GMC Chevrolet Trucks Tailgate Recall: Power Release Mechanism Failure and Free Repair Process
General Motors has recalled hundreds of thousands of heavy-duty pickup trucks because water can get into the power tailgate switch and cause it to unlatch unexpectedly—and the repair is completely free.
There’s a specific kind of frustration that comes from loading up your truck bed, securing everything carefully, and then realizing the tailgate popped open somewhere along the way. For owners of certain Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks, this isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a safety recall.
TL;DR
GM issued two separate recalls for power tailgate issues. The first (N232426400) covers 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD trucks in the U.S., plus 2020-2023 1500 models in Canada . The second (N242469160) expands coverage to include an additional 132,037 2024 model year HD trucks built after August 2023 . The problem is water intrusion into the electronic gate-release switch, which can cause a short circuit and unlatch the tailgate while parked . The fix is a free replacement of the exterior touchpad switch assembly at your GM dealer. Until then, always check that your tailgate is closed and latched before driving .
What Causes the Power Release Mechanism to Fail?
Here’s the thing about this issue—it’s all about water and electronics not mixing well. On affected trucks with power-unlatching tailgates, moisture can get inside the tailgate panel and reach the electronic gate-release switch. This can cause a short circuit .
The tailgate may then unlatch while the truck is in Park. If the driver doesn’t notice and starts driving with the tailgate open, anything loose in the bed could slide out and become a road hazard . It’s worth noting that GM designed the body control module to prevent the tailgate from unlatching while the truck is actually in gear, so the issue likely happens before the drive begins . But if you don’t check, you might not realize the tailgate is open until it’s too late.
Which Trucks Are Affected?
The recall affects specific truck models and years depending on where you live.
First Recall (N232426400 – February 2024)
United States and other markets:
- 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD
- 2020-2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD
Canada Only:
- 2020-2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (with Canadian equipment)
- 2020-2023 GMC Sierra 1500 (with Canadian equipment)
Second Recall (N242469160 – December 2024)
- An additional 132,037 vehicles including 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500/3500 and GMC Sierra HD 2500/3500 models
Important: Only trucks equipped with a power-unlatching tailgate are affected. If your truck has a manual tailgate, it’s not part of this recall .
Recall Timeline: How We Got Here
First Recall (February 2024)
GM recalled 570,434 HD pickups after receiving 136 reports of tailgates opening while driving from September 2020 to August 2023 . GM created a new switch material designed to prevent water intrusion, introduced on August 1, 2023 . Owners were advised to check their tailgates before driving .
Second Recall (Current)
Despite the initial fix, GM received 237 additional field reports of tailgates unlatching even with the updated switch . A second investigation revealed the new component was still vulnerable to water intrusion . The decision to issue this second recall was made November 21, 2024 .
Notification Dates
- First Recall Letters: Mailed March 18, 2024
- Second Recall Letters: Mailed beginning January 13, 2025
What GM Is Doing About It
General Motors has been working on this since late 2023, opening an investigation in November after receiving complaints .
The Fix
Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies with an improved water-resistant design . GM has revised the tailgate switch a second time, now using wires sealed in butyl tape for improved water resistance . These enhanced switches were introduced into production by March 8, 2024 .
What to Expect at the Dealer
- Free repair: No cost to you for parts or labor
- Service time: Approximately 30 minutes
- Potential need for inspection: Dealers will inspect the part number on the replacement switch; if it’s a “1,” it’s defective and should be scrapped
Special Instructions for 2024 Model Year Trucks
Important: If your 2024 truck had the touchpad switch disabled as a temporary measure during the first recall, you’ll need to return to the dealer once the new replacement parts are available to get the permanent fix .
The Free Repair Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Check If Your Truck Is Affected
Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the GM Owner Center website at experience.gm.com/ownercenter/recalls .
Step 2: Contact Your Dealer
Schedule an appointment with any authorized Chevrolet or GMC dealer. It doesn’t have to be where you bought the truck .
Step 3: Get the Free Repair
Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assembly at no charge. Recall work is always covered at a GM dealer—even if you bought the truck used or from a private party .
Step 4: Reimbursement for Past Repairs
If you already paid for repairs related to this condition, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Complete the reimbursement form and present it to your dealer with all required documents .
What You Should Do Right Now
GM recommends that all owners of affected trucks take this simple step immediately:
Check that the tailgate is fully closed and latched before every drive. This prevents cargo from falling out and causing a crash .
Contact Information
- Chevrolet Customer Service: 1-800-222-1020
- GMC Customer Service: 1-800-462-8782
- Recall Numbers: GM N232426400 (first recall), GM N242469160 (expansion)
- NHTSA Campaign IDs: 24V-060 and 24V-894
Chart: Recall Timeline and Scope
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GMC Chevrolet tailgate recall about?
Water can get into the power tailgate’s electronic release switch and cause a short circuit, potentially unlatching the tailgate while the vehicle is parked. If the driver doesn’t notice and starts driving, cargo could fall out .
Which vehicles are affected by the recall?
The recall covers 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD (2500/3500) and GMC Sierra HD (2500/3500) trucks with power-unlatching tailgates in the U.S. It also covers 2020-2023 Silverado and Sierra 1500 models in Canada .
Do I have to pay for the tailgate repair?
No. All recall-related repairs are performed at no cost to owners. This includes parts and labor .
How long does the repair take?
The actual service correction time is approximately 30 minutes. However, your dealer may need the vehicle longer due to scheduling and service capacity .
What if my truck was already fixed in the first recall?
Trucks that had the touchpad switch disabled as a temporary measure during the first recall must return to the dealer for the permanent fix when replacement parts are available . Additionally, 2024 trucks that were part of the initial recall may be subject to the expanded recall .
Can I get reimbursed if I already paid for this repair?
Yes. If you paid for repairs related to the recall condition before the recall was announced, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Complete the reimbursement form and present it to your dealer with all required documents .
Is it safe to drive my truck with an open recall?
It’s safe to drive as long as you check that the tailgate is closed and latched before each drive . GM estimates that only 1% of affected trucks actually have the defect .
References
Verified Sources for Tailgate Recall Information:
- NHTSA – Safety Recall N232426400 (First Recall Bulletin)
- NHTSA – Safety Recall N242469160 (Expansion Bulletin)
- NHTSA – Owner Notification Letter (Expansion)
- NHTSA – FAQs for Recall N232426400
- NHTSA – FAQs for Recall N242469160
- GMC – Warranty and Recall Information
- The Car Connection – GM Recalls 132,037 Trucks
What’s your experience with the tailgate recall? Have you had the repair done yet? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
