Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
STRUCTURE - BODY - TAILGATE - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
04V129000GENERAL MOTORS CORP.from 04/01/2000 to 10/31/2000V (Vehicle)366221109/18/2004ODIGENERAL MOTORS CORP.03/17/200403/22/2004
Defect SummaryOn 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.
Consequence SummaryAnyone 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.
Corrective SummaryDealers 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.
NotesGm recall no. 04007.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
STRUCTURE
312801/01/200410009932All full size trucks pick up box sheet metal fracture/damage with aftermarket accessories installed. *sc11/02/2004
01086000105/01/2004010860001A10008511Revised recommendations regarding paint for structural reaction injection molding (srim) composite box. *tt08/03/2004
30070107/30/2001625162Information regarding frontal wind noise condition. *yh11/19/2001
STRUCTURE - BODY
61010/01/200410015770Rattle type noise coming from the rear of the cab during body twist maneuvers or over bumps. gm tech link. *tt08/11/2005
308901/01/200410009518Rattle type noise coming from the rear of the cab during body twist maneuvers or over bumps. *tt10/04/2004
07150307/15/200310003791Revised requirements for installing the running board. *tt10/31/2003
03084401107/01/200310002945Tweeter speaker rattle in front side door(s), tweeter speaker falls out of position. *tt10/01/2003
02084900709/01/200210000072Center console lid hard to open or close. *tt02/12/2003
010866014A02/01/2005010866014B634819Pickup box sheet metal fracture / damage with aftermarket accessories installed. *tt10/09/2002
07010201/07/2002629670Some customers may comment that their bed cap or camper top does not fit on their new pickup with a composite box. *tt04/04/2002
01086600506/01/2001623084Information regarding new pickup box reinforcement kits which are available for customers who may want to install a cross toolbox, side box, or a ladder rack system as an accessory. *tt10/26/2001
23070107/23/2001621226Some customers may comment that the center console latch may stick or will not open. *tt09/12/2001
STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR
010864014A07/01/2002010864014634821Some customers may comment that the manual lock lever comes loose from the door trim panel. *tt10/09/2002
01086401510/01/2001627471Information regarding front and rear side access door noise. *yh02/07/2002
01086401410/01/2001627425Subject on door manual lock lever disengages from door trim panel. *yh02/07/2002
16080108/16/2001625323Subject regarding new door check link. *jg11/19/2001
06080108/06/2001625290Some vehicles may experience a sqeaking sound coming from the front doors while opening and closing. *slc11/19/2001
30100010/30/2000616435Information on programming the door lock feature. *tt02/26/2001
STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
346410014808Door hinge replacement kit. *tt05/10/2005
01086401510/01/2001628505Subject regarding front and rear side door access door noise (replace door check link). *jg03/12/2002
STRUCTURE - BODY - HOOD - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
05060205/06/2002636609Some customers may comment about hood hinge wind noise . *tt11/10/2002
STRUCTURE - BODY - TAILGATE
322710/04/20063227C10011755Tailgate cable slack. this includes 1998-2006 chevrolet and gmc full and mid size trucks. *eh updated. *kb01/31/2005
04007A10/22/200410010543Tailgate support cable. recall 04007a. gm parts bulletins & information. *tt updated *eh12/01/2004

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
STRUCTURE - BODY - TAILGATE
EA04005GENERAL MOTORS CORP.02/19/200409/28/2004TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE04V129000
 General motors filed a defect notice 04v-129 on march 17, 2004, which outlines a program to replace the tailgate cables installed in affected model year 2000-2004 vehicles.refer to odi's closing report for ea04-005 for additional information.odi is aware of reports of tailgate cable breakage occurring in model year 1999 and earlier vehicles.these vehicles were equipped with similar tailgate cables as addressed by 04v-129, but are not being addressed by campaign o4v-129.odi is initiating a separate investigation to address these vehicles.the complaint-injury-fatality statistics summarized above pertain to model year 2000-2004 vehicles. the complaint-injury statistics for model year 1999 and earlier vehicles are summarized on the opening resume for that investigation.
EA04005GENERAL MOTORS CORP.02/19/200409/28/2004TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE04E067000
 General motors filed a defect notice 04v-129 on march 17, 2004, which outlines a program to replace the tailgate cables installed in affected model year 2000-2004 vehicles.refer to odi's closing report for ea04-005 for additional information.odi is aware of reports of tailgate cable breakage occurring in model year 1999 and earlier vehicles.these vehicles were equipped with similar tailgate cables as addressed by 04v-129, but are not being addressed by campaign o4v-129.odi is initiating a separate investigation to address these vehicles.the complaint-injury-fatality statistics summarized above pertain to model year 2000-2004 vehicles. the complaint-injury statistics for model year 1999 and earlier vehicles are summarized on the opening resume for that investigation.
