Why General Motors has recalled over 70,000 vehicles in US
What's the story
General Motors (GM) has recalled 70,768 units of the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 pick-up truck in the US over a possible safety risk.
The problem is with the grille deflector, which may fall off the vehicle unexpectedly.
The issue is limited to models with chrome grilles and was initially reported to GM by an employee after a customer complaint.
Technical glitch
Defective fasteners identified as potential cause
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has flagged possible defects in the fasteners holding this part of the grille.
According to the recall documents, eight attachment points are there, all of which could break. If all these points break, the deflector might come off.
The trim piece may look loose and rattle before it finally comes off.
Recall scope
Recall limited to specific 2022 GMC Sierra models
The recall is limited to 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 pick-ups built after a mild facelift in the same year.
It doesn't go beyond this model year or apply to trucks with grilles other than chrome.
GM has not offered the exact reason for the attachment points fracturing. An initial investigation into this issue was launched in early 2024 but closed about a month later due to lack of a "defect trend."
Online impact
GM reopens investigation following online discussions
In May 2024, a Reddit thread on the same issue went viral with many other GMC Sierra owners coming forward with their stories.
This prompted GM to reopen its investigation in December 2024 after the claim rate increased.
Between April and December, GM received 1,225 field complaints from vehicle owners regarding this issue.
Four of these complaints claim a vehicle accident occurred due to the grille deflector problem.
Solution underway
GM halts sales and plans remedy
GM has directed GMC dealers to stop all sales of affected 2022 Sierra 1500s, new and used, as they work on a solution. However, there is no fix available at the moment.
Parts diagrams show the deflector as a separate piece but some GMC Sierra 1500 buyers on Reddit claim the only way to get it is by buying an entire grille.
Dealer notification has already started with specific owner notification scheduled to begin on March 24.