GM Recalls 160,000 Trucks in Canada, no Word on U.S. Models Yet

General Motors issued a recall for 160,000 units of its pickup trucks due to a problem with the rear window defroster.

The models affected by the recall include the 2014 to 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, 2015 to 2018 Chevrolet Silverado HD, 2014 to 2018 GMC Sierra, and the 2015 to 2019 GMC Sierra HD.

According to GM, trucks that are part of the recall are equipped with a power sliding rear window whose circuit component has the tendency to overheat. If this happens, a smoke that would emanate due to overheating could melt other components or start a fire. Due to the potential risk of injury, the company initiated the recall of more than 100,00 units although it has not mentioned any accidents or injuries related to the defective window assembly.

GM has not yet announced how it plans to fix the problem but they are reportedly working on a possible part replacement. Owners have also been instructed to take their trucks to dealerships in the meantime. Technicians will pull the defroster’s fuse, rendering it inoperable.

Owners of the affected truck models can expect to receive initial notifications regarding the stopgap repair, to be followed by a second notification indicating the permanent fix.

But while the brand releases the same models in both Canadian and American markets, it has not announced a recall for models in the United States.

“GM is continuing its investigation for similar vehicles sold in the US, however, allegations of fires stemming from this condition are rare and, when investigated, GM has found evidence of smoke ad localized melting conditions, but no fire propagation. Further, the rate of occurrence in the Canadian population, given the climate and usage patterns, is significantly higher than the rate of occurrence in the US,” a GM spokesperson said in an email statement.