What is the issue, however? As per documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there is a potential problem with water entering the tailgates. This water could come into contact with the switch that releases the tailgate, causing a short circuit. If a short circuit occurs, the tailgate may open while the vehicle is in park.
If the driver does not manually close the power-unlatching tailgate before starting to drive, it may open while driving. This can lead to unsecured cargo becoming a hazard for drivers behind. To address this problem, a replacement touchpad switch assembly is required. The replacement part utilizes a material that is more resistant to water intrusion. General Motors plans to introduce this new design for the Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD by August 1, 2023.
On November 21, 2023, an investigation into production was initiated following multiple complaints of unintended tailgate opening. General Motors completed an analysis of potentially related incidents on January 5, 2024, and identified a total of 136 complaints from the US market. Although the body control module’s logic prevents the release of the tailgate latch while the vehicle is in gear, the tailgate may still become unlocked while in park due to the aforementioned short circuit.
Out of the 136 complaints received by General Motors between September 1, 2020, and August 1, 2023, there is one report of a minor injury and three reports of minor property damage. Dealers have already been instructed to replace the touchpad switch assembly, and General Motors will notify known owners 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 can be identified by 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 check if their trucks are included in this recall by entering the VIN on the NHTSA’s website.
Both the Silverado HD and Sierra HD have been updated for the 2024 model year, featuring new aesthetics, an updated version of the Duramax V8 turbo diesel engine, improved trailering technology, larger instrumentation and infotainment systems, and more comfortable interior accommodations. General Motors also highlights the HD-specific Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, although it should be noted that the transmission is actually manufactured by GM under the Allison brand. Specifically, the transmission is the 10L 1000.
The Detroit-based automaker advertises the Silverado 2500 with a starting price of $43,400 (excluding destination charge) and a towing capacity of up to 22,500 pounds (10,206 kilograms). The 3500 series starts at $44,600 and can tow up to 36,000 pounds (16,329 kilograms). The L5P Duramax V8 turbo diesel, which is an optional upgrade over the L8T small-block V8 gasoline engine, offers a torque rating of 975 pound-feet (1,322 Nm).
The price of the GMC Sierra is higher, as General Motors asks for $45,400 for the 2500 model and $45,200 for the 3500 series. If you want a genuine Allison transmission in a heavy-duty pickup truck made by General Motors, you will need to choose the 4500, 5500, or 6500 series of the Silverado HD. The Allison transmission offers six forward gears, while the Hydra-Matic 10L 1000 comes with 10.