The tailgate is one of the more important parts of a pickup truck, as it’s often the only thing standing between whatever’s in the bed and the world at large. Having the tailgate open unexpectedly could be a big problem, both for the driver and anyone unlucky enough to be around them, which is why we’re here talking about an expansion of a General Motors recall from early in 2024.
In February, GM recalled more than 320,000 Silverado HD and Sierra HD trucks for a problem that could cause the tailgates to open unexpectedly. That recall action recently expanded to include 132,037 additional trucks and now involves trucks equipped with a power-locking manual tailgate. The documentation stats that water can enter the tailgate in those trucks, causing problems with the locking mechanism’s power elements.
Beyond the potential for cargo to slide out of the bed, the tailgate falling open can damage trailering equipment while towing. GM said it had received at least one report of a 2024 GMC Sierra HD 3500’s tailgate falling open and damaging the owner’s trailer tongue and other components. The automaker found 237 reports about the problem during its subsequent investigation, but there have been no reported accidents or injuries.
GM said it would replace switch assemblies with new components designed to resist water. Owners will be notified by mid-January.
[Images: General Motors]
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Source: The Truth About Cars
