Vehicle recall 04V129000 · March 17, 2004
GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Silverado and 4 more models
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position may corrode,…
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position may corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper.
- Consequence
- Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the tailgate may drop even lower. Additionally, if there is cargo on the tailgate the cargo may fall off if the support cables fracture.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on April 7, 20004. The recall began on September 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through October 29, 2004. Owners should contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463, or visit www.mygmlink.com, and enter your vehicle identification number.
- Notes
- GM recall no. 04007.CUSTOMERS can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 04V129000
- Reported to NHTSA
- March 17, 2004
- Filed by
- GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Manufacturer campaign
- 04007
- Owner notification
- September 18, 2004
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 3,662,211
- Initiated by
- NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
- Components
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Cadillac Escalade EXT (2002-2004): 2004, 2003, 2002
- Chevrolet Avalanche (2002-2004): 2004, 2003, 2002
- Chevrolet Kodiak (2003-2004): 2004, 2003
- Chevrolet Silverado (2000-2004): 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
- GMC Sierra (2000-2004): 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
- GMC Topkick (2003-2004): 2004, 2003
Has your Cadillac been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Cadillac dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.