WASHINGTON –
General Motors is recalling 820,000 newer pickup trucks in North America because the tailgates could unlock and open unexpectedly.
The recall affects 2020 to 2024 model year trucks with power-release tailgates because water could enter the outer tailgate switch and cause a short circuit when parked.
GM said it was aware of one reported incident of a minor injury and three complaints of minor property damage related to the recall issue.
The recall affects approximately 570,000 trucks in the United States and 250,000 in Canada. The recall is GM’s largest U.S. recall this year and one of the larger recalls filed so far in 2024.
U.S. and Canadian regulators said if the tailgate opens, unsecured cargo could fall out of the truck’s bed onto the road while driving.
GM dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, but until replacement parts are available, vehicles in dealer and owner inventory may have the part disabled. GM says the replacement parts use a new material that improves resistance to water ingress.
GM recommends owners check the tailgate before driving to ensure it is closed and locked.
GM said it was working quickly to fix the problem. The recall affects 2020-2023 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks, as well as 2020-2024 heavy-duty versions of the same pickup trucks with power-release liftgates.
GM launched an investigation in November after receiving complaints about unwanted tailgate opening and said it received 136 complaints alleging unwanted tailgate opening.
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