— Don't expect to purchase a 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS or 2004-2006 SRX any time soon, as General Motors has told dealers to stop selling those models.
The stop-sale was ordered because GM doesn't have a "fix" for the cars which can be shut down by simply bumping a knee against the ignition key. The 554,000 cars were recalled in June after GM employees shut off the engine three times by bumping the ignition key in a 2012 Cadillac CTS.
As with the millions of GM vehicles recalled because of defective ignition switches, the Cadillacs have keys with a slot at the top of the key. Any items attached to the slot can move around the opening and cause the weight of the key to turn the ignition switch.
GM believed using keys with a small hole instead of a slot would fix the problem, however, that solution had been tested before and the ignition switch could still move from the "run" position just by bumping the key.
The recall is confusing because some 2014 CTS models have an ignition switch design like older CTS cars, while other 2014 models have a push-button start not affected by the recall.
GM has always recommended to remove all items from the key, including a key ring and key fob. Now the automaker is saying to move the seat and steering wheel to provide plenty of clearance between the key and a driver's knee. This could be an uncomfortable and unfamiliar position for many people which could cause a driving hazard itself.
GM says the Cadillac CTS and SRX stop-sale order will be in effect for the "foreseeable future" as the automaker tries to figure out how to bail itself out of another mess.
- Read what owners complain about with their Cadillac CTS and Cadillac SRX cars.