STRUCTURE - BODY - TAILGATE - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
EA04005GENERAL MOTORS CORP.02/19/200409/28/2004TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE04V129000
 General motors filed a defect notice 04v-129 on march 17, 2004, which outlines a program to replace the tailgate cables installed in affected model year 2000-2004 vehicles.refer to odi's closing report for ea04-005 for additional information.odi is aware of reports of tailgate cable breakage occurring in model year 1999 and earlier vehicles.these vehicles were equipped with similar tailgate cables as addressed by 04v-129, but are not being addressed by campaign o4v-129.odi is initiating a separate investigation to address these vehicles.the complaint-injury-fatality statistics summarized above pertain to model year 2000-2004 vehicles. the complaint-injury statistics for model year 1999 and earlier vehicles are summarized on the opening resume for that investigation.
EA04005GENERAL MOTORS CORP.02/19/200409/28/2004TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE04E067000
 General motors filed a defect notice 04v-129 on march 17, 2004, which outlines a program to replace the tailgate cables installed in affected model year 2000-2004 vehicles.refer to odi's closing report for ea04-005 for additional information.odi is aware of reports of tailgate cable breakage occurring in model year 1999 and earlier vehicles.these vehicles were equipped with similar tailgate cables as addressed by 04v-129, but are not being addressed by campaign o4v-129.odi is initiating a separate investigation to address these vehicles.the complaint-injury-fatality statistics summarized above pertain to model year 2000-2004 vehicles. the complaint-injury statistics for model year 1999 and earlier vehicles are summarized on the opening resume for that investigation.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
STRUCTURE - BODY
1
 The consumer found cracks on the side of the vehicle. *ph the day the vehicle was taken home purchase, the consumer found a chunk out of it in the several spots. there was paint chipping off. if something heavy was placed heavy was placed in the cab it could possibly break off. *sc
1
 While traveling at normal speed heard a noise, and suddenly the rear of the truck dropped. dealer stated that left rear axle housing cracked in half. *ak consumer experienced numerous problems and manufacturing defects including weak welding resulted in recurrent loosening of both bedsides, metal fatigue resulting in the shearing of axle housing, and general malfunction of factory assembled components resulting in misalignment of the bed of the vehicle and malfunction of the tailgate. also, vehicle seemed to loose power and road stability when turning right at low speed. due to the problems experienced by consumer, vehicle was taken to dealership for repairs and replacement of defective components. *la
STRUCTURE - BODY - BUMPERS
04/07/2001
 Rear bumper assembly bubbled on top when involved in a low speed accident. wher econsumer was backing up at less than 5 mph, and another consumer was pulling out. manufacturer stated that bumper met or exceeded standards. consumer felt that damage would have been far more severe in event of a high speed impact, and was concerned about safety and effectiveness of bumper. please provide any additional information/attachments/photographs.*ak
STRUCTURE - BODY - HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
11/16/2004430001
 The rear hatchback window will not close tightly. this would allow water to leak into the rear window of the vehicle. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak
STRUCTURE - BODY - HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE - SUPPORT DEVICE
09/25/200437000203/14/2001
 2001 chevrolet silverado has broken tailgate straps and i was informed by gm to call my local dealer immediately and have them replaced. kool chevorlet of grand rapids would not honor this, and told me i would have to purchase them. when i asked what happens if it false off they said it was gmc problem .saftey is obviously not a concern here.i called to make a appointment like my gm documentstated and they stated that i would have to purchase the straps and stated they would still have to be replaced because they were defective.*ak
STRUCTURE - BODY - TAILGATE
12/15/200346000101/17/2001
 Left hand tailgate strap broke while tailgate was in a lowered position and i was sitting on tailagte. strap did not separate into two pieces, but a noticeable fold now exists in strap and at this location it feels like the strap has broken. upon strap failure, left hand lower tailgate attach point bent due to load being placed upon this structure.*ak
550001
 While loading fishing equipment and sleeping bags the tailgate assembly straps broke on both sides. consumer suffered minor injuries. *ak
10/04/2003104/26/2001
 Tailgate cable was rusting. consumer is concerned that the tailgate will collapse. *ak *ts *nlm
09/30/20031
 Tailgate cable snapped, causing the tailgate to collapse without warning. *ak
04/25/2003220001
 The tailgate cable broke. dealer notified. *jb
03/18/2003
