— General Motors is recalling over 686,000 vehicles to repair liftgates that can fall when they should stay open. Serious injuries could occur by believing the gas struts will hold the liftgate up and in place just to suddenly have it hit you in the back of your head, or other vital body parts.
GM says the recalled vehicles include the following models and years:
- 2008-2012 Buick Enclave
- 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse
- 2007-2012 GMC Acadia
- 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook
The automaker says the liftgates have gas struts that can allow dirt particles to enter between the piston rod and the guiding bushing. The struts can wear out early and cause failures of the liftgate software system to stop the liftgate from falling shut after it's opened.
The vehicles have a prop rod recovery system that is used to make sure the liftgates close at a slow controlled rate of speed. With dirt affecting the gas struts, the system software is too overwhelmed to detect the liftgate failures.
GM knew of the problem in 2010 when the automaker investigated a power liftgate failure, but the investigation was closed after GM determined problems weren't occurring on a regular basis.
GM opened another investigation in March 2015, reviewing field data of power liftgates that kept mistakenly closing. The recall was ordered after testing of the motor actuator software calibrations showed problems.
GM doesn't know when the liftgate recall will begin but did say dealers will update the software for the power liftgate actuator motor control unit.
Owners with questions should call one of the following customer service numbers:
- Buick Enclave: 800-521-7300
- Chevrolet Traverse: 800-222-1020
- GMC Acadia: 800-462-8782
- Saturn Outlook: 800-553-6000
Read complaints about the Buick Enclave / Chevrolet Traverse / GMC Acadia / Saturn Outlook.
