General Motors issued an expanded recall affecting 150,000 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HD trucks due to a potential safety hazard involving power tailgates that may unlatch unintentionally while parked.
The recall, which includes the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, Silverado 3500 HD, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and Sierra 3500 HD models, addresses an issue where water can infiltrate the tailgate and short-circuit the electronic gate-release switch. According to GM in the initial recall issued in February, "under certain conditions, water may intrude into these vehicles’ tailgates and come into contact with the electronic gate-release switch, potentially causing a short circuit."
In July, GM received a report of a 2024 Sierra 3500 HD tailgate that unlatched unexpectedly, striking a trailer attached to the truck. That particular truck’s production date was outside the window included in the original recall, prompting GM to expand it.
Although GM received 237 complaints alleging that tailgates opened "while driving," the company clarified that these incidents are likely due to the tailgate being inadvertently unlatched while the vehicle was in park before the drive began.
"The control logic in the body control module (BCM) would prevent release of the tailgate latch when the vehicle is in gear -- even if the BCM receives a release signal from the exterior touchpad switch," the automaker stated.
The recall also affects approximately 18,000 trucks in Canada. GM advises drivers to verify that their tailgates are securely latched before driving.
Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies in affected vehicles. Notification letters will be sent to owners beginning Jan. 13, 2025.
For further assistance, Chevrolet owners can contact 800-222-1020, while GMC owners can reach out to 800-462-8782. The GM recall number for this issue is N242469160.
All vehicle owners can check for open recalls using a VIN or license plate number at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
