GM Calls Back 820,000 Pickup Trucks

General Motors recently announced a new recall covering some 820,000 pickup trucks that are not up to snuff when it comes to federal vehicle safety standards.

The problem is with the electronic latch mechanisms used to open the gates of some 2020-2024 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra truck beds. The mechanisms could short circuit if water gets into the tailgates, according to the company.

“Under certain conditions water may intrude into these vehicles’ tailgates and come into contact with the electronic gate-release switch, potentially causing a short circuit,” GM said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “The gate may inadvertently unlatch while the vehicle is in Park.”

GM received more than 130 complaints of tailgates opening unexpectedly while the vehicles were moving. That includes “one allegation of minor injury and three complaints of minor property damage,” the company said.

Anyone getting behind the wheel of the recalled pickups should manually check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving.

“If the driver does not manually close the gate before beginning a drive, cargo in the bed of the truck may exit the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash,” the automaker said in the NHTSA notice.

The recall covers more than 570,000 vehicles sold in the United States and about 249,000 sold in Canada. Those pickups were manufactured between September 2020 and August 2023. 

GM is asking owners of recalled trucks to bring their vehicles to authorized dealers for inspection and repair. 

How the California Lemon Law Works

These kinds of recalls are far too common for GM and other major carmakers. 

The companies call back millions of vehicles every single year, often citing serious defects that pose real safety hazards. The recalls are often announced long after defective vehicles have left factory floors and dealership lots, sold to unsuspecting buyers.

Here is the good news: car owners and lessors in California do not need to wait around for a recall to get defective vehicles repaired. The California lemon law gives you some important rights and protections.

Formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or simply refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of recall requests or attempts that must be made before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options.

Speak with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.