The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 04V-129 (04V129000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 04007 |
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments |
| Report date | March 17, 2004 |
| Owners notified | September 18, 2004 |
| Vehicles affected | 3,662,211 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
- 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT
- 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
- 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
- 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
- 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
- 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
- 2003 Chevrolet Kodiak
- 2004 Chevrolet Kodiak
- 2000 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2001 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2002 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2003 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2004 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2000 GMC Sierra
- 2001 GMC Sierra
- 2002 GMC Sierra
- 2003 GMC Sierra
- 2004 GMC Sierra
- 2003 GMC Topkick
- 2004 GMC Topkick
Owner complaints about the body & structure
- 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT body problems 1
- 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT body problems 1
- 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche body problems 67
- 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche body problems 9
- 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche body problems 7
- 2000 Chevrolet Silverado body problems 94
- 2001 Chevrolet Silverado body problems 53
- 2002 Chevrolet Silverado body problems 36
- 2003 Chevrolet Silverado body problems 19
- 2004 Chevrolet Silverado body problems 25
- 2000 GMC Sierra body problems 34
- 2001 GMC Sierra body problems 13
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 04V-129 repair free?
Yes. Cadillac dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 3,662,211 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.