Tailgate: hinge and attachmentsRecall 06V-066 · Chevrolet and GMC vehicles
GENERAL MOTORS CORP. recall 06V-066 covers 805,368 Chevrolet and GMC vehicles for a tailgate: hinge and attachments problem, reported to NHTSA on March 8, 2006.
Source: NHTSA recall 06V066000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS HAVE GALVANIZED-BRAIDED-STEEL TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES USED TO SUPPORT THE TAILGATE IN THE FULL OPEN (HORIZONTAL) POSITION. OVER TIME THESE CABLES CAN CORRODE AND FRACTURE WHEN LOADS ARE APPLIED TO THEM.
The risk
IF ONE CABLE FRACTURES, THE REMAINING CABLE MAY RETAIN THE TAILGATE IN A HORIZONTAL POSITION. IF BOTH CABLES FRACTURE, THE TAILGATE WOULD DROP AND STRIKE THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER. IF ANYONE IS SITTING OR STANDING ON THE HORIZONTAL SURFACE OF THE TAILGATE WHEN BOTH CABLES FRACTURED, THEY COULD FALL AND BE INJURED. ON VEHICLES WITHOUT A BUMPER, THE TAILGATE MAY DROP TO A LOWER POSITION.
The fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GALVANIZED SUPPORT CABLES WITH STAINLESS STEEL SUPPORT CABLES. IN ADDITION, DEALERS ARE TO INSPECT THE TAILGATE HINGE AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
GM RECALL NO. 06019.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from March 1, 1998 to October 31, 1999. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.
The investigation behind this recall
- TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLESNHTSA