Recall 14V827 covers 84,192 2011-2012 Chevrolet Suburban, Avalanche, Silverado, and related vehicles for an ignition lock defect. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 84,192 2011-2012 Suburban, Avalanche, Silverado, Tahoe, and related trucks and SUVs under recall 14V827 because the ignition lock actuator can bind, making the key hard to turn or leaving the ignition stuck in "Start." If it snaps back to "Accessory," the vehicle can lose engine, steering, and braking power, and Chevrolet dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The ignition lock actuator sits inside the steering column on these 2011-2012 Chevrolet trucks and SUVs. It is the mechanical link that turns key movement into ignition positions, including start, run, and accessory. When it moves freely, the key starts the engine, then returns the ignition to run after the engine catches.
In affected vehicles, the barrel portion of that actuator was built too large. Heat inside the cabin makes the actuator expand and bind in its housing, which makes the key hard to turn or leaves the ignition stuck in start. As the part cools, spring tension from the ignition switch can rotate the cylinder past run and into accessory instead of leaving the engine in its normal running position.
The warning sign is a key that sticks in the start position. You can also feel unusual resistance when turning the key, especially after the vehicle has been sitting in heat.
Who's affected?
Includes pickup and full-size SUV models tied to the same ignition electrical system.
| 2011 Chevrolet Suburban | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche | electrical system |
| 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche | electrical system |
| 2012 Chevrolet Silverado | electrical system |
| 2011 GMC Yukon Xl | electrical system |
| 2012 GMC Yukon | electrical system |
| 2012 GMC Sierra | electrical system |
| 2011 Chevrolet Silverado | electrical system |
| 2012 Cadillac Escalade | electrical system |
| 2011 Cadillac Escalade | electrical system |
| 2012 Cadillac Escalade Esv | electrical system |
| 2011 Cadillac Escalade Esv | electrical system |
| 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe | electrical system |
| 2012 GMC Yukon Xl | electrical system |
| 2012 Chevrolet Suburban | electrical system |
| 2012 Cadillac Escalade Ext | electrical system |
| 2011 GMC Yukon | electrical system |
| 2011 Cadillac Escalade Ext | electrical system |
| 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe | electrical system |
| 2011 GMC Sierra | electrical system |
| Units affected | 84,192 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
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 key sticks in Start and snaps back to Accessory, the vehicle can lose engine, steering, and braking power, raising crash risk. In a crash, air bags can fail to deploy, raising injury risk. Treat a stuck key as a reason to stop driving and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Chevrolet vehicle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the free ignition lock housing inspection and replacement that fixes the binding key and stuck-start condition.
- Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet mailed one. If not, reference recall number 14V827 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Stop using the vehicle and call the dealer if the key binds or the ignition sticks in the Start position.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician inspects the ignition lock housing and replaces it if the lock actuator is binding or the key can stick in the Start position. The inspection, replacement part, and labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for an ignition lock housing or related key binding repair covered by this recall, Chevrolet's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring your repair paperwork and receipts to the service desk, or ask Chevrolet customer service how to submit them.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 30, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 12, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V827?
Recall 14V827 covers 84,192 2011-2012 Chevrolet full-size trucks and SUVs with an ignition lock actuator that can bind, make the key hard to turn, or leave the ignition stuck in Start. Chevrolet dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Chevrolet Suburban, Avalanche, Silverado, Tahoe, Yukon Xl, Yukon, Sierra, Escalade, Escalade Esv, or Escalade Ext is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 14V827. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the ignition lock housing inspection and replacement. Reference recall number 14V827 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Chevrolet dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing as needed free of charge. The recall repair began on February 12, 2015.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is loss of engine, steering, and braking power if the ignition snaps from Start into Accessory. That loss increases crash risk. If a crash occurs, the air bags can fail to deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for a key that is hard to turn or an ignition that stays stuck in the Start position. Those signs point to the ignition lock actuator binding. If you notice either problem, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer and reference recall 14V827.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V827000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-458-8006 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V827 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V827000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →