Recall 13454: Cobalt, Pursuit, G5, Ion, HHR, Solstice, & Sky

IMPORTANT NOTICE – Owners of the Cobalt, Pursuit, G5, Ion, HHR, Solstice, & Sky :

General Motors is recalling all 2005 through 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit, 2007 Pontiac G5, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR, 2007 Pontiac Solstice, and 2006-2007 Saturn Sky vehicles.

In a Feb. 13 letter, G.M. told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the “ignition switch torque performance” was not up to specifications. If the vehicles were jarred or the owner had a heavy key ring, the engine could be turned off, which would disable the air bags, the automaker said.

Here at Budds’ Chevrolet, we take all recalls and service bulletins very seriously and will work hard to ensure that all of our affected customers, and anyone else affected who receives the recall notice, will be taken care of as soon as parts arrive, which is expected to be in April.

In the meantime, drivers are advised to remove all non-essential items from their key rings until the corrective action is completed.

When you receive your recall notice, contact Budds’ Chevrolet at 905-845-1681 to book your free priority appointment. If you’re interested in your upgrade options while in for the recall, contact us to arrange a free trade cycle consultation.

Below is a question and answer document provided to us by General Motors:

Question and Answer Document for Upcoming Safety Recall 13454:

Q: What models are involved?
A: Certain 2005 through 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit, 2007 Pontiac G5, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR, 2007 Pontiac Solstice, and 2006-2007 Saturn Sky models.

Q: Why are they being recalled?
A: The ignition switch torque performance may not meet General Motors’ specification. If the torque performance is not to specification, and the key ring is carrying added weight or the vehicle goes off road or experiences some other jarring event, the ignition switch may inadvertently be moved out of the “run” position. The timing of the key movement out of the “run” position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may result in the airbags not deploying, increasing the potential for occupant injury in certain kinds of crashes.

Q: Why was no recall ordered earlier / why did GM not make this public sooner?
A: The incident rate was very low with no growing trend.

Q: What has changed? Why are you recalling the cars now?
A: We have now completed our internal analysis and concluded that a recall of the ignition switch for certain model years is the appropriate action to bring closure to this issue.

Q: Did Transport Canada/NHTSA order you to do a recall?
A; No, GM made this decision independently. There was no government involvement. We took our findings to the agency and advised we would voluntarily recall these cars.

Q: Didn’t GM issue a Technical Service Bulletin in 2005 warning dealers to be on the lookout for this condition?
A: At that time, we were investigating field incidents that involved inadvertent turning of the key cylinder and loss of electrical power, and the bulletin addressed those issues.

Q: What is the population breakdown of the recalled vehicles by country?
A: US 619 122
Canada 153 310
Mexico 6 130
Total 778 562

Q: How dangerous is this condition? IS my car safe to drive?
A: Even with the reduced torque condition, these vehicles can be safely driven. Customers should remove non-essential items from their key ring until the corrective action is completed.

Q: When can I get my car fixed?
A: We are working with our suppliers to expedite the availability of parts. We expect to have parts available beginning in April. Customers will receive a letter in early April. – Contact Budds’ Chev @905-845-1681 to make your appointment

Q: How do I know if my vehicle is involved?
A: All 2003 through 2007 models are included.

For more information, call our dealership at 905-845-1681, or search online referencing Safety Recall 13454.