RecallNotify
Sign up Check my VIN
Home/ Recalls/ Chevrolet/ 14V171
Campaign 14V171 Posted April 10, 2014 2,191,014 units

2003-2011 Chevrolet Cobalt/Hhr Recall 14V171: Ignition

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 2, 2026

14V171 covers 2,191,014 2003-2011 Chevrolet Cobalt, Hhr, G5, Solstice, Sky, and Ion vehicles for key removal from ignition. Repair is free at franchised Chevrolet dealers.

Chevrolet is recalling 2,191,014 2003-2011 Cobalt, Hhr, G5, Solstice, Sky, and Ion vehicles because the key can be removed when the ignition is not in Off. If the vehicle is left out of Park or the parking brake is not set, it can roll away and raise the risk of a crash or injuries; the dealer repair will be free once available.

Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?

The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.

Check my VIN at NHTSA

RecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.

What's wrong?

The ignition system on the 2003-2011 Chevrolet Cobalt, Hhr, G5, Solstice, Sky, and Ion controls whether the vehicle is running, in accessory mode, or fully shut off. The key is supposed to stay locked in the ignition until the driver turns the ignition to the "Off" position. That lockout helps confirm the vehicle has been shut down before the key leaves the cylinder.

On affected vehicles, the key can be pulled out while the ignition is still away from "Off." The recall identifies the failure as an ignition fault, not a normal key-release condition. That means the driver can remove the key even though the ignition position does not match what the key removal tells the owner.

There is no warning sign before failure. The thing an owner notices is the problem itself: the key comes out before the ignition has been turned fully to "Off."

Who's affected?

Spans 6 models across the 2003-2011 model years, all tied to the ignition electrical system.

2010 Chevrolet Cobalt electrical system
2010 Chevrolet Hhr electrical system
2010 Pontiac G5 electrical system
2010 Pontiac Solstice electrical system
2010 Saturn Sky electrical system
Units affected2,191,014

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.

What's the safety risk?

If the ignition key comes out before the ignition is off, an unsecured vehicle can roll away and increase the risk of a crash or injuries to occupants and pedestrians. Before exiting, confirm an automatic transmission is in Park. For a manual transmission, leave it in Reverse and set the parking brake. Repair will be free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2003-2011 Chevrolet Cobalt, Hhr, G5, Solstice, Sky, or Ion is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer and ask whether the free ignition-cylinder and key repair is open for your VIN.
  3. Reference recall number 14V171 when you call, and ask whether your vehicle needs the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement or only new keys.
  4. Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet has mailed one, along with your current ignition and door keys.
  5. Shift the vehicle into Park before exiting, or use Reverse and engage the parking brake if it has a manual transmission.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician checks whether the vehicle has the defective ignition cylinder or the redesigned part. Vehicles with the defective cylinder get a redesigned ignition cylinder. Vehicles already built or repaired with the redesigned cylinder get key service only. The technician cuts two ignition and door keys and programs them when needed. The final dealer repair will be free once available. Until the vehicle is remedied, put the transmission in Park before exiting. For a manual transmission, put it in Reverse and engage the parking brake.

Timeline

April 10, 2014 NHTSA published the recall
April 18, 2014 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 14V171?

Recall 14V171 covers 2,191,014 2003-2011 Chevrolet Cobalt, Hhr, G5, Solstice, Sky, and Ion vehicles with an ignition lock defect. The key can come out when the ignition is not in the off position, creating rollaway risk under the conditions listed in the recall.

What should I do if my 2003-2011 Chevrolet Cobalt, Hhr, G5, Solstice, Sky, or Ion is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 14V171. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer and ask for the ignition cylinder and key remedy. Until the repair is complete, make sure the vehicle is in Park before exiting.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 14V171, the dealer replaces the ignition cylinder when needed and cuts and relearns two ignition and door keys for covered vehicles.

What is the safety risk in recall 14V171?

The safety risk is vehicle rollaway. In recall 14V171, the key can be removed when the ignition is not off. An automatic transmission vehicle can roll if it is not in Park, and a manual transmission vehicle can roll if Reverse and the parking brake are not set.

What if I bought this vehicle used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner or where the vehicle was bought. Check your VIN, then reference recall 14V171 when you call a franchised Chevrolet dealer for service.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V171000
Chevrolet customer service1-800-222-1020
NHTSA recall #14V171
NHTSA recall # (full)14V171000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →