General Motors recalled more than 132,000 Chevy and GMC pickup trucks because the power tailgates could unlatch unexpectedly while in PARK. According to recall documents, tailgates unlatch when water intrusion into the tailgate causes electrical short circuits.
Until repairs are completed, GM advises truck owners to confirm that tailgates are closed and fully latched before driving.
Quick Recall Details
- Size of Recall: 131,231 GM trucks
- Affected Models: 2024 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra HD 2500/3500
- Problem: Water intrusion can cause a short circuit when contacting the electronic gate release-switch.
- Recall Remedy: Exterior touchpad assemblies will be replaced for free.
- Owner Notification: Began December 17, 2024.
- Note: This is an expansion of a previous recall of over 570,000 trucks.
GM Truck Tailgate Recalls Overview
General Motors has recalled over 131,231 Silverado and Sierra heavy-duty trucks due to a defect that allows the tailgate to unlatch while the vehicle is in PARK. This expands a previous recall of over 570,000 trucks of earlier model years.
If the driver does not confirm that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving, cargo may fall out of the truck bed and create a hazard on the road, potentially causing a crash.
2024 Recall (Expansion)
- NHTSA Campaign: 24V894000
- GM Recall: N242469160
- Population: 131,231
- Vehicles Affected:
- 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500
- 2024 GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500
- Cause: The tailgate design allows water to intrude into the gate. If the electronic gate-release switch is unsealed, then water intrusion can cause a short circuit.
GM recall notices were mailed to owners December 17, 2024.1
2023 Recall (Original)
- NHTSA Campaign: 24V060000
- GM Recall: N232426400
- Population: 570,434
- Vehicles Affected:
- 2020–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500
- 2020–2024 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500
- Cause: Water intrusion may cause a short circuit upon coming into contact with the electronic gate-release switch.
GM recall notices were mailed to owners May 17, 2024.2
How Will My Truck’s Tailgate Get Repaired?
Under both recalls, Chevrolet and GMC dealerships will replace the exterior touchpad assemblies with upgraded parts more resistant to water intrusion.
GM implemented these design improvements:
- In August 2023, they improved the top housing material of the switch.3
- In March 2024, GM began using switches with wires sealed in butyl tape.4
These improvements come after multiple analyses. GM’s analysis, completed in January 2024, revealed 136 complaints alleging unlatching tailgates “while driving,” one including a report of a minor injury and three reporting property damage.
A separate investigation into vehicles produced between August 2023 and March 2024 revealed 237 field complaints of unlatching tailgates. In both cases, the tailgates are likely released while in PARK because the control logic in the body control module (BCM) prevents releases of the tailgate latch while in gear.
How To Get Your Vehicle Repaired
If your vehicle’s tailgate is prone to unlatching, you may schedule a repair visit with your local dealership. Your options for repairs vary depending on your vehicle model. Follow these steps to schedule a repair service:
- Check if your vehicle is under recall: Visit NHTSA’s Recall Search and search your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) found on your vehicle’s windshield or front driver’s side doorjamb. Alternatively, search your VIN on the Chevrolet Recall or GMC Recall pages.
- Locate and call your local dealership: Use the Chevrolet Locator or GMC Dealership Locator tool to find a dealership near you. Call your chosen dealership and request a repair service appointment.
- Repairs under recall are free of charge. If your vehicle is not under recall, you can ask the dealership if your repairs are covered by your vehicle’s current warranties.
GM Recall Contact Information
To report further safety concerns regarding your vehicle, you may contact the manufacturer or federal regulators below:
- Chevrolet Customer Service: 1-800-222-1020
- GMC Customer Service: 1-800-462-8782
- NHTSA Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236
- NHTSA Website: nhtsa.gov/recalls
If Your Vehicle Cannot Be Repaired
If your vehicle cannot be repaired by your dealership within a reasonable number of repair attempts, your vehicle may have a manufacturing defect. Owners of defective vehicles, also known as “lemons,” may be entitled to the following forms of compensation under California’s Lemon Law:
- Cash compensation
- A vehicle replacement
- A vehicle repurchase, or a “lemon law buyback”
Consult with a lemon law attorney to determine if you are eligible for compensation under the California Lemon Law. Call our firm at 833-208-8181 to get a free consultation today.
References
- (2024, November 26). Tailgate May Open While Driving. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=24V894000
- (2024, February 1). Tailgate May Open While Driving. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=24V894000
- Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-060. (2024). https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V060-2284.PDF
- Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-894. (2024). https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V894-9506.PDF
Lemon Law Help by Knight Law Group is an automotive lemon law firm that exclusively practices in California, with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento and Orange County. If you are a California resident who purchased or leased a defective vehicle from a licensed dealership in California, we may be able to help you get rid of your potential lemon and recover significant cash compensation. Model year restrictions apply: 2020–Present vehicle models only.
However, we cannot help those who reside outside of California or purchased their vehicle outside of California unless they are active duty members of the Armed Forces, nor will we be able to refer them to a lemon law firm in their states.
To learn more about the California Lemon Law and your legal rights, visit our guide on the California Lemon Law for more information.
