- GMC is recalling over 70,000 Sierra pickups from the 2022 model year.
- Impacted models have a chrome front grille deflector that can fall off.
- A fix is still in development, but the company has received over a thousand complaints.
GMC is recalling 70,768 trucks that are equipped with chrome front grille deflectors. The attachments that hold them in place can fracture, causing the grille to detach.
The recall impacts the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 and the government says the attachments that hold the front upper grille deflector in place may break over time. If all eight become broken, the grille can unexpectedly fall off while driving. Drivers may notice a rattle before this occurs, but the issue increases the risk of a crash.
More: NHTSA Investigating Nearly 900,000 GM Trucks And SUVs Over Engine Failures
The component was made by Minth Tennessee International and GM first became aware of the issue in January of last year after a customer complained about the front grille deflector detaching from their pickup when it was being driven. GM opened an investigation, but closed it shortly thereafter as “no defect trend was identified.”
However, the company continued to monitor the situation and noticed a “rise in claim rates,” which sparked another investigation. This one identified “attachment points that may not adequately withstand expected loads.”
Unfortunately, this appears to be a relatively common issue as the company has identified 1,225 field complaints as well as “four allegations” of apparent grille separation. However, the company isn’t aware of any injuries.
A remedy is currently in development and owners are expected to be notified late next month. However, in the meantime, General Motors has issued a stop delivery order covering new and used vehicles in stock. This prevents them from being “delivered to customers, dealer-traded, released to auction, used for demonstration purposes or any other dealer use.”
