Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra Recalled for Fire Risk

During the past 20 years, the number of vehicle recalls has skyrocketed in the U.S. By 2017, on average, 3.1 vehicles were recalled for every vehicle sold, according to McKinsey & Company. 

While manufacturers seek to anticipate and eliminate them, fleet owners need to remain vigilant about the latest safety recalls. 

General Motors recently issued a recall affecting many vehicles, across various models. 

Specifically, GM is recalling an estimated 331,274 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500 and 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with a Duramax diesel 6.6 liter engine and an optional engine-block heater cord. 

The issue is that an electrical short-circuit may occur in the engine-block heater cable or in the terminals that connect the heater cable to the block heater, increasing the risk of a fire. 

To fix the problem, dealers will disable the block heater, at no cost to owners. GM will provide free replacement block heaters and cords under a separate customer satisfaction campaign. For vehicles previously included in recall 19V-328, the heater cord will be replaced and rerouted, free of charge. 

Owner notification letters will be mailed Aug.16, 2021. Owners can reach Chevrolet customer service at (800) 222-1020 and GMC customer service at (800) 462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 212329840.