The problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 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. 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.
The risk
An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix
Dealers will replace engine block heaters and heater cords. Vehicles that have this feature disabled as a remedy to the safety condition will be contacted and offered replacement block heaters and heater cords under a separate customer satisfaction program, free of charge. 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. Interim owner notifications were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 4, 2022. Customers may call GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 212329840.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 21V-496 (21V496000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | N212329840 |
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Equipment › Electrical › Engine block heater |
| Report date | July 1, 2021 |
| Owners notified | April 4, 2022 |
| Vehicles affected | 338,020 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the a/c & heater
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 21V-496 repair free?
Yes. Chevrolet dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace engine block heaters and heater cords. Vehicles that have this feature disabled as a remedy to the safety condition will be contacted and offered replacement block heaters and heater cords under a separate customer satisfaction program,…
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 338,020 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.