down where your handle meets the shaft for the gearshift to expose the small set screw. Mine was about a 2.5mm allen key. After the set screw has been removed, just squeeze the handle like you are going to put it into gear, and lift up on it. It should come off right away. Hope this helps 🙂
Add the 2015 terrain to this list too…key won’t come out. What a piece of crap car. The 4 cyclinder engines burns a qt of oil every few 1000 moles, and now the key! Don’t by a Terrain!
I have a 2013 Equinox and can’t get the key out. We had a very cold night and when I tried to start it the battery was dead and the key is stuck. Have a battery charger on it now, hopefully, that will help.
I just starting having problems with the key getting stuck in my 2014 Chevy capita sport. Is there a recall on this issue?
Pulled into my garage last night around 11:00PM. Placed the car in park and went to remove the key. No go. Couldn’t be removed.
I backed the car up and then forward several times. I moved the shifter in and out of park several times. Still couldn’t remove the key. Now the key is in the accessory position. So, while the engine is off the power is on and the key is stuck in the ignition.
Battery dead in AM. Could not be charged or jumped. Folks at dealership tell me that this is not an unusual problem for the Terrain. Really? Add this to the failed transmission( replaced) and excessive oil consumption issue and you have one lousy car. Do not buy a Terrain….ever.
Now I have to have car towed to the dealership for repair. Oh, did I say that it is Memorial Day weekend.
My 2015 Colorado is doing this. You shift to park, shut off the engine and the key will not come out. If you restart the engine and run gear shift through the gears and try again the key may come out. I’m afraid this will not work some time and a tow will be in order.
I’m soooo happy Japanese cars! and to think they have commercials on TV ” buy chevy ” switch to ” chevy ” YEAH! RIGHT!
2017 Chevrolet equinox keys stuck in the ignition
I have an Chevy captiva and the key was getting stuck in lock position so I YouTube what to do and sent to my brother and he was able to fix it. Since then it is working good.
2018 chevy colorado ,Key gets stuck after turning key to the off position, and getting frustrated it does this 8 out of 10 times using the truck. what can i do ? first time buying a chevy. bought it used and have taken it back to the dealership i purchased it from and they could not find anything wrong. is there any recalls out there that I need to check into ?
My 2007 Chevy Aveo also gets stuck in accessory. I have to disconnect the battery to get the key out. 128,000 miles.