NHTSA Recall 04V129000: Hinge and attachments (structure)
GENERAL MOTORS CORP. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 3,662,211 vehicles. It affects 6 models including the Cadillac Escalade Ext.
| NHTSA campaign | 04V129000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | 04007 |
| Component | STRUCTURE › BODY › TAILGATE › HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS |
| Report received | March 17, 2004 |
| Owner notification | September 18, 2004 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
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.
Safety 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.
Remedy
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.
Notes
GM recall no. 04007.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Vehicles covered by recall 04V129000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Cadillac Escalade Ext | 2002, 2003, 2004 |
| Chevrolet Avalanche | 2002, 2003, 2004 |
| Chevrolet Kodiak | 2003, 2004 |
| Chevrolet Silverado | 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 |
| GMC Sierra | 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 |
| GMC Topkick | 2003, 2004 |
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.