In an announcement that has left many truck owners concerned, General Motors (GM) has issued a recall for over 820,000 of its trucks due to a significant fault in the tailgate mechanism. Affected trucks include Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500s and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500s of model years 2020-2024.
The automotive giant has identified a problem where the electronic tailgate release switch may short-circuit because of water leaks. This leads to the tailgate unexpectedly unlatching while the vehicle is in PARK. This recall affects a broad range of GM’s lineup, underscoring the widespread nature of the potential safety hazard. Here’s what you need to know about whether you’re at risk.
The Safety Risks of Faulty Tailgate Latches
Tailgate failures in trucks, especially when unexpected, pose a wide variety of safety risks – not just to the driver but to all road users. Here are some of the key risks associated with this issue:
- Loss of Cargo: Perhaps the most immediate risk of a faulty tailgate latch is the potential for the tailgate to unexpectedly open while the truck is in motion, leading to the loss of cargo. This issue can create hazardous conditions on the road as other drivers may need to swerve to avoid hitting the fallen items, increasing the risk of accidents. Furthermore, for those using their trucks to transport hazardous materials, the risks are even greater, with the potential for spills leading to environmental hazards and health risks.
- Increased Accident Risk: Objects falling from the back of a truck can lead to collisions, as following vehicles might not have enough time to react and avoid the debris. This situation is particularly dangerous on highways where vehicles are traveling at high speeds.
- Damage to Following Vehicles: Apart from causing accidents, the cargo that falls from a truck can directly hit vehicles behind it, leading to damage and potential injuries to the occupants.
- Pedestrian Hazard: In urban or residential areas, items falling out of a truck can pose a significant risk to pedestrians, cyclists, and others who might be on or near the road.
- Reduced Vehicle Control: In some cases, a sudden opening of the tailgate can affect the handling of the truck, especially if the cargo shifts abruptly. This can be particularly problematic in adverse driving conditions, such as in wet or slippery roads, where driver control is paramount.
- Legal and Financial Consequences: If a faulty tailgate leads to an accident, the vehicle’s owner may face legal liabilities, including fines and compensation claims for damages and injuries caused by lost cargo. This can have significant financial implications.
- Compromised Vehicle Security: A faulty latch can also compromise the security of the vehicle’s cargo area, making it easier for theft to occur, especially if the truck is left unattended.
- Impact on Vehicle Structural Integrity: In the event of a rear collision, a securely closed tailgate can help absorb and distribute crash forces more effectively. A faulty tailgate latch could compromise this aspect of the vehicle’s safety design, potentially leading to more severe damage and injuries.
Given these risks, it’s important for truck owners to ensure that their tailgate latches are functioning correctly and to seek repairs or replacements if a fault is detected. Regular maintenance checks can help identify and mitigate such risks before they lead to serious consequences.
Until the issue is resolved, take precautions to mitigate the risk of tailgate failure. Avoid overloading your tailgate and ensure all cargo is securely fastened to prevent it from falling out if the tailgate unexpectedly opens. Consider checking your tailgate before driving, even if there is nothing in your truck bed. A gentle tug should open the gate if the latch has been compromised. If your latch is compromised, contact your local GM dealership about safety recall N232426400 to determine the safest way to have your truck repaired.
What to Do If Your GM Truck Is a Lemon
Owning a vehicle with a recurrent, unfixable problem can be both frustrating and dangerous. For those who find themselves with a GM truck that might be considered a lemon due to the tailgate or other persistent issues, there are steps you can take to seek remedy:
- Report the Issue: Contact your local GM dealership or the GM customer service hotline to report the problem. It’s important to document each incident, including dates, descriptions, and any repairs attempted.
- Lemon Law: Familiarize yourself with the lemon laws in your state. These laws are designed to protect consumers who have purchased vehicles that fail to meet quality and performance standards. If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you may be entitled to a replacement or refund.
- Legal Advice: Consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in lemon law. They can provide guidance on your case’s specifics and help you navigate the legal process to ensure you receive the compensation or remedy you’re entitled to.
Legal Help for GM Truck Recalls and Lemon Claims
GM’s recall of over 820,000 trucks for tailgate failures is a stark reminder of the importance of vehicle maintenance and the potential dangers posed by seemingly minor mechanical faults. If you own one of these affected vehicles, it’s important to take immediate action to address this recall to protect your safety and that of others on the road. By understanding the risks and knowing the steps to take if your vehicle is a lemon, you can protect yourself and your investment.
If you’re regularly facing warranty problems that GM just can’t seem to fix, it’s time to get help. At Johnson & Buxton – The Lemon Law Guys, we can help. We have decades of experience in California lemon law claims, and we can fight for you, too. Learn more about whether your truck counts as a lemon and what to do next by getting in touch with our California lemon law firm today.
