General Motors (GM) has announced a significant recall affecting over 132,000 of its trucks due to a potential issue with the tailgate. This recall highlights concerns that the tailgates on certain models could unexpectedly unlatch, posing a safety risk. The problem affects specific 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD models, raising questions among truck owners and safety advocates alike.
The recall, officially documented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pinpoints the issue to certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, and GMC Sierra 2500 HD, 3500 HD vehicles. These particular models are equipped with power-unlatching tailgates, a feature intended for convenience but now identified as the source of a potential malfunction. According to the NHTSA report, water intrusion can compromise the electronic gate-release switch of the tailgate. This intrusion may lead to a short circuit, inadvertently triggering the tailgate to unlatch even when the truck is parked.
GM logo on a Chevrolet Silverado truck bed, representing the GM truck recall due to tailgate safety concerns.
The consequence of an unlatched tailgate is more than just an inconvenience. As stated by the NHTSA, “An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.” This potential for cargo spillage and subsequent road hazards is the core safety concern driving the GM truck recall.
To address this issue, GM has outlined a remedy for affected truck owners. Dealers will conduct free replacements of the exterior touchpad switch assemblies. This replacement aims to eliminate the vulnerability to water intrusion and prevent the unwanted unlatching of the tailgate. Owners of the recalled GM trucks are advised to ensure their tailgates are securely closed and latched before operating their vehicles. GM anticipates notifying affected owners by mail starting in mid-January. In the meantime, owners of Chevrolet vehicles can reach out to Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 for further information regarding recall number N242469160.
This recall serves as an important reminder of the critical role of vehicle safety and the proactive measures taken by manufacturers and regulatory bodies like NHTSA to address potential defects. For owners of the affected GM trucks, taking prompt action and adhering to the recall instructions is crucial to ensure both their safety and the safety of others on the road.
