Important Safety Recall Information for GMC Tailgates

GMC Chevrolet Trucks Tailgate Recall: Is Your Vehicle Affected?

ByDaniel Kovacs

You’re loading the bed with mulch on a Saturday morning, press the tailgate release, and—nothing. Or worse, you walk out to the driveway and the tailgate is just… hanging open. You didn’t touch it. The dog didn’t bump it. It just gave up. You’re not alone, and it’s not your fault. This isn’t a “quirk.” This is a recall.

TL;DR:
Yes, there is an active, large-scale tailgate recall affecting GMC and Chevrolet trucks. It is not the 2001 cable snap issue. It is the 2024–2026 water-intrusion switch failure, officially designated as GM recall N242487090 (US) and N232426401 (Canada) . The problem: water gets into the exterior tailgate release switch, shorts the circuit, and causes the tailgate to unlatch by itself—usually while the truck is in Park, but the gate then swings open once you start moving. GM’s initial “fix” was to disable the switch entirely. The final fix is a replacement switch assembly . The recall covers approximately 820,000 trucks in the US and another 249,000 in Canada, including 2020–2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (Canada only), 2024 GMC Sierra HD (US and Canada), and equivalent Chevrolet Silverado models . A separate, unrelated recall for 2024–2026 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV affects 1,120 vehicles for airbag deployment software errors—that is not a tailgate issue . If you own a 2024 Silverado, an AutoCheck report confirms recall N242487090 is active and the remedy is available right now . Here’s how to check your VIN, what the repair actually involves, and why your 2023 Sierra 1500 might be fine in the US but recalled in Canada.

Key Takeaways:

  • The tailgate recall is real, active, and massive. GM recall N242487090 (US) and N232426401 (Canada). Cause: water intrusion into the exterior tailgate release switch causes unintended unlatching. Risk: cargo falls out; accident hazard .
  • Affected vehicles: 2024 GMC Sierra HD (2500/3500) in US and Canada. 2020–2024 GMC Sierra 1500 in Canada only. US-market Sierra 1500s are not included in this specific recall . Also affects equivalent Chevrolet Silverado models.
  • Total affected: Approximately 820,000 vehicles in the US (including Silverado) + 249,000 in Canada (Sierra and Silverado) .
  • The fix: Final remedy is replacement of the exterior tailgate release switch assembly. Free at any GM dealer. Available through May 31, 2026 .
  • Interim fix: Previously, GM disabled the switch. If your switch doesn’t work, that’s why. Take it back for the final replacement.
  • Canyon recall is SEPARATE. 2024–2026 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV (1,120 units) recalled for airbag software. Not a tailgate problem .
  • MultiPro tailgate has broader issues beyond this recall. Owners report latch failures, dead batteries, hinge wear, and trailer hitch interference. These are not all covered by the recall; some require TSBs or out-of-pocket repair .
  • Check your VIN immediately. Use the GM Canada Recall Centre or NHTSA website. An AutoCheck report on a 2024 Silverado already shows this recall as “Remedy Available” as of July 2025 .

The Recall You Actually Need to Worry About

Let’s kill the confusion first. There are two different tailgate problems in GMC history, and they are not the same thing.

The Old Problem (2001 Silverado): Cable straps broke. Tailgate fell off. Minor injuries reported. Old news. Irrelevant to modern trucks .

The Current Problem (2024–2026): Water intrusion into the electronic release switch. The switch shorts out. The tailgate thinks you pressed the button. It unlatches. Usually while parked, but the gate swings open at highway speeds. This is recall N242487090 .

The scale: Originally 545,722 trucks. Then 819,566. Now over 1 million when you include Canada. This is not a small batch .

Chart: GMC Tailgate-Related Recalls – What’s What

This chart separates the current active recall from historical issues and unrelated Canyon problems.

Data sources: GM Authority, Fleet Maintenance, AutoCheck. 2001 Silverado figure represents a single documented complaint, not a recall population.

