GM Expands Recall: More Than 132,000 Pickups Included

The new GM logo on the facade of the General in Detroit on March 16, 2021. Rebecca Cook/Reuters

General Motors is expanding a recall of heavy-duty pickups due to faulty tailgates, adding to a list of more than 323,000 pick-ups recalled in February.

The recent update adds more than 132,000 heavy-duty pickups to its recall. The expansion includes certain 2024 models of Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 trucks, bringing the total number of affected vehicles to around 455,000.

The issue stems from faulty tailgate release switches that can short circuit, potentially causing the tailgates to open unexpectedly while the vehicles are parked. According to documents posted Nov. 26 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), water can infiltrate the electronic gate release switches, causing the issue.

GM’s decision to broaden the recall came after receiving 237 field reports of unexpected tailgate openings. The malfunction poses a safety risk, potentially leading to cargo spilling onto roadways, which can danger other motorists.

As a temporary measure, GM advises owners to ensure their tailgates are securely closed and latched before driving. The company plans to address the issue by replacing the exterior touchpad switch assemblies with new, more water-resistant versions. Affected owners can expect to receive notification letters starting January 13, 2024.

In a recall announced last month, GM is addressing a safety concern in its diesel-engine vehicles. The company said at the time it was recalling 461,839 vehicles due to a risk of rear wheel lockup, which could potentially lead to accidents.

The previous NHTSA recall notice highlights a transmission valve susceptible to premature wear, which can result in rear wheel malfunction. Drivers may experience harsh shifting as an early warning sign of the issue.

This recall affects a wide range of vehicles, including:

- Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra models (2020-2022)

- Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Suburban (select 2021 models)

The automaker’s investigation, which began in July, uncovered 1,888 field reports that were potentially related to the issue. The company also found 11 incidents possibly linked to the problem, some resulting in vehicles veering off the road and causing minor property damage, including three cases where minor injuries were reported.

To address the issue, the company announced plans to install new software that can monitor and detect valve wear. If excessive wear is detected, the system will limit the transmission to the fifth gear to prevent lockup. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified starting December 9, 2024.

Dealers will provide updated transmission control module software at no cost. The software monitors valve performance, detecting excess wear about 10,000 miles before potential wheel lock-up. If detected, the transmission will adjust gears to prevent lock-up, displaying a service engine light and reduced propulsion message.

GM will also offer a special program to repair transmissions identified by the software as having a faulty control valve.

The recent recalls follow a September 2024 recall of approximately 450,000 pickup trucks and SUVs due to a potentially inoperative low brake fluid warning light. That recall included 2023 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and 2023 to 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV models.

Owners can check their vehicle’s recall status on the NHTSA recall website or contact GM’s customer service directly. The company has provided specific contact numbers for each brand: GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.

From NTD News