 While driving and without prior warning the vehicles tailgate broke and caused the vehicle to sway from left to right. please provide any additional information. dealer is aware of the problem. *nlm
02/10/20031
 The tailgate fell off the vehicle.*jb
09/28/2002103/01/2001
 The consumer states that when they unhooked the tail gate, the straps had broken. this is a common problem. nlm the tailgate straps are covered with plastic. moisture gets behind the plastic cover and holds it to the cable to rust. the plastic on the straps should be sealed at both ends, preventing rust to form inside. the technician found that the tailgate cables are defective-replaced cables. *scc
06/15/20021
 While 2 persons were sitting on open tailgate, tailgate assembly broke on both sides, and both persons suffered minor injuries.*ak *yh
STRUCTURE - BODY - TAILGATE - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
10/01/20041
 Consumer took the vehicle to dealer for the repair recall 04v129000 repairs concerning tailgate support cable. consumer stated that dealer replaced the parts with other defective parts. *ak
07/20/200469000211/06/2000
 I received a safety recall notice from general motors in april 2004 indicating the tailgate cables on a 2001 chevrolet silverado i purchased were defective and would be replace when new ones become available. both cables without warning in july 2004 while i was sitting on the tailgate. luckily, i was not injured. but the potential for injury exists. i did fall to the ground. the cables were replaced by gm free of charge with the same style. i have contacted gm recently (feb. 8 & 9, 2005) about the permanent replacement cables. they have informed me this vehicle is not part of the recall to replace the cables even though mine have failed before and i received a recall notice. *jb
12/29/2004500001
 While loading items onto the vehicle the tailgate strap cables broke without warning. as a owner fell on the ground and suffered from back and knee injuries. please provide additional information. *nm
12/01/2004140001
 The tailgate cables failed constantly. the tailgate straps broke and bent the hinges. both hinges were replaced and a new tailgate was installed. *bf the left rear tail gate broke. the tail gate fell on the bumper and bent both hinges on the right side scratching the tail gate. the plastic seal leaked. the cable was rusted. the right strap had too much slack and was not holding any weight on the tail gate. *sc *jb
10/05/20041
 While driving strap to the tailgate sheared off. consumer noticed that while the vehicle was parked the tailgate, cables, and tools were removed from the vehicle. driver took vehicle to dealer, and mechanic determined that the tailgate and cables will not be replaced due to a manufacturing decision. *ak
09/12/20031
 While loading equipmenttailgate dropped unexpectedly. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that tailgate cables broke, and needed to be replaced. *ak
08/29/2004110000107/27/2001
 The cable to the tailgate broke while loading. dealer was notified. dealer informed consumer that this vehicle was not covered under the recall due to vin. *ak
08/14/2004330001
 2001 chevy truck strap holding tailgate failed in center of cable throwing me to ground. *jb
05/01/200432362104/08/2001
 While loading the vehicle both cables of the tailgate broke at the same time. consumer fell off and broke his ankle. dealer notified. *ak *nm
01/01/2004400001
 When loading the truck tailgate straps broke. as a result, consumer fell to the ground, and sustained neck and back injuries. *ak
03/30/2004207/21/2001
 I was standing on the tailgate and unloading a box from the bed of my truck when both cables holding the tailgate snapped. *la
03/23/2004531231
 The tailgate support broke on our 2001 z71 chevrolet silverado,two days later the second one broke . this vehicle is driven and used by my wife, there is no excessive loading or pressure on the tail gate while open. both cables are rusted thru and fractured in the same manner. the vehicle is never operated with the tail gate open.*ak
03/28/2004840001
 Tailgate support cables rusted through completely. a recall was issued, however this vehicle wa snot included in the recall due to vin. *ak
03/20/20042
 My 2001 chevrolet silverado 1500 tailgate cables snapped while loading cargo last night. i see that this is a common occurrence- is there a recall yet for this dangerous defect? *jb
03/16/2004600001
 While driving, my tailgate took it upon itself to leap off the back of the vehicle nearly hitting a vehicle driving next to me, as it swung around the side by the only remaining cable and causing a sudden braking action from the vehicle immediately behind me which almost caused it get rear ended by the 4x4 behind it. *jb
03/14/2004500001
 Tailgate straps broke. as a result, driver was knocked to the ground, and sustained back and leg injuries. *ak
208/01/2001
 While driving tailgate cables snapped. this caused the tailgate to come, crashing down. consumer was able to keep control of vehicle. also when starting the vehicle there was a severe engine knock. *ak
03/11/20041
