GM Recalls More Than 130,000 Trucks for Tailgates That Unlatch Unpredictably

When it comes to pickup trucks, a tailgate serves a simple yet crucial purpose – providing easy access to the bed and keeping items safely in place. However, the automotive industry has recently deviated from this essential function, focusing on equipping tailgates with various features like multiple modes, built-in steps, and even speakers for on-the-go entertainment. The industry’s obsession with frills has led to forgetfulness about the fundamentals. But, it seems they’ve finally remembered the basics, albeit in a chaotic manner.

General Motors (GM) has issued a massive recall affecting over 132,000 pickup trucks worldwide, citing an issue with their tailgates malfunctioning and unlatching unpredictably. The affected vehicles include the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 models, as well as the GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 trucks with manual tailgates featuring power locks.

The root cause of this problem lies in the tailgate’s electronic gate release switch, which is susceptible to water intrusion. Moisture can seep in and cause the switch to malfunction, leading to an unintended tailgate drop-off. While this issue is unlikely to cause significant issues in most scenarios, there are certain situations where the problem could become more substantial – such as hauling heavy loads or using the tailgate as a makeshift bath tub.

The Fix: Replacement of the Exterior Touchpad Switch Assemblies

The fix for this issue is a straightforward and free one: Chevrolet and GMC dealerships will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies. Furthermore, owners are advised to ensure their tailgates are securely latched before driving. GM has also received 237 field complaints regarding this issue, including at least one instance where the tailgate dropped unexpectedly while driving, although the company believes most cases were caused by the switch malfunctions while the vehicle was parked.

The recall does not apply to vehicles built after March 8, 2024, as GM updated its touchpad switch assembly sealing process at that time, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) documents. It’s essential for truck owners to check their VINs to determine if their vehicle is affected by the recall.

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