Recall 14V540 affects 47,043 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013 Pontiac G8 and Caprice vehicles for ignition key movement. Free repair at a franchised Pontiac dealer.
Pontiac is recalling 47,043 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013 G8 and Caprice vehicles because a driver's knee can hit the ignition key and turn the engine off. That can cut engine power, power steering, power braking, and air bag deployment in a crash; Pontiac dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The ignition key in the G8 and Caprice controls the electrical system and keeps the engine in the run position. When the key stays in run, the engine remains on and the vehicle keeps power for normal driving. The recall issue is about the key's position near the driver's knee, not a broken engine part.
In affected vehicles, the driver's knee can strike the ignition key during use. That contact can knock the key out of the run position. Once the key moves, the engine turns off without the driver choosing to shut it down. The vehicle then loses engine power until the key is returned and the engine is restarted.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem happens when the key is bumped, so an owner will not hear a part wearing out or see a warning light first.
Who's affected?
Spans the G8 and Caprice across the 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2013 model years, with the same ignition electrical system issue listed for each.
| 2008 Pontiac G8 | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2009 Pontiac G8 | electrical system |
| 2012 Chevrolet Caprice | electrical system |
| 2011 Chevrolet Caprice | electrical system |
| 2013 Chevrolet Caprice | electrical system |
| Units affected | 47,043 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the key moves out of the run position, the air bags can fail to deploy in a crash, increasing injury risk. It can also cut engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing crash risk. Until repaired, keep clear space between your knee and the ignition key. Repair is free at any franchised Pontiac dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008 or 2009 Pontiac G8, or 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice, is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Pontiac dealer to schedule the revised key-blade and housing repair that keeps the ignition key from being knocked out of the run position.
- Reference recall number 14V540 and GM recall 14445 when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if GM mailed one.
- Adjust your seat and steering column so your knee has clearance from the ignition key until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Pontiac technician removes the key blade from the original flip key and RKE transmitter assembly. The technician then cuts and fits a revised key blade and housing assembly, with the blade indexed 90 degrees, to the original transmitter assembly. Parts and labor are covered under recall 14V540. Until the work is finished, adjust the seat and steering column so your knee has clearance from the ignition key. Pontiac's general reimbursement plan covers eligible documented repairs paid before the recall notice. Bring prior repair paperwork to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 9, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 4, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V540?
Recall 14V540 covers 47,043 2008 and 2009 Pontiac G8 and 2011, 2012, and 2013 Pontiac Caprice vehicles with an ignition-key defect. A driver's knee can knock the key out of the run position. Dealers will revise the key blade and housing for free.
What should I do if my 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013 Pontiac G8 or Caprice is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 14V540. If it is, contact a franchised dealer and reference recall number 14V540 or Pontiac recall number 14445. Until the repair is complete, adjust the seat and steering column so your knee clears the ignition key.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 14V540, the dealer removes the original flip-key blade, cuts and fits the revised key blade and housing, and installs it with the original RKE transmitter assembly for free.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking if the key leaves the run position while driving. If the vehicle crashes with the key out of run, the air bags do not deploy as intended, increasing injury risk.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for contact between your knee and the ignition key while seated in the normal driving position. Pontiac's recall instructions say to adjust the seat and steering column to leave clearance until the dealer completes the free key repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V540000 |
|---|---|
| Pontiac customer service | 1-800-222-1020 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V540 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V540000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →