Is my Pontiac G5 part of the GM ignition switch recall?

Short answer: Very likely, yes. The 2007–2010 G5 shares the ignition switch GM recalled in 2014 (NHTSA 14V047). A worn or weak switch can slip from RUN to ACC or OFF while you drive, which shuts off the engine, the power steering and the power brake assist, and can keep the airbags from deploying. A second recall (14V171) replaces the key cylinder so the key can't come out unless the switch is OFF. If your car is part of these recalls, the dealer fixes it for free.

Symptom: The engine cuts out while driving (often after hitting a bump or bumping the key with your knee), the key falls back to ACC as you let go after starting, the key turns or comes out too easily, or the car has power-steering and brake-assist loss after a stall.

What to check first

1. Run your VIN for recalls 14V047 and 14V171 at nhtsa.gov/recalls or GM's recall site. Used cars change hands, and many never got the repair.
2. Until it's fixed, take everything off the key ring. GM's recall told owners to leave only the ignition key on the ring, with the fob removed.
3. Notice how the key feels. If it flops back to ACC as you let go after starting, or turns with almost no effort, tell the dealer.
4. Look at the key. After the recall, owners get new keys with a round hole instead of the old slot. A slotted key usually means the work was never done.

Likely causes

1. Weak ignition switch detent (recall 14V047). The switch can be bumped out of RUN by a heavy key ring or a jolt. The dealer replaces the switch.
2. Worn ignition key cylinder (recall 14V171). On affected cars the key can be pulled out when the switch isn't in OFF. The dealer replaces the cylinder and cuts two new keys.
3. Aftermarket replacement switch. NHTSA also lists a recall (14E021) on certain aftermarket Wells, Duralast, Airtex and Carquest switches sold for these cars. If yours was replaced at a parts-store price, check the brand.

What it usually costs

Both recall repairs are free. On Solstice Forum, an owner whose (same part number) switch had seized said the repair cost over $300 and was paid by his extended warranty before the recall. A Car Talk reply said dealers set up assembly lines for the job and it took under half an hour of labor.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Not until the recall is done. A switch that drops to ACC turns off the engine, the power steering and brake assist, and the airbags may not deploy in a crash. If it hasn't been repaired, drive with only the single key on the ring and get it in now. Verify with a mechanic or dealer.

DIY or shop?

Dealer. It's free, and the dealer cuts and programs the new keys. Don't buy a cheap switch online.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recall 14V047 (2007–2010 G5, plus Cobalt, HHR, Solstice, Ion and Sky): the ignition switch can move out of RUN, shutting off the engine and possibly preventing the airbags from deploying. Dealers replace the ignition switch. If your car is part of this recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Recall 14V171 (same models): the key can be removed when the ignition isn't in OFF. Dealers replace the ignition cylinder and cut two new keys. Also free.
• NHTSA complaints: 84 keyword-matched complaints for Pontiac G5 2007–2010 (of 381 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-20; keywords: ignition, key, stall, shut(s)? off, turned off, engine (died, quit, stopped, cut), lost power).

What owners report

• In G5/Cobalt Ignition Switch Recall on Solstice Forum, owners compared part numbers and found the Solstice used the same switch as the G5 and Cobalt. One owner said his switch had seized and cost him over $300, covered by an extended warranty. Another described a car that died on the road and lost engine power, power steering and brake assist, and one noticed the key bouncing back to ACC after starting. GM added the Solstice and other models in late February 2014.
• In Pontiac g5 ignition switch recall on Car Talk, a G5 owner asked how long the recall repair would take and what happens with the keys. A reply said dealers handled it like an assembly line and the work took under half an hour.

My take

My advice as a former lot tech: when one of these GM small cars came in on trade, I looked at the key first. Round-hole keys meant the recall had been done. A slotted key went straight to service before the car went on the lot.

Vehicle focus: 2007–2010 Pontiac G5 (the same recalls cover the 2005–2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006–2011 HHR, Solstice, Saturn Ion and Sky).

Safety / mechanic note

An ignition switch that drops to ACC shuts off the engine, power steering, brake assist and airbags. Verify with a mechanic.