GM Recalls HD Pickup Trucks Over QT5 EZ Lift Tailgate Issue, 323,232 Vehicles Affected

What is the problem, though? According to documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, water may enter the tailgates. The water may come into contact with the electronic gate release switch, resulting in a short circuit. In the event of a short circuit, the tailgate may unlatch while the transmission is in park.

If the driver doesn't manually close the power-unlatching tailgate before starting a drive, the tailgate may open while driving. This, in turn, results in unsecured cargo turning into road hazards for the drivers behind. The remedy for this problem is a replacement touchpad switch assembly. The replacement part uses a material with improved resistance to water intrusion. General Motors introduced the new design Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD production by August 1, 2023.

A production investigation was opened on November 21, 2023 after multiple complaints of unintended tailgate opening. General Motors completed the analysis of potentially related incidents on January 5, 2024, identifying no fewer than 136 complaints from the US market. Even though the body control module's control logic prevents the release of the tailgate latch while in gear, the tailgate may be unlocked while in park due to the aforementioned short circuit condition.

Among the 136 complaints – which were received by General Motors between September 1, 2020 and August 1, 2023 – there is one allegation of a minor injury and three allegations of minor property damage. Dealers have already been instructed to replace the touchpad switch assembly, whereas known owners will be notified by General Motors via first-class mail no later than March 18, 2024.

The assembly in question is supplied by LS Automotive Tech of Troy, Michigan. Suspect assemblies bear part numbers 85521471, 85521472, 84758464, and 84758465. Owners of the Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 with the QT5 EZ Lift tailgate can easily determine whether their trucks are included in this recall or not by entering the VIN on the NHTSA's website.

Both the Silverado HD and Sierra HD were updated for the 2024 model year with new looks, a new version of the Duramax V8 turbo diesel, better trailering tech, larger instrumentation and infotainment, and more refined interior accommodations. General Motors also waxes lyrical about the HD-specific Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, although the fine print reads Allison-branded transmission. In truth, said transmission – the 10L 1000 – is made by GM.

The Detroit-based automaker advertises the Silverado 2500 with a starting price of $43,400 (sans destination charge) and up to 22,500 pounds (10,206 kilograms) for towing capacity. The 3500 series levels up to $44,600 and up to 36,000 pounds (16,329 kilograms). An optional extra over the L8T small-block V8 gasser, the L5P Duramax V8 turbo diesel is rated at 975 pound-feet (1,322 Nm).

The GMC Sierra is understandably pricier, with General Motors charging $45,400 for the 2500 and $45,200 for the 3500 series. The only way to get a true Allison transmission in a heavy-duty pickup truck from General Motors is to opt for the 4500, 5500, or 6500 series of the Silverado HD. The Allison transmission features six forward gears as opposed to 10 for the Hydra-Matic 10L 1000.