Another 130,000 GM Trucks Recalled For Tailgates Falling Open

General Motors launched a huge recall in February 2024 with 323,232 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra models, due to the risks of their tailgates unexpectedly opening. The new recall, more accurately, an expansion of the previous recall, adds another 132,037 Silverado 2500 HD and GMC Sierra 2500 HD models from the 2024 model year to the list. The warning on the recall documentation reads: “An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.”

Electronics May Be The Issue

The reason it may be unlatched, though, is down to a change made to power-locking manual tailgate latches “in the population of the subject vehicles between August 21, 2023 and March 8, 2024.” The problem is in the waterproofing materials. “Under certain conditions” water can get in and short-circuit the gate release switch.

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The gate can’t be released while moving due to the body control module overriding any input from the power lock on the tailgate, keeping it locked until the truck is stopped and shifted to park. However, when the truck is in park, it’s possible a short circuit could unlock the tailgate, which would stay upright until the truck is moving.

Tailgate Issues Are Relatively Common In The Truck World

If that happens, it leaves the tailgate free to drop while the truck is moving. Of course, if the truck has an unsecured or badly secured load, that’s a safety issue. If the truck is towing something, it can cause damage to the tailgate.

If you’re a GM truck die-hard, you can take solace in the fact Ram also has had tailgate issues in recent years, particularly with an epic 1.4-million vehicle recall in 2022.

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If you own one of the GM HD trucks in that age range, the best thing to do is manually make sure the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. In fact, that’s what GM advises until the recalled vehicles can have the exterior touchpad switch assemblies changed to units that are properly waterproofed. Dealers are already being notified of the issue and the no-charge to the customer fix, and owner notifications will begin on January 13.