The American automotive industry has recently seen unprecedented recalls, with over 60,000 vehicles being pulled from roads across the country. This all comes in the interest of safety as concerns mount over a hazardous fire risk.
Automotive manufacturers don’t recall vehicles lightly, and this decision is an important step in taking responsibility and keeping consumers safe amid mounting concerns. With over 60,000 Chevrolet vehicles being pulled, it is one of the biggest recalls in recent automotive history.
What Caused The Recall?
After numerous reports of a vehicle defect, it was linked to a potential electrical malfunction. The details are that there’s a risk of water contaminating key components and causing a short circuit, increasing the fire hazard within the vehicle.
Automotive manufacturers and regulatory agencies do not take these risks lightly, prompting the mass recall.
General Motors
General Motors is one of the largest car manufacturers in the United States and produces popular models, including the Chevrolet Silverado. The aforementioned electrical issue primarily affects this flagship vehicle.
With the Silverado being one of GM’s fastest-selling trucks, it was crucial for the company to recall any suspected defect quickly.
Certain Models
The recall targets Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD models from 2019–2024. GM should notify owners directly, but consumers can check if their vehicle is at risk of this defect. GM has a recall database that consumers with the relevant models can check using their VINs.
The company is committed to recalling the vehicles and working closely with dealerships to fix the issue before putting them back in customers’ hands.
The Technical Issue
The defect was identified after reports of water entering important components.
It was found that water gets to these components through the brake pressure sensor assembly, which can lead to corrosion over time and even short circuits, raising the potential for a fire if the system overheated and combusted.
An Increase In Reports
Consumers must raise red flags when encountering any vehicle issues, even if it has been several years since they were purchased. Through warranty claims and reports from consumers, the attention of federal regulators and GM was quickly grabbed.
An investigation confirmed the fault and traced it back to its origins. The recall pulled 62,468 models so that the issue could be addressed.
What Owners Should Do
For Chevrolet Silverado owners, GM urges them to check if their vehicle is included in the mass recall. Those who find out their vehicle is affected must contact their local dealership as soon as possible.
Owners should expect a free vehicle inspection to find the fault. If necessary, the component will be replaced at no charge. Until repairs occur, owners should park their vehicles outdoors and away from flammable structures.
The Impact On GM
The mass recall will have far-reaching impacts on consumers who have defective vehicles and GM as a reputable manufacturer.
The company needs to be cautious going forward and has the monumental task of inspecting and repairing thousands of vehicles to ensure its products don’t put consumers at risk. The manufacturer will likely face future scrutiny and brand damage.
Takeaways for Consumers
While larger recalls, such as the Chevrolet Silverado, make headlines, recalls themselves are not uncommon and usually happen on a smaller scale. Consumers need to stay informed and register their vehicles with manufacturers to receive important information.
This diligence can prevent accidents caused by defective vehicles and potentially save lives. Under the law, vehicle manufacturers are obligated to address and repair any defective issues without charging the consumer.
The Future Of GM
GM has acted appropriately, recalling tens of thousands of vehicles because of the defective component. However, whether the company will be remembered for its vigilance or for its oversight of the defect remains to be seen.
Consumers tend to remember the worst parts of bad experiences, which could challenge GM’s reputation in the future. In the meantime, consumers should stay informed about their vehicles and take safety concerns seriously.