Am I Affected? The VIN Check That Takes 30 Seconds

Here is the only question that matters: Is your specific truck on the list?

Step 1: Find your VIN.
It’s on the driver’s side dashboard, doorjamb sticker, or your insurance card. Seventeen characters. No I, O, Q, or U.

Step 2: Go to the source.

What a positive result looks like:

An AutoCheck report for a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom shows:

Recall Date: 07/08/2025
Campaign Description: Safety: TAILGATE MAY OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY
NHTSA / OEM Recall No.: N/A / N242487090
Status: Remedy Available

That is your smoking gun. If you see that number, schedule the repair immediately.

The Fix: What GM Will Actually Do

The interim fix (2024): GM told dealers to disable the exterior tailgate switch. If your switch doesn’t work, that’s why. It was a safety band-aid .

The final fix (available now):

  • Replace the exterior tailgate release switch assembly with a new, water-resistant unit.
  • Free of charge.
  • Available at any GM dealer.
  • Program N232426401 (Canada) and N242487090 (US) is active through May 31, 2026 .

Owner frustration: Some owners report having the switch replaced twice, and the inner gate switch is not covered by this recall, even though it fails the same way .

“We have replaced the inner and outer tailgate switches twice. Now the recall was only for the outer switch but our inner gate isn’t working. No recall on that one. Why are they only replacing one of them?” — GM Authority commenter .

Our advice: Get the recall done. Then, if your inner switch fails, file a complaint with NHTSA. The pattern is established.

The Canada Loophole: Why Your 2023 Sierra Might Be Recalled… If You’re Canadian

Here’s the part that makes no sense until you read the fine print.

United States:

  • 2024 GMC Sierra HD (2500/3500): Recalled.
  • 2020–2024 GMC Sierra 1500: NOT recalled.

Canada:

  • 2024 GMC Sierra HD: Recalled.
  • 2020–2024 GMC Sierra 1500: RECALLED.

Why? GM has not officially explained the discrepancy. Speculation: different supplier batches, different environmental testing standards, or GM simply chose to limit the US 1500 population for cost reasons.

What this means for you: If you own a 2022 Sierra 1500 in Michigan and your tailgate is possessed, you are not covered by a recall. You are covered by your warranty, or your wallet.

Canadian owners: Check your VIN immediately. You are included .

Chart: GMC Tailgate Recall – Who’s In, Who’s Out

This visual shows the confusing split between US and Canadian coverage.

Data source: GM Authority. US 1500 trucks are not included in recall N242487090 despite identical hardware.

The Canyon Recall: Important, But Not Your Tailgate

Do not confuse these two recalls. They share a brand name. They share a model year range. They share absolutely nothing else.

What: 2024–2026 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV
How many: 1,120 vehicles
The problem: Incorrect sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software. The airbag may deploy at the wrong stage (second stage when first stage was needed). Violates FMVSS 208 .
The fix: Software update, over-the-air or at dealer.
GM recall number: N252533510
NHTSA campaign: Not separately numbered in the source .

If you own a Canyon AT4X AEV: Check your VIN. This is a legitimate safety recall. It is not about the tailgate.

Beyond the Recall: What’s Actually Wrong With the MultiPro Tailgate

The recall addresses one specific failure mode: water in the exterior switch causing the gate to unlatch.

Here is what the recall does NOT cover:

1. Inner gate switch failure. Same design, same water exposure, same failure pattern. No recall .

2. Dead batteries. Multiple owners report the tailgate’s electrical gremlins drain the battery overnight. GM has issued TSBs, but no recall .

3. Hinge wear and structural looseness. The MultiPro is heavy. Hinges wear. Panels rattle. Warranty may cover it; recall does not .

4. Trailer hitch interference. Lower the inner gate with a hitch installed and you will crack the plastic. GM added stickers. They did not redesign it .

