GM Issues Stop-Sale on Silverado and Sierra Over Fire Risk

Two more models are hounded by fire risk issues that have been plaguing the industry in recent weeks.

General Motors has issued a stop-sale order for 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra models as the company works on recalling the pickup trucks for potentially being fire hazards.

According to the automaker, there is a likelihood for a fire to break out during a crash where the seatbelt pretensioners of the trucks are supposed to activate. The gas that allows the pretensioners to work could reportedly release and interact with other materials, leading to combustion.

More than 640,000 models of the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra are affected by the problem and will be included in the pending recall. These models include the Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500, as well as the Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500 with carpeted floors.

In documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, GM provided a detailed explanation of the problem. The company stated an opening in the pretensioner bracket could allow pretensioner gases to pass through, potentially igniting the truck’s carpeted floor.

GM clarified it is not aware of any accidents, injuries, or fatalities caused by the defect. But the company mentioned there have been two fire incidents related to the problem.

Furthermore, GM’s stop sale prevents dealers from allowing the trucks in question to leave dealership lots until repairs are completed. The company also hasn’t confirmed when it will notify owners and dealers regarding the fix as a solution is yet to be ready.

In the meantime, owners of 2019-2020 Silverado and Sierra trucks are advised to bring their vehicles to the dealer so a technician can close off the opening in the pretensioner at no added cost.