Despite its model year, the 2024 Silverado HD has actually been around since the first quarter of this year. That may explain how the automaker has already managed to catch a quality issue that affects nearly 4,000 heavy-duty GM pickups.
The issue in question relates to the steering gear shaft in 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500s and 2024 GMC Sierra 2500/3500s. Due to a manufacturing error on the part of GM supplier Nexteer, the shaft could fracture, leading to a loss of steering control.
General Motors first became of aware of the issue thanks to one of its own quality engineers, who noticed a cracked steering gear shaft in a Silverado HD during a June 20 alignment operation. They submitted a Speak Up For Safety report, and the next day Nexteer determined that certain parts could have been improperly heat treated.
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During the investigation, GM determined that the improperly heat-treated part could result in the shaft attached to the steering pitman arm fracturing. That could lead to the steering system becoming disconnected, and the driver will lose the ability to control the direction of the vehicle.
GM decided to look through its manufacturing records and part shipping records to identify which vehicles were equipped with a shaft that could crack and determined that 3,893 Silverados and Sierras have to be recalled.
Starting on September 18, 2023, GM will reach out to the owners of the affected trucks and will ask them to return their vehicle to a nearby dealer for the necessary repairs.
