This is a Detroit News Article on the Tailgate investigation - Thanks Google!
Feds' inquiry targets Chevrolet Silverado
Defect investigation focuses on tailgate cables of truck
By Jeff Plungis / Detroit News Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON -- The federal government launched a preliminary safety investigation which could lead to the recall of more than 2 million Chevy Silverado pickups.
The defect investigation, announced Monday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will look at the cables on the tailgates of 1999-2002 model years of the General Motors truck.
The Silverado is GM's best-selling vehicles. In 2002, GM sold 653,000 of the full-size pickups.
NHTSA has received 16 complaints about the tailgates, including five injuries. Customers told NHTSA that the tailgates can drop unexpectedly after