General Motors is issuing a massive recall for over 323,000 heavy-duty pickup trucks across the United States, due to a fault that could cause the tailgates to open unexpectedly. Owners of certain Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 models from 2020 to 2024 should be on alert as there's a risk of cargo spilling onto the road, creating potential hazards for following drivers.
Specifically, water infiltration into the electronic tailgate release switches may short circuit the system, triggering the tailgates to open without warning. According to WWJ Newsradio 950, which identified the underlying issue, this malfunction has already led to 136 consumer complaints. There's an advisory for drivers to ensure their tailgate is securely closed and latched before embarking on a journey until repairs can be made.
MarketScreener indicates GM dealers have also been instructed to temporarily cease selling the affected trucks until the replacement of the faulty exterior touchpad switch is completed. The fix will be provided at no cost to truck owners, with the replacement procedure starting with notifications beginning to be mailed out on March 18.
It's essential to note that this recall surfaces alongside another prominent automotive safety concern, highlighted by the NHTSA just recently. A separate callback was issued for Honda vehicles over a malfunctioning switch that should disable the passenger airbag when a child is detected in the front seat. This recall impacts select Honda models, spanning several years of production. Nonetheless, the GM tailgate issue remains pressing, with Reuters via U.S. News reporting that the problem could lead to road hazards as unsecured cargo may fall out onto the streets.
Drivers affected by the GM recall can seek further information by contacting Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. Until repairs are completely done, the manufacturer urges caution. They recommend double-checking that the tailgate is properly secured to not only prevent potential accidents but to ensure the safety of all road users surrounding these affected vehicles.
