GMC Chevrolet Trucks Tailgate Recall: 2020-2023 Silverado and Sierra Models Affected
General Motors has recalled over 800,000 pickup trucks because the power tailgate might unlatch on its own—and here’s what owners need to know right now.
You know that feeling when you load up the truck bed with camping gear or lumber, double-check everything is secure, and hit the road with confidence? Well, for owners of certain Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks, there’s a safety concern that has GM issuing a major recall . The tailgate might not stay shut as expected, and cargo that isn’t tied down could end up on the road.
TL;DR
General Motors recalled approximately 820,000 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks in North America because water can get into the tailgate’s electronic release switch and cause it to unlatch unexpectedly while parked. The recall covers 2020-2023 Silverado and Sierra 1500 models (in Canada) and 2020-2024 Heavy Duty (2500/3500) trucks in both the U.S. and Canada with power-unlatching tailgates . Dealers will replace the faulty switch assemblies for free, and owners are advised to check their tailgate is securely latched before every drive .
Key Takeaways
- Models Affected: 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 HD and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD trucks in the U.S., plus 2020-2023 Silverado and Sierra 1500 models in Canada .
- The Problem: Water can leak into the tailgate and short-circuit the electronic release switch, potentially unlatching the gate while the vehicle is parked .
- The Danger: If the tailgate pops open and cargo falls out while driving, it creates a road hazard and increases crash risk .
- The Fix: Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies at no charge .
- What You Should Do: Always check your tailgate is latched before driving, and contact your dealer to schedule the free repair .
- Recall Numbers: GM recall N232426400 (initial), N242469160 (expansion). NHTSA campaign numbers 24V-060 and 24V-894 .
The Issue: Why the Tailgate Could Open Unexpectedly
Here’s the thing about this recall—it’s all about water and electronics not mixing well. On affected trucks equipped with a power-unlatching tailgate, water 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 unlatched, anything loose in the bed could slide out and become a danger to other drivers . It’s worth noting that GM designed the body control module to prevent the tailgate from unlatching while the truck is actually moving, 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.
How Many Trucks Are Affected?
The numbers are substantial. The initial recall covered about 570,000 trucks in the United States and 250,000 in Canada . GM later expanded the recall to include an additional 150,000 2024 model year HD trucks that were built outside the original production window . In total, roughly 820,000 trucks are affected across North America .
| Region | Estimated Affected Vehicles |
|---|---|
| United States | ~570,000 |
| Canada | ~250,000 |
| Total | ~820,000 |
Which Vehicles Are Included?
The recall covers specific truck models and years depending on whether you’re in the U.S. or Canada .
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 RPO Z49 Canadian Base Equipment)
- 2020-2023 GMC Sierra 1500 (with RPO Z49 Canadian Base Equipment)
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 . You can check your window sticker or look for a button on the tailgate to see if you have this feature.
What GM Is Doing About It
General Motors has been working on this since late 2023. The company opened an investigation in November after receiving complaints about tailgates opening unexpectedly . By January 2024, GM decided to move forward with a safety recall .
The Fix
Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies with new ones that use improved materials to keep water out . The repair is completely free for owners, and the service takes about 30 minutes once the parts are available .
The Timeline
- Initial Recall Issued: February 2024 (NHTSA recall 24V-060, GM number N232426400)
- Recall Expansion: November 2024 (NHTSA recall 24V-894, GM number N242469160)
- Owner Notification (Initial): Letters mailed beginning March 18, 2024
- Owner Notification (Expansion): Letters mailed beginning December 17, 2024
Remember: If your truck was part of the initial recall and you had the switch disabled as a temporary measure, you’ll need to return to the dealer once the new replacement parts are available to get the permanent fix .
What You Should Do Right Now
Your safety is the priority here. GM has issued a clear recommendation for all owners of affected trucks.
Always check that the tailgate is fully closed and latched before you start driving . This simple habit can prevent cargo from falling out and causing a crash, even if the switch has already shorted out.
Then, take these steps:
- Check if your truck is affected. You can do this by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the GM Owner Center website (experience.gm.com/ownercenter/recalls) or the NHTSA recall lookup tool (nhtsa.gov/recalls) .
- Contact your local Chevrolet or GMC dealer. Schedule an appointment to have the exterior touchpad switch replaced. The service is free .
- If you’ve already paid for a related repair, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Contact your dealer with your receipts .
GM’s contact numbers:
- Chevrolet Customer Service: 1-800-222-1020
- GMC Customer Service: 1-800-462-8782
What About the 1500 Models Outside Canada?
If you drive a 2020-2023 Silverado 1500 or Sierra 1500 in the United States, this recall does not affect your truck. The notice specifically states these VINs are for Canada only . However, it’s always good practice to check your VIN on the GM recall website just to be sure.
How This Compares to Other GM Recalls
This tailgate issue represents one of GM’s largest safety recalls in 2024 . While it’s a significant number, the company has stated that only about 1% of the affected vehicles are estimated to actually have the defect . Still, GM is being proactive to ensure safety.
The recall is also an example of how modern vehicle features—like power tailgates—can introduce new technical challenges. The fix is straightforward, and GM has been transparent about the issue, even providing reimbursement details for dealers who held inventory affected by the stop-delivery order .
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my truck is affected by the tailgate recall?
The easiest way is to check your VIN on the official GM recall website at experience.gm.com/ownercenter/recalls or the NHTSA website at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Enter your 17-digit VIN, and it will tell you if there are any open recalls on your vehicle .
What should I do if my tailgate opens while driving?
The system is designed to prevent the tailgate from unlatching while the vehicle is in gear . If it does happen, safely pull over, close and latch the tailgate, and check that your cargo is secure. Contact your dealer as soon as possible for the recall repair.
Do I have to pay for the repair?
No. All repairs related to this safety recall will be performed at no cost to the owner .
How long does the repair take?
GM estimates the actual repair time to be approximately 30 minutes. However, your dealer may need your vehicle for a longer period due to scheduling and service capacity .
What if I already had the tailgate switch replaced?
If you paid for a similar repair before this recall was announced, you may be eligible for reimbursement. GM has a process for this—contact your dealer with your receipts and a completed reimbursement form .
Are 1500 series trucks in the U.S. included?
No. The recall documents specify that 2020-2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 VINs listed in this recall are for Canada only. However, the 2020-2024 Heavy Duty (2500/3500) trucks are affected in both the U.S. and Canada .
What’s the difference between recall N232426400 and N242469160?
N232426400 was the initial recall issued in February 2024 covering 2020-2024 HD trucks. N242469160 is the expansion announced in November 2024 to include additional 2024 model year HD trucks that were built outside the original production window .
References
Official Sources and Verified Recall Information:
- NHTSA – Safety Recall N232426400 (Official GM Bulletin)
- NHTSA – Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-060
- Transport Canada – Recall 2024061 (GM Tailgate Issue)
- NHTSA – Owner Notification Letter (Recall Expansion 24V-894)
What’s your experience with GM recalls? Have you had your tailgate switch replaced yet? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
