Chevy Recalls 317k Sonic, Trax, And Spark Jver Key Chime

8 years, 6 months ago - 17 May 2016, Autoblog

The Basics: This is a bit of a strange one. Chevy is recalling a large number of small cars for a relatively minor issue related not to safety but to theft.

Affected are an estimated 317,572 examples of the Sonic (2013-16), Trax (2013-16), and Spark (2013-15) – specifically those equipped with the Bring Your Own Media audio system.

The Problem: If the driver waits ten minutes or more in between switching off the vehicle and opening the door, the vehicle may not alert the driver that the key is still in the ignition. That could increase the chance that the keys are left in the ignition, and therefore the chance that the vehicle could be stolen.

Injuries/Deaths: Not applicable.

The fix: Chevy will update the audio system software, however a timetable has yet to be announced.

If you own one: Make sure to take the keys out of the ignition, and take them with you when exiting the vehicle – which, of course, you should be doing anyway – especially if you've been sitting parked for a while, and even if your car doesn't remind you.