Recall - Tailgate Support Cable Inspection/Replacement: Overview
Product Safety - Tailgate Support Cable# 04007B - (Nov 21, 2005)
Models:
2002-2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
2000 Chevrolet CK
2000-2004 Chevrolet Silverado
2002-2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
2003-2004 Chevrolet Kodiak
2000-2004 GMC Sierra
2003-2004 GMC TopKick
THIS BULLETIN IS BEING REVIED TO INCLUDE SOME 2003 AND 2004 MODEL YEAR MEDIUM DUTY VEHICLES THAT WERE MODIFIED TO INCLUDE A TAILGATE. PLEASE DISCARD ALL COPIES OF BULLETIN 04007A, ISSUED OCTOBER 2004.
Condition
General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2000 model year Chevrolet CK, 2000-2004 model year Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks, and 2002-2004 model year Cadillac Escalade EXT and Chevrolet Avalanche trucks, and 2003-2004 Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC TopKick trucks. On some of these vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position may corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If one cable fractures, the remaining cable may retain the tailgate in a horizontal position. However, if the remaining cable is sufficiently weakened by corrosion, it could fracture within moments of the first cable fracturing, especially if there is a load on the tailgate. If both cables fracture, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper. Anyone sitting or standing on the tailgate when both cable fracture 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 become unstable and fall if the support cables fracture.
Correction
Dealers are to replace the galvanized support cables with stainless steel support cables. In addition, dealers are to inspect the tailgate hinge and replace it, if necessary.
Vehicles Involved
Involved are certain 2000 Chevrolet CK, 2000-2004 model year Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks, and 2002-2004 model year Cadillac Escalade EXT and Chevrolet Avalanche trucks, and 2003-2004 Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC TopKick trucks built within the VIN breakpoints shown.
Important:
Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through GMVIS (GM Vehicle Inquiry System) before beginning recall repairs. [Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.]
For US
For dealers with involved vehicles, a Campaign Initiation Detail Report containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data has been prepared and will be loaded to the GM DealerWorld, Recall Information website. Dealers that have no involved vehicles currently assigned will not have a report available in GM DealerWorld.
For Canada
For dealers with involved vehicles, a Campaign Initiation Detail Report containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data has been prepared and is being furnished to involved dealers. Dealers that have no involved vehicles currently assigned will not receive a report with the recall bulletin.
For IPC
For dealers with involved vehicles, a Campaign Initiation Detail Report containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data has been prepared and is being furnished to involved dealers. Dealers that have no involved vehicles currently assigned will not receive a report with the recall bulletin.
The Campaign Initiation Detail Report may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose other than follow-up necessary to complete this recall is a violation of law in several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the follow-up necessary to complete this program.
Parts Information
Parts required to complete this recall are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please refer to your "involved vehicles listing" before ordering parts. Normal orders should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. In an emergency situation, parts should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.
Customer Reimbursement - For US
All customer requests for reimbursement for previous repairs for the recall condition will be handled by the Customer Assistance Center, not by dealers.
A General Motors Product Recall Customer Reimbursement Procedure Form is shown.
Important:
Refer to the GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual, section 6.1.12 for specific procedures regarding customer reimbursement and the form.
Customer Reimbursement - For Canada
Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the condition addressed in this bulletin are to be submitted by January 31, 2006.
All reasonable customer paid receipts should be considered for reimbursement. The amount to be reimbursed will be limited to the amount the repair would have cost if completed by an authorized General Motors dealer.
When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:
^ Proof of ownership at time of repair.
^ Original paid receipt confirming the amount of repair expense(s) that were not reimbursed, a description of the repair, and the person or entity performing the repair.
Claims for customer reimbursement on previously paid repairs are to be submitted as required by WINS.
Important:
Refer to the GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual, section 1.6.2, for specific procedures regarding customer reimbursement verification.
Courtesy Transportation
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product recall is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.
Claim Information
Submit a Product Recall claim with the information shown.
Customer Notification -- For US and Canada
General Motors will notify customers of this recall on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter shown in this bulletin))
Customer Notification -- For IPC
Letters will be sent to known owners of record located within areas covered by the US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. For owners outside these areas, dealers should notify customers using the sample letter.
Dealer Recall Responsibility - For US and IPC (US States, Territories, and Possessions)
The US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act provides that each vehicle which is subject to a recall of this type must be adequately repaired within a reasonable time after the customer has tendered it for repair. A failure to repair within sixty days after tender of a vehicle is prima facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time. If the condition is not adequately repaired within a reasonable time, the customer may be entitled to an identical or reasonably equivalent vehicle at no charge or to a refund of the purchase price less a reasonable allowance for depreciation. To avoid having to provide these burdensome remedies, every effort must be made to promptly schedule an appointment with each customer and to repair their vehicle as soon as possible. In the recall notification letters, customers are told how to contact the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration if the recall is not completed within a reasonable time.
Dealer Recall Responsibility - All
All unsold new vehicles in dealers possession and subject to this recall MUST be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this recall bulletin BEFORE customers take possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.
Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. A copy of the customer letter is shown in this bulletin for your use in contacting customers. Recall follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.
In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, please take the steps necessary to be sure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
GENERAL MOTORS PRODUCT PROGRAM CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT PROCEDURE
If you have paid to have this recall condition corrected prior to receiving this notification, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement.
Requests for reimbursement may include parts, labor, fees and taxes. Reimbursement may be limited to the amount the repair would have cost if completed by an authorized General Motors dealer.
Your claim will be acted upon within 60 days of receipt.
If your claim is:
^ Approved, you will receive a check from General Motors.
^ Denied, you will receive a letter from General Motors with the reason(s) for the denial, or
^ Incomplete, you will receive a letter from General Motors identifying the documentation that is needed to complete the claim and offered the opportunity to resubmit the claim when the missing documentation is available.
Please follow the instructions on the claim Form previously show to file e a claim for reimbursement. If you have questions about this reimbursement procedure, please contact the toll free telephone number provided at the bottom of the form. If you need assistance with any other concern, please contact the appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number shown. The Customer Assistance Center hours of operation are from 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM eastern standard time Monday through Friday.
Disclaimer