General Motors has issued a big recall impacting over 300,000 trucks. The action is in response to safety concerns surrounding the electronic release system of the tailgate.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), concerns about a potential short circuit when the system comes into contact with water have led to a recall. This has sparked worries about road hazards and heightened crash risks, as per USA Today.
GM Trucks at Risk Due to Tailgate Issue
RICHMOND, CA - AUGUST 11: Brand new GMC trucks are displayed at Hilltop Buick Pontiac-GMC August 11, 2009 in Richmond, California. Hundreds of General Motors California dealers have started to auction off new GM vehicles on eBay as part of a trial program with the online auction site and GM.
The NHTSA announced on Thursday that an important number of trucks, specifically certain models of Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks manufactured between 2020 and 2024, are set to be recalled. The total number of trucks affected is estimated to be around 323,232.
There is a concerning issue with the electronic gate-release mechanism that needs to be addressed. It has the potential to unlatch the tailgate while the vehicle is moving, which can result in cargo spillage and accidents. In addition, there have been incidents where the gate unlocks unexpectedly, even when the truck is parked.
The affected trucks include heavy-duty models such as the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500, and the GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500. Additionally, in Canada, certain Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles may also be impacted by the issue.
The root cause of the problem lies in the power-unlatching tailgate, prevalent in the model years 2020 through 2024 for heavy-duty trucks and 2020 through 2023 for light-duty trucks in Canada. Water infiltration into the release switch can trigger a short circuit, potentially leading to the tailgate unlatching unexpectedly, especially while the vehicle is stationary.
General Motors of Canada has estimated that around 41,800 heavy-duty trucks and 180,670 light-duty 1500 trucks are affected by the recall in Canada alone.
Meanwhile, the NHTSA has initiated the recall process for the heavy-duty versions in the United States, advising owners to ensure that their tailgates are fully closed and latched before driving. General Motors has committed to replacing the exterior touchpad switch responsible for the issue at no additional cost to the owners, according to National Post.
General Motors' Recalls for Tailgate Concerns
Recall notices will be dispatched to affected vehicle owners, with the distribution set to commence in March for US customers. In response to the recall, General Motors has instructed its dealerships to halt the sale of any affected trucks until the necessary repairs have been completed.
The decision comes after the automaker received 136 complaints from US owners regarding instances of tailgates opening unexpectedly, leading to minor property damage in three cases and one reported minor injury.
For truck owners concerned about whether their vehicle is subject to the recall, General Motors has provided online recall information accessible through the Chevrolet or GMC consumer websites in Canada. Owners will need to input their 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) to verify whether their truck is affected.
Once owners receive the recall notice, they are urged to schedule an appointment at a dealership to have the necessary repairs conducted promptly. It's crucial for owners to ensure their contact information is up to date with the automaker to receive recall notifications, especially if they have recently moved or purchased a used vehicle.
With the safety concerns, General Motors is taking urgent steps to address the issue, demonstrating its dedication to consumer safety and ensuring the reliability of its vehicles on the roads, Reuters reported.
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