In a significant move to ensure customer safety, General Motors (GM) has announced a recall affecting more than 132,000 Chevrolet and GMC trucks. The recall, overseen by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), addresses concerns related to a tailgate malfunction. This issue, if left unaddressed, could result in tailgates inadvertently unlatching due to a short-circuit in the electronic gate-release switch caused by water intrusion.
Models Affected by the Recall
The vehicles impacted by this recall include specific 2024 models equipped with power-unlatching tailgates, such as:
- 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500
- 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 3500
- 2024 GMC Sierra HD 2500
- 2024 GMC Sierra HD 3500
This recall expands on a prior action earlier in the year, which involved heavy-duty variants of the Silverado and Sierra. The earlier recall affected over 323,000 trucks for similar tailgate concerns.
Root Cause of the Issue
According to GM and the NHTSA, the tailgate’s electronic gate-release switch is susceptible to water penetration, leading to potential short-circuiting. This malfunction can cause the tailgate to unlatch unexpectedly while the vehicle is in park. Although the issue cannot occur while the vehicle is in motion due to control overrides in the body control module, it still poses safety risks, particularly if cargo is loaded in the truck bed or a trailer is attached.
Reported Incidents
GM’s investigation into this issue revealed 237 field complaints related to tailgates unlatching unexpectedly. One notable case involved a GMC Sierra HD 3500 tailgate opening and striking the tongue of a trailer, causing damage. Fortunately, no injuries or crashes have been linked to the defect as of this report.
Proposed Solution and Dealer Response
To resolve the issue, GM will replace the faulty tailgate touchpad switch assemblies with upgraded components designed to resist water intrusion. This service will be offered free of charge at GM dealerships. Dealer notifications for affected vehicles have already begun, and owners will receive official notification letters starting January 13, 2025.
General Motors Expands Recall of Chevrolet and GMC Trucks Over Tailgate Issues
In a proactive move to prioritize driver safety, General Motors (GM) has expanded its recall of Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks. The recall, which now includes over 132,000 additional vehicles, addresses a defect in power-unlatching tailgates. This issue stems from a vulnerability in the electronic gate-release switch, which can short-circuit due to water intrusion, potentially causing the tailgate to open unintentionally while the vehicle is stationary.
What Models Are Impacted?
The recall applies to specific 2024 models equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. These include:
- Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500 (2024)
- Chevrolet Silverado HD 3500 (2024)
- GMC Sierra HD 2500 (2024)
- GMC Sierra HD 3500 (2024)
This recall expands upon an earlier campaign that involved heavy-duty Silverado and Sierra trucks from earlier production years.
Understanding the Problem
The core issue lies within the tailgate’s electronic release switch. Designed for convenience, this feature can malfunction when exposed to excessive moisture, leading to short-circuiting. As a result, the tailgate may unlatch and open while the vehicle is parked. However, GM assures that this issue cannot occur while the vehicle is in motion, thanks to safety overrides programmed into the body control module.
Safety Concerns and Reported Complaints
This defect raises safety concerns, particularly when trucks carry loose cargo or tow trailers. GM received one notable complaint of a tailgate striking a trailer tongue upon opening, which prompted an extended investigation. No injuries or accidents related to this issue have been reported.
The Fix and Next Steps
To address the issue, GM has committed to replacing the defective tailgate touchpad switches with upgraded versions that are more resistant to water damage. Affected owners will be notified by mail starting January 13, 2025, with instructions to visit a dealership for the free repair service. Dealers have already begun receiving notifications regarding vehicles involved in this recall.
