Attention heavy-duty Chevrolet or GMC pickup truck owners, you’ll want to read this.
General Motors is recalling about 325,000 Chevy Silverados and GMC Sierras in the U.S. because of a fire risk related to engine-block heaters, according to Consumer Reports.
The specific vehicles being recalled are 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty trucks, 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500, 5500, and 6500 commercial trucks, and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty trucks. The trucks affected all have Duramax 6.6-liter diesel engines and an optional engine-block heater.
Engine-block heaters are convenient because they help speed the car warming-up process. That’s especially convenient in cold climates. But in the recalled trucks, the heater cord or components can malfunction and catch fire. The issue has caused 19 reported fires, though no injuries or deaths have resulted. Coming out of the cold winter and early spring season it makes sense that truck owners have been making use of this feature… and having malfunctions.
Warning signs of the issue include a smoking or burning smell, coolant drippage under the car, tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. The block heater, cable, and other parts may perform poorly or incur damage, according to an FAQ on the recall.
Since there is no fix yet for the engine-block heater, owners of the recalled vehicles are being asked not to use them. Dealerships that sell the trucks have also been told to stop selling the vehicles in question. Once a fix is found, vehicle repairs will be done at no charge to truck owners. GM does not currently know the root cause.
The company stopped building vehicles with this heater option in April. However, 2020 Silverado heavy-duty and medium-duty pickups appear to have the same engine, although it’s updated. GM did not reveal whether the new models, for sale this summer, might be similarly affected.
General Motors faced another recall last September. That one affected about 1 million pickups and SUVs that could potentially have power steering issues.
You can check for recalls on your vehicle using your vehicle ID number (VIN) at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website.
If you or a loved one has had problems with your vehicle and the manufacturer has refused to resolve the issue by way of warranty or recall, call the Law Office of Richard Schechter today for a free consultation. Mr. Schechter will be happy to answer any questions you may have and explain your legal rights. Call 1-800-734-5612 today.