 While driving 50 mph a loud noise was heard coming from the rear. consumer was able to maintain control of the truck and pull over. consumer noticed that tailgate cable snapped in half. consumer was able to pick up the cables and place them in the back of the vehicle. consumer was able to drive the vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic informed consumer this vehicle was not covered under the recall. *ak
1
 Consumer was loading a four wheeler onto the back of pickup. without any indication the arms that attached the tailgate to the truck broke. the four wheeler flipped over the tailgate and dropped.*ak
02/28/200441175108/23/2000
 The left tail gate cable on my 2001 chevrolet 2500 silverado short bed snapped dropping the left side of the tail gate onto the bumper. the tail gate was down at the time with dry wall entending onto the tail gate. the break appeared to be where the cable bends when the tail gate is closed.*ak
09/20/200336000110/01/2002
 While loading equipment, the tailgate cable broke and collapsed 3 to 4 inches, throwing the driver to the ground. the consumer sustained a sprained shoulder. *ak *jb
09/24/2003101/24/2001
 I have had my 2001 chevrolet silverado in the dealer twice because of the tailgate opening unexpectedly. a few months ago i opened the tailgate and it slipped out of my hands and both cables broke off at the same time. i feel for a vehicle only a couple of years old the cables should not have rusted out like that. the dealer tells me to oil the handle hardware every couple months to stop the problem with the tailgate. i've had trucks before and never had to oil the handle like the dealer is telling me to do. i read the article in the paper about the tailgates and thought i should say something too. i can see where the tailgates could fall off with the problem with the hinge and the cables. to this day i still have to double check the tailgate by popping it with the palm of my hands to make sure it's secure.*ak
02/24/2004720001
 While driving tailgate fell off. consumer contacted dealership, and technician determined strap attachments needed to be replaced. *ak
06/01/2003109/01/2002
 Tailgate cables. one has broken and the other is almost broken through. dealer will not replace cables. the truck is kept in a garage out of the weather. the truck is only a 2001.*ak
01/15/2004211/01/2003
 Both tailgate cables snapped. *ak
01/09/20041
 Tailgate cables one has broken and the other has a rust spot.*ak
10/06/200320000207/05/2001
 Both tailgate straps on my 2001 chevrolet silverado 2500hd broke simultaneously when i dropped the tailgate as i was opening it.
11/20/20031
 Owner was opening tailgate when the tailgate started to slip and both cables snapped - no injury or tailgate separation occurred. odi engineering contacted the owner who provided the above summary: this updated information differed from the original information which was recorded in error. *ak
11/02/200372350209/25/2001
 Tailgate cables failed when gate lowered. dealer claimed not covered as vehicle is out of warranty. *ak
10/20/200350000111/14/2001
 I have a 2001 chevy silverado and have had to replace both cables that support the tailgate. this is a dangerous situation as one broke while i was standing on the tailgate. *la
08/16/200331000108/16/2003
 I had just bought my truck used at a dealer here in minnesota. i went to my wife's parents to show them the truck. when i opened the tailgate and went to rest it on the straps, all of the sudden they both broke and my tailgate slammed into the bumper. the dealer was able to fix tailgate, and the straps were replaced, but i am now very scared to use it because of what happened. what if i was loading something heavy when this happened. there was no weight on my tailgate and they broke, it looked like a corrosion problem that caused the weakness. this problem is very bad, it should be corrected before someone ges hurt!!!*ak
10/18/200348500109/01/2000
 I own a 2001 chevrolet silverado. both tailgate cables snapped. this could have been very dangerous if i were loading equipment into the truck when this happened.*ak
10/20/2003342501
 The left tailgate cable on my 2001 cheverolet silverado 2500 hd broke a couple of days ago. fortunately the right held and no serious injury ocurred. however both had to be replaced because of rust inside the protective sleeves had eaten away the metal. this problem is concealed by the protective cover over the steel cable.*ak
05/29/200331562102/24/2001
 Both straps on the tailgate of my 2001 silverado pickup broke. i was standing on the back of the tailgate loading a 13 hp lawn mower into the back of the truck using ramps and right side strap broke, and the left broke within one second of the right breaking. according to the dealer it is under warranty. however, this seems to be a problem with these vehicles. the local dealer says they change at least one set a day on pickups. gmc knows this is a problem and no recall has been issued.*ak
1
 The tail gate cables rusted through, which caused the tail gate to have no support. *jb
1
 Tailgate was in down position when both tailgate straps broke. *ak *nlm
STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS
102/17/2001
 While getting inspected, the technician found that the frame cross member was loose. *scc