Short dive:
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, General Motors is recalling 132,037 heavy-duty pickup models equipped with optional power-unlocking tailgates for a condition in which the electronic release switch may short circuit due to water ingress.
- Recalled models include the 2024 model year Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 pickups. The defect may cause the tailgate to open when the vehicle is parked or while driving. This is the second recall this year for the same tailgate problem on these models.
- To address the recall, dealers will replace the exterior touchpad free switch assemblies. Notification letters should be sent on January 13th.
Diving information:
Only HD truck models equipped with optional power lock and release tailgates produced between August. 1, 2023 and March 8, 2024, are included in this recall. According to the NHTSA, other GM pickups that offer different tailgate configurations are not included.
According to the NHTSA, GM is not aware of any alleged accidents or injuries related to the defect. However, owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and fully locked before setting off. It is estimated that approximately 1% of recalled trucks have electrical problems due to water intrusion.
In the month of February, GM has issued its first recall for up to 570,434 HD pickups for water intrusion issues after receiving 136 field reports of rear doors opening while driving between September 1, 2020 and August 1, 2023.
GM’s analysis of the first recall confirmed that the tailgate was susceptible to water ingress near the switch location.
To address these concerns, the automaker used a new material for the switches to better prevent water intrusion. The revised part was introduced into production on August 1, 2023. However, the company received additional field reports of rear doors unlocking with the updated switch and launched a second investigation. which found that the new component was still susceptible to water ingress.
GM then revised the tailgate switch a second time using wires sealed with 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 Field Safety 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 reports in the field of opening of the rear doors while driving. .
For safety purposes, the body control module control logic in trucks is designed to prevent the tailgate latch from being released when the vehicle is in motion, even if the external touchpad release switch on the tailgate is pressed.