General Motors has issued a major vehicle recall. The automaker is recalling an estimated 570,000+ Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks.
What's Included in the Recall
The recall affects certain 2020 - 2024 model year Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 series Heavy Duty trucks and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 Heavy Duty trucks equipped with power-unlatching tailgates.
Under certain conditions water may intrude into the vehicles’ tailgates and come into contact with the electronic gate-release switch, potentially causing a short circuit, according to NHTSA documents. The gate may inadvertently unlatch while the vehicle is in Park.
If the driver does not manually close the gate before beginning a drive, cargo in the bed of the truck may exit the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Until the recall is completed, GM urges owners to check that the tailgate closed and latched before driving.
GM's Solution for Fleet Owners
Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies. Until replacement parts are available, vehicles in inventory at dealerships and owners who wish to do so may have the touchpad switch disabled.
When replacement parts are available, disabled touchpad switch assemblies will be replaced through a separate customer satisfaction campaign.
History of the Recall
GM opened an investigation into the issue in Nov. 2023 after receiving complaints of unwanted tailgate opening with respect to vehicles incorporating the same unsealed tailgate-release switch.
GM’s analysis and testing determined that the tailgate design in the subject vehicles was susceptible to water intrusion in the location of the switch.
The automaker identified 136 complaints that alleged an unwanted tailgate opening “while driving.” However, GM stated that the control logic in the body control module would prevent release of the tailgate latch when the vehicle is in gear, even if the module receives a release signal from the exterior touchpad switch.
Because of this, GM believes the complaints are likely due to the tailgate releasing while in Park before beginning a drive.
Among the complaints were one allegation of minor injury and three complaints of minor property damage.
