GMC recall 15V640 covers 3,073 2014-2015 Sierra, Suburban, Silverado, and Tahoe vehicles for a binding ignition lock. Repair is free at any franchised GMC dealer.
GMC is recalling 3,073 2014-2015 Sierra, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles because the ignition lock actuator can bind, making the key difficult to turn or leaving the ignition stuck in Start. If the ignition snaps back to Accessory, the vehicle can lose engine, steering, and braking power, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The ignition lock actuator is part of the key-and-lock assembly on 2014-2015 GMC Sierra, Suburban, Silverado, and Tahoe vehicles. Its job is to let the key move cleanly between off, run, and start. After the engine starts, the ignition needs to return from the start position so the truck or SUV is not held in cranking mode.
In this recall, the actuator can bind inside the ignition lock. When it binds, the key becomes hard to turn, or the ignition stays stuck in the start position after the driver releases the key. That fault is mechanical at the lock actuator, not a normal battery or starter complaint.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem shows itself when the key does not turn smoothly, or when the ignition does not come back out of start after the engine has started.
Who's affected?
Covers the Sierra, Suburban, Silverado, and Tahoe across the 2014 and 2015 model years, all tied to the ignition electrical system.
| 2014 GMC Sierra | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Chevrolet Suburban | electrical system |
| 2014 Chevrolet Silverado | electrical system |
| 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe | electrical system |
| 2015 Chevrolet Silverado | electrical system |
| 2015 GMC Sierra | electrical system |
| Units affected | 3,073 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
When the ignition sticks in Start and snaps back to Accessory, the vehicle can lose engine, steering, and braking power, increasing crash risk. In a crash, the air bags can fail to deploy, increasing injury risk. Schedule the recall work promptly and avoid driving if the ignition feels stuck or power assist drops. Repair will be free at any franchised GMC dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 GMC Sierra, Suburban, Silverado, or Tahoe is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised GMC dealer to ask about the free ignition lock housing replacement.
- Reference recall number 15V640 when you call, and bring the recall notice if you received one.
- Use extra care if the key is hard to turn or the ignition sticks in Start, since the repair replaces the ignition lock housing that can bind.
What happens at the repair
The dealer repair is to replace the ignition lock housing. Because the remedy status is not listed here, have the service desk confirm the campaign is open for your VIN before you plan the visit. Once available, a GMC technician replaces the housing that can let the ignition lock actuator bind, make the key hard to turn, or leave the ignition stuck in the Start position. The repair is free under GM recall 15573, and the recall began on November 20, 2015.
Timeline
| October 9, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 20, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V640?
Recall 15V640 covers 3,073 2014-2015 GMC Sierra, Suburban, Silverado, and Tahoe vehicles with an ignition lock actuator that can bind or leave the ignition stuck in Start. If it snaps back to Accessory, the vehicle can lose engine, steering, and braking power. Dealers replace the ignition lock housing for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 GMC Sierra, Suburban, Silverado, or Tahoe is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V640. If it is, contact a franchised GMC dealer and schedule the ignition lock housing replacement. Reference recall 15V640 and GM recall number 15573 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the safety defect at no cost, and GM's remedy says dealers will replace the ignition lock housing free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised GMC dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 15V640?
The safety risk is loss of engine, steering, and braking power if the ignition snaps from Start to Accessory. That raises crash risk. If a crash happens, the air bags can fail to deploy, increasing occupant injury risk.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2014-2015 GMC Sierra, Suburban, Silverado, or Tahoe is included, then call a franchised GMC dealer with recall 15V640.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V640000 |
|---|---|
| GMC customer service | 1-800-222-1020 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V640 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V640000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →