General Motors is recalling the Chevrolet Malibu Limited and the Buick Verano over an issue that could result in the vehicle rolling away when the key is removed and the vehicle is not in PARK.
The defect: the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, “Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention.”
The hazards: if the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
2016 Buick Verano Turbo
Affected vehicles:
- 2016-2017 Buick Verano
- 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited (last-generation model)
In addition, certain units of the following vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock lever:
- 2013 Buick Encore
- 2011 Buick Regal
- 2013-2014 Buick Verano
- 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze
- 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox
- 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu
- 2011-2013 GMC Terrain
Number of vehicles affected:Â 7,620 (United States figure).
The fix:Â GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge.
Owners should: customers looking to find out if their vehicle is included in this Buick Verano and Chevrolet Malibu recall should visit recalls.gm.com. There, owners will be able to enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see any open recalls as well as customer satisfaction programs. If the vehicle is part of the recall, customers should take it to a Chevrolet or Buick dealer, as appropriate.
Owners can also contact Chevrolet or Buick customer service with questions by using the following information.
Contacts:
- Chevrolet Customer Service: 1-800-222-1050
- Buick Customer Service:Â 1-800-521-7300
- GM Recall Number:Â 50490
- NHTSA Toll Free: 1-888-327-4236
- NHTSA (TTY): 1-800-424-9153
- NHTSA Website: www.safecar.gov
- NHTSA Recall Number:Â 16V502000
Comments
I thought that the new 2016 GM models don’t need an ignition key to start, and use a “Start” button” instead, ;eaving security to the fob. Can someone clear up how the affected vehicles opearte their starting system?
I believe this is for the last-generation Malibu (the Malibu Limited), which was still on sale as a 2016 model.
That should be the case – 2016 Malibu Limited is pretty much last gen 2013-2015 Malibu, and the all-new 2016 Malibu (let’s call it “unlimited” 🙂 ) does not have keyed ignition at all, if I’m not mistaken.
Yup, you’re totally correct. The new Malibu is offered exclusively with the key-less key fob.
I have an 11 Regal. Let me check. I found a recall but it’s totally unrelated. The one I found is for the wiring harness for the seat.
It’s better to fix it anyway, whatever it is.
Tyler – your Regal shouldn’t be a part of this recall unless it was repaired with parts that affect the 2016 Malibu Limited and 2016-2017 Verano, as listed above. These parts are slightly different from the ones included in your car from the factory.
Either way, do check the GM recalls page with your VIN.