By now you've all heard about the ignition switch defect that caused the death of more than 30 people and forced GM to recall over 20 million vehicles worldwide. This time, the manufacturer is recalling 9,978 units in Canada because a defect in the ignition lock cylinder could cause the key to stick in the "start" position if the vehicle interior temperature is sufficiently high.
Should the vehicle be operated in this condition and the interior temperature cools or the vehicle goes off-road or is subjected to some other jarring event, the key could move out of the "start" position, rotate past the "run" position and into the "accessory" position. If this were to occur, engine power, power steering and power braking would be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
The timing of the key movement out of the “run” position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may also result in the airbags not deploying in a subsequent collision, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will therefore inspect the steering column and replace if necessary. Affected models include:
- Cadillac Escalade (2011-2012);
- Cadillac Escalade ESV (2011);
- Cadillac Escalade EXT (2011-2012);
- Chevrolet Avalanche (2011);
- Chevrolet Silverado (2011-2012);
- Chevrolet Suburban (2011-2012);
- Chevrolet Tahoe (2011-2012);
- GMC Sierra (2011-2012);
- GMC Yukon (2011-2012);
- GMC Yukon XL (2011-2012).
Source: Transport Canada