Ignition Switch and Key Recalls: Which Cars Are Affected

An ignition switch that moves out of “run” can shut an engine off at speed and, in the recalls below, leave the air bags unable to deploy, and NHTSA’s recall file holds more than a hundred recalls for ignition switches, keys, locks and interlocks. Most coverage of the subject is a history of the 2014 GM recalls. This guide uses NHTSA’s recall file to show every large ignition recall, what failed, and how many are still unrepaired.

Ignition recalls: the big picture

We count a recall when its subject or summary names an ignition switch, key, lock, cylinder or interlock, so a few that mention one in passing are included. Within them, 38 name a switch or key that may turn off or move out of the run position, 63 a key-removal, interlock or park fault, and 17 heat or a short (a recall can fall in more than one group). Here is who they belong to, for 2010 onward:

“Repaired” weights each campaign’s reported completion rate by its vehicle count; “not yet repaired” is the matching estimate. A vehicle in several campaigns is counted in each. Source: NHTSA recalls file and US DOT completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026; computed by PlainVIN.

General Motors dominates, and the numbers for GM and Stellantis double-count vehicles that are in more than one campaign. Mazda’s single recall has a 1% repair rate, and Nissan’s two are 38% repaired.

GM’s 2014 ignition switch recalls

In February 2014 GM recalled 2005–2007 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2007 Pontiac G5 cars because the ignition switch may turn off (14V047). NHTSA’s record says the defect can affect the safe operation of the air bag system, and that if the key is not in the run position the air bags may not deploy in a crash. The notice told customers to remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key, and the remedy was a replacement switch. Over the next months GM filed more recalls, many of them for key design rather than the switch itself:

Source: NHTSA recalls file and US DOT completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026; table compiled by PlainVIN from each campaign’s record.

The largest, 14V400, covers 5,877,718 vehicles and is only 37% repaired, which is about 3.7 million vehicles still not fixed. GM also recalled the 2010–2014 Camaro because a driver’s knee may knock the key out of the run position, with 48% repaired.

Other switches and keys that shut the engine off

• Chrysler (14V373, June 2014). NHTSA’s record for 722,705 2009–2010 Dodge Journey and 2008–2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles says that if the key inadvertently moves into OFF or ACCESSORY the engine will turn off and depower key safety systems. Dealers replace the ignition switch and key fobs; 58% are repaired.
• Nissan (23V093, 2023). The jackknife-style key on 2014–2020 Rogue and 2017–2022 Rogue Sport vehicles may collapse into a folded position while driving, and contact with it could shut the vehicle off. Dealers insert a spacer into the key slot. Only 33% of the 712,458 vehicles are reported repaired.
• Volkswagen (23V604, 2023). The conventional ignition switch on 62,538 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf SportWagen, GTI and Jetta vehicles may fail, especially in high temperature environments; dealers replace the switch and 64% are repaired.

Vehicle descriptions are NHTSA’s own summary wording; “repaired” is the share the manufacturer reports as fixed, and new campaigns start near zero. Source: NHTSA recalls file and US DOT completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Switches that overheat, melt or short

Several of the largest older recalls are about heat. GM’s 2002 and 2004 recalls (02V070, 1,589,948 vehicles; 04V036, 1,415,231) say that if the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the start position, high current may melt internal switch parts, and dealers installed a relay kit to prevent it. Honda’s 2002 recall for 1,000,000 vehicles (02V120) says electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade, and dealers replace the switch. Ford’s 1996 recall (96V071) covers 7,900,000 vehicles whose ignition switch could suffer an internal short circuit. The newest is Mazda’s 2015 recall (15V674, 1,368,500 vehicles) for 1989–1998 MPV, 323, Protege, MX-3, 929, MX-6 and 626 models, where grease on the switch contacts may become conductive and overheat, raising the risk of a fire. Mazda reports 0.62% repaired, and the cars it covers are now 28 to 37 years old, an age at which many have changed hands or left the road.

“If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.”NHTSA recall record 15V674, Mazda, nhtsa.gov

Key and interlock faults that allow movement

The ignition lock also keeps the shifter in Park when the key is out. Honda’s 2012 recall (12V573, 807,161 vehicles) covers 2003–2004 Pilot and Odyssey and 2003–2006 Acura MDX models whose interlock lever may deform, so the key can be removed when the selector is not in Park, which can let the vehicle roll away. Dealers install an updated shift interlock lever. Hyundai’s July 2024 recall (24V562, 12,612 2010–2013 Genesis Coupe vehicles) says a return spring in the ignition lock switch may fracture, which can result in movement when the vehicle is started in gear without the parking brake applied; only 14% are repaired. See also our transmission problems guide and parking brake guide.

Recent ignition recalls

Recent recalls are mostly software faults that end in the same symptom. Volkswagen’s September 2026 recall (26V587, 49,958 2025 Tiguan vehicles) says a body control module error may reset and switch the ignition off, causing an engine stall; it is new, so no repair rate is reported yet. Our electrical problems guide covers the wider pattern.

What to do if your ignition or key has a recall

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with our VIN decoder. GM’s recalls were spread over many campaigns, so check every one, not just the first.
2. Until the repair is done, follow the notice: for the GM and Chrysler recalls NHTSA’s record says to remove everything from the key ring except the key, and the key fob if there is one.
3. If the engine shuts off while driving, remember NHTSA’s Chrysler record says it depowers key safety systems: stay calm, steer, brake and pull over when it is safe.
4. Ask about parts. Some repairs, like Nissan’s key spacer, are quick; others wait for parts.
5. Report it even if it was fixed: see our guide to filing a complaint.

For the air bags that depend on the key position see our air bag guide, and for the wider picture our most common car problems guide.

If the key turns but the engine will not crank, see our starter and alternator recalls guide.

Recall figures are PlainVIN’s analysis of NHTSA’s files and update when we refresh the data. “Reported repaired” is the automaker’s figure. This guide is general information, not mechanical advice for a specific vehicle.