Dive Brief:
- General Motors has recalled 132,037 heavy-duty pickup models equipped with optional power-unlatching tailgates for a condition where the electronic release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- The recalled models include model year 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500 and 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 pickups. The defect can result in the tailgate opening when the vehicle is in park or while driving. It’s the second recall this year for the same tailgate problem on these models.
- To address the recall, dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies for free. Notification letters are expected to be mailed on Jan. 13.
Dive Insight:
Only HD truck models equipped with optional power lock and release tailgates produced between Aug. 1, 2023, and March 8, 2024, are included in this recall. Other GM pickups that offer different tailgate configurations are not included, according to the NHTSA.
GM is not aware of any alleged crashes or injuries related to the defect, according to the NHTSA. But owners are being advised to check that the tailgate is closed and fully latched before driving away. An estimated 1% of the recalled trucks are suspected of having electrical issues due to water intrusion.
In February, GM issued its first recall for up to 570,434 HD pickups for water intrusion concerns after receiving 136 field reports of tailgates opening while driving between Sept. 1, 2020, and Aug. 1, 2023.
GM’s analysis of the first recall confirmed that the tailgate was susceptible to water intrusion near the switch location.
To address these concerns, the automaker used new switch material to better prevent water intrusion. The revised part was introduced into production on Aug. 1, 2023. However, the company received additional field reports of tailgates unlatching with the updated switch and opened a second investigation, which found that the new component was still susceptible to water intrusion.
GM then revised the tailgate switch a second time using wires sealed in butyl tape. These switches were introduced into production at all GM assembly plants by March 8, 2024.
But the decision to issue a second recall was made by GM’s safety field action decision authority on Nov. 21 for certain HD truck models produced between Aug 1, 2023 and March 8, 2024 after the company received 237 additional field reports of tailgates opening while driving.
For safety, the control logic of the body control module in the trucks is designed to prevent release of the tailgate latch when the vehicle is in gear, even if the exterior touchpad release switch on the tailgate is pressed.
