Recall 04V129000: 2000–2004 GMC Sierra and 5 other models

Report received

Mar 17, 2004

Manufacturer

General motors corp.

Potentially affected

3,662,211vehicles

Model years

2000–2004

Check your own vehicle. A recall applies only to vehicles within the affected build range. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

What NHTSA recorded

On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position may corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper.

Possible consequence

Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the tailgate may drop even lower. Additionally, if there is cargo on the tailgate the cargo may fall off if the support cables fracture.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on april 7, 20004. The recall began on september 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through october 29, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or visit www.mygmlink.com, and enter your vehicle identification number.

Affected model years

Pages for each model year show complaints, parts, mileage and other recalls.

• 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT22 complaints
• 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT15 complaints
• 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT11 complaints
• 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche444 complaints
• 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche204 complaints
• 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche165 complaints
• 2003 Chevrolet Kodiak1 complaints
• 2004 Chevrolet Kodiak5 complaints
• 2000 Chevrolet Silverado1,305 complaints
• 2001 Chevrolet Silverado877 complaints
• 2002 Chevrolet Silverado710 complaints
• 2003 Chevrolet Silverado695 complaints
• 2004 Chevrolet Silverado622 complaints
• 2000 GMC Sierra443 complaints
• 2001 GMC Sierra264 complaints
• 2002 GMC Sierra249 complaints
• 2003 GMC Sierra206 complaints
• 2004 GMC Sierra188 complaints
• 2003 GMC Topkick0 complaints
• 2004 GMC Topkick5 complaints