Several GM Heavy-Duty Pickups Once Again Recalled Over Fire Risk

General Motors has announced a recall on some of its heavy-duty pickups because a problem with the engine-block heater cable or the terminals that connect the heater cable to the block heater could cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Affected models include the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD as well as the GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD from the 2017-2019 model years, all of them equipped with a 6.6-litre Duramax diesel engine and optional engine-block heater cable.

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The number of units in this recall exceeds 330,000 in the U.S. but remains to be confirmed in Canada. A similar recall was announced back in spring 2019 and over 40,000 pickups across the country were affected.

GM has received 122 related complaints and 24 reports of potential fires between December 3, 2019 and May 28, 2021, including even vehicles that were repaired under the previous recall. Fortunately, the automaker is not aware of any injuries or deaths related to this problem.

Potential signs of trouble include smoke or a burning smell; poor block-heater performance; tripped circuit breakers or blown vehicle fuses; damage to the block heater, the heater cable or engine components; and block-heater coolant pooling under the vehicle.

As part of a separate campaign, GM says dealers will once again inspect and, if necessary, replace the block heaters and cables (supplied by Electronics Components International in Ontario). Customers will be notified starting next month.