The carmaker said it will rework or replace the ignition keys on about 3.16 million 2000 to 2014 model year cars in the US because the ignition switch may inadvertently move out of the “run” position if the key is carrying extra weight and experiences some jarring event. In total, 3.36m vehicles will be affected in the US, Canada, Mexico and exports.

It added that the use of a key with a hole, rather than a slotted key, addresses the concern of unintended key rotation due to a jarring road event, such as striking a pothole or crossing railroad tracks. 

Only one of the models included in the US recall of 3,160,725 cars is still in production – the previous generation Chevrolet Impala, which is sold to daily rental fleets as the Impala Limited.

The safety recall follows a review of ignition issues following the recall in February of 2.6 million Chevrolet Cobalts and other small cars.

GM said it is aware of eight crashes and six injuries related to this recall, with no fatalities.

The cars being recalled are the:

Rework of the keys – adding key inserts – at GM dealerships is expected to begin in the next few weeks. Until the rework or replacement is completed, owners of the recalled cars are urged to remove additional weight from their key chains and drive with only the ignition key.

In addition to the ignition key recall, GM also announced US recalls for 165,770 vehicles. These cover:

• 68,887 model year 2013-14 Cadillac ATS and 21,863 model year 2014 Cadillac CTS sedans due to an issue with the shift cable. GM said it is unaware of any crashes or injuries related to this condition.
• 57,192 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 HD and 2015 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 GMC Sierra HD to inspect for proper attachment of power steering hose clamps to the power steering pump. GM knows of no crashes or injuries from the condition.
• 16,932 model year 2011 Cadillac CTS sedans with AWD, where the rollover sensor may deploy the roof rail air bags. GM is aware of 15 unintended deployments, but injury data is unclear.
• 712 model year 2014 Chevrolet Corvettes with optional Competition Sport Seats, because an unbelted child and door trim may block the passenger seat side air bag vent in a deployment. Dealers will replace the current air bag with a redesigned version. GM is unaware of any crashes or injuries related to this condition, but advises customers to not allow small children in the front seat until the vehicle is serviced.
• 184 model year 2014-15 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups with vinyl floors and accessory all-weather floor mats purchased new with the vehicle. The mats can slip under the driver’s feet because the vinyl floors have no attachments to secure them in place. Customers are advised take the floor mats to their dealer for a full refund. GM is unaware of any crashes or injuries related to the mats.

GM expects to take a charge of up to approximately $700m in the second quarter for the cost of recall-related repairs announced in the quarter. This amount includes a previously disclosed $400m charge for recalls announced in May.