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.