General Motors Recalls Over 323,000 Heavy-Duty Pickups Due to Tailgate Safety Concerns

General Motors has initiated a recall affecting more than 323,000 heavy-duty pickup trucks across the United States. The recall pertains to certain models of Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured between 2020 and 2024.

The issue revolves around the electronic tailgate release switches, which have been found susceptible to short circuits. This defect can lead to the unintended opening of the tailgate while the vehicles are stationary in park mode. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as revealed in documents released on Tuesday, warns that water infiltration into these switches is the root cause of the problem.

The potential consequences of this malfunction are significant. The agency highlights the risk of unsecured cargo spilling onto the roadways, posing a hazard to both motorists and pedestrians and potentially causing accidents.

As a precautionary measure, GM is advising owners of the affected vehicles to ensure that the tailgate is securely closed and latched before operating the trucks. To address the issue, dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch. Notification letters to owners are scheduled to commence on March 18.

Furthermore, GM has instructed its dealerships to refrain from selling the impacted vehicles until the necessary repairs have been completed.

According to documents provided by the company, there have been 136 reported complaints regarding the tailgates unexpectedly opening. Among these, GM has recorded one instance of minor injury and three cases of minor property damage.

This recall underscores the importance of promptly addressing safety concerns to mitigate potential risks on the road. Owners are urged to heed the manufacturer's guidance and take appropriate action to ensure the safe operation of their vehicles.

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