Chevy recalls 317k Sonic, Trax, and Spark over key chime

The Basics: This is a bit of a strange one. Chevy is recalling a large number of small cars for a relatively minor issue related not to safety but to theft. Affected are an estimated 317,572 examples of the Sonic (2013-16), Trax (2013-16), and
Spark (2013-15) – specifically those equipped with the Bring Your Own Media audio system.

The Problem: If the driver waits ten minutes or more in between switching off the vehicle and opening the door, the vehicle may not alert the driver that the key is still in the ignition. That could increase the chance that the keys are left in the ignition, and therefore the chance that the vehicle could be stolen.

Injuries/Deaths: Not applicable.

The fix: Chevy will update the audio system software, however a timetable has yet to be announced.

If you own one: Make sure to take the keys out of the ignition, and take them with you when exiting the vehicle – which, of course, you should be doing anyway – especially if you’ve been sitting parked for a while, and even if your car doesn’t remind you.

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RECALL Subject : No ‘Key Left in Ignition’ Warning Chime/FMVSS 114

Report Receipt Date: APR 28, 2016

NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V257000

Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , EQUIPMENT

Potential Number of Units Affected: 317,572

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

SUMMARY:

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 “Theft Protection.”

CONSEQUENCE:

Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

REMEDY:

GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM’s number for this recall is 17130.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

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