5. Kicker audio system failures. The optional tailgate sound system has been known to short out in car washes. Not a safety issue, not a recall .

6. Dirt and debris ingress. Mulch, gravel, and leaves get trapped between panels. This is a design flaw, not a defect. It accelerates wear .

The honest truth: The MultiPro tailgate is a brilliant idea that shipped with about 15% of its engineering homework incomplete. The recall fixes the most dangerous problem. It does not fix the fragile nature of the system.

FAQ: GMC Tailgate Recall — What You’re Actually Asking

Is there a recall on GMC tailgates right now?
Yes. Recall N242487090 (US) and N232426401 (Canada) for 2024 GMC Sierra HD and 2020–2024 Sierra 1500 (Canada only) . Water intrusion in the exterior tailgate switch causes unintended unlatching .

Is my 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 included?
If you live in the US: No. If you live in Canada: Yes. Check your VIN .

Is my 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 included?
The recall documents specify 2020–2024 for Canadian 1500s and 2024 for HDs. 2025 models are not listed, but it is likely the same switch is used. If your 2025 tailgate acts up, file a complaint.

Is the recall free?
Yes. The switch replacement is free at any GM dealer. Remedy available through May 31, 2026 .

My tailgate switch stopped working after the “fix.” Why?
GM’s interim fix was to disable the switch entirely. If you had that done, your switch will not work. Take it back and demand the final fix—the replacement switch assembly .

Does this affect Chevrolet Silverados?
Yes. The recall covers both GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado models. The parts are identical .

Is the 2001 Silverado tailgate recall still active?
No. That was a cable strap failure. It is a separate, historical issue. Not applicable to modern trucks .

Does the recall cover the inner tailgate switch?
No. The recall is for the exterior release switch only. The inner gate switch fails the same way. GM has not recalled it .

What is the Canyon recall about?
Airbag software. 2024–2026 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV. 1,120 vehicles. Not a tailgate issue .

How do I check if my truck is affected?
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the GM Canada Recall Centre .

What if I already paid for this repair?
Contact GM customer service. You may be eligible for reimbursement. Keep your receipts.

The Bottom Line: Your Action Plan

Step 1: Check your VIN. Do it now. It takes 30 seconds. Bookmark the GM Canada Recall Centre or NHTSA page .

Step 2: If you are affected, schedule the repair. Ask specifically for the final fix—the switch replacement. Do not accept “we disabled it.” The remedy is available .

Step 3: If you are NOT affected but your tailgate is acting up:

  • US 1500 owners: You are in a weird limbo. GM did not recall you, but your truck has the same parts. File a complaint with NHTSA. Pressure builds from numbers.
  • Inner switch failure: Not recalled. You will likely have to pay out-of-pocket or fight for goodwill coverage.
  • Hinge/structural issues: Warranty claim. Be persistent.

Step 4: If you own a 2024–2026 Canyon AT4X AEV: Check for airbag recall N252533510. This is separate, serious, and free .

The Honest Truth

The GMC tailgate recall is a story of good intentions, bad execution, and a frustratingly slow cleanup.

GM recognized the problem. They issued the recall. They expanded it. They finally released a permanent fix. That is the system working.

But here’s what still isn’t working:

The inner gate switch is still vulnerable. The hinge design still wears prematurely. The trailer hitch clearance is still a $2,000 mistake waiting to happen. And if you own a 2021 Sierra 1500 in Ohio with a tailgate that opens itself at 3 a.m.? GM’s official position is that your truck is fine.

That is not the system working. That is the system protecting itself.

Your move: Get the recall done. Document everything. And if your truck isn’t on the list but has the same symptoms?

You’re not crazy. You’re just not Canadian.

References:

Has your tailgate opened itself? Did your dealer fix it right the first time, or are you on switch number three? Drop your VIN check results and service center stories in the comments. Canadian 1500 owners, we see you.

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