CarRecallWatch- Component
- EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 20, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured June 18, 2014, to June 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, equipped with the base radio and OnStar, the radio may lock up due to a software issue, causing the display to go blank and all audio functions to cease. Because of this, there may be no warning chimes such as the reminder to buckle the seat belt and the key being left in ignition when the driver goes to exit the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 "Occupant Crash Protection", and 114 "Theft Protection."
- Risk
- Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15504.
- 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.
What this recall means for you
The car's radio can lock up because of a software problem. When this happens, the screen goes blank, all audio stops, and the warning chimes that normally remind you to buckle your seat belt or remove the key from the ignition may not sound.
Without those chimes, a driver or front passenger may forget to fasten their seat belt, which raises the risk of injury in a crash. Leaving the key in the ignition also makes the vehicle easier to steal.
GM will notify owners, and an authorized dealer will update the radio software at no cost to you. Contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and check your VIN for open recalls.
Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle
Official recall notice
Affected vehicles
| Chevrolet Sonic | 2015 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet Spark | 20142015 |