Recall 04V-129: 2002–2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT, 2002–2004 Chevrolet Avalanche and 4 more

GENERAL MOTORS CORP. recall for structure, reported to NHTSA on Mar 17, 2004, covering about 3,662,211 vehicles.

NHTSA number
04V-129
Report date
Mar 17, 2004
Vehicles affected
3,662,211
Owners notified
Sep 18, 2004

The problem

On 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.

The risk

Anyone 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.

The fix

Dealers 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.

Notes

Gm recall no. 04007.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Recall details

ManufacturerGENERAL MOTORS CORP.
ComponentStructure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments
Recall started byNHTSA (Office of Defects Investigation)
NHTSA campaign number04V129000

Vehicles in this recall

VehicleModel years
Cadillac Escalade EXT2002, 2003, 2004All years
Chevrolet Avalanche2002, 2003, 2004All years
Chevrolet Kodiak2003, 2004All years
Chevrolet Silverado2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004All years
GMC Sierra2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004All years
GMC Topkick2003, 2004All years

Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 04V-129?

On 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.

How is recall 04V-129 fixed?

Dealers 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.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.