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You can imagine how frightening it would be to have a tailgate suddenly come open while a vehicle is in motion. That is exactly why GM is recalling 131,000 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD trucks. The recall affects both 2500 and 3500 models that are equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. Water can apparently get into the locks and short circuit the mechanism allowing the tailgate to fall open.
What is Causing the Problem
This recall is an expansion of an earlier one, that I reported on in February. GM has other systems in place to make sure tailgates don’t unlatch while driving, so the automaker determined that the tailgates must have become unlatched while in park and opened while the person was driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration describes why the tailgate issue is dangerous. “If the driver does not manually close the gate before beginning a drive, cargo in the bed of the truck may exit the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Until the recall is completed, owners should check that the tailgate closed and latched before driving.”
Why a New Recall For the Same Issue
According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, the issue was reported to GM’s Speak Up to Safety Program after the automaker thought it had the problem fixed.
“Following notification of a complaint involving a 2024 Sierra HD 3500 tailgate that unexpectedly fell open and contacted a trailer. The subject vehicle was built after the suspect production window identified for previous NHTSA recall 24V060. GM opened a product investigation on August 20, 2024. GM’s investigation identified an elevated field claim rate in a population of the subject vehicles built between August 1, 2023 and March 8, 2024, which is when GM made a production change to the touchpad switch assembly sealing process. With respect to vehicles built in this production range, GM is aware of 237 field complaints that alleged an unwanted tailgate opening “while driving.” These complaints are likely attributable to the tailgate releasing while in Park before beginning a drive, as 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.”
GM says it is not aware of any alleged crashes or injuries associated with the tailgates opening while the truck is moving.
How GM Will Fix the Problem
GM says its dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, but this time the replacement parts will be made out of a different material that is more resistant to water. New trucks are already being made with switches that have the wires sealed in butyl tape. GM will also reimburse any owners that had to pay to have their switches fixed.
When Owners Can Have Their Vehicles Fixed
GM will start notifying owners on January 13, 2025. There are 66,669 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 (HD) vehicles affected by this recall. There are 65,368 2024 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 (HD) vehicles affected by this recall.
Until owners can have their tailgate switches replaced, they are advised to doublecheck that their tailgates are latched while in park, before driving.
Chevrolet Photo
Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
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