Inside the rear axle assembly, the carrier part # 12471391 completly sheared from the pumpkin. The only thing holding the axle and wheel in place was a C-clamp. I did not notice anything wrong with the suspension other than a pulling to the right which I had taken it to the dealer for previously only to be told that there is nothing wrong with it. It finally took out the front bearing and started to make a howling noise upon acceleration. I quit driving the vehicle at this point. If I had not quit driving the vehicle the tire and axle would of completely walked away from the vehicle and could of caused great harm to me and my family. The manufactor was not willing to pay to replace this defective part at first. According to the dealer the carrier was a defective part from the manufactor due to a bad casting. The vehicle was just 85 days outside an extended warrenty purchased with the truck. The dealer did buy a new carrier and had it installed at a 50/50 cost on the labor. I had to buy the new bearings, have the axles checked for tru-ness, have the vehicle towed to the dealer, and find alternative transportation for a month at my expense. I work for the manufactor GM in janesville Wisconsin where the truck was built and they did back in this model year have a shipment of defective rear axles come into the plant some were fixed because of a howling noise before they left the manufactor, I believe some were not. The rear carrier shows signs of fractures in the metal that have been there a long time and also shows new fractures that are rough and where the part finally let loose and sheared completely. I believe that GMC should of covered this defective part 100%. please call me if you need additional info. I still do have the defective part in my possesion. Thank you, [xxx] parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Janesville, WI, USA

While driving about 35 mph rear axle disattached from vehicle without prior warning. Vehicle had to be towed to a garage, and they told consumer that cause was some bubbles on axle.

- Houston, TX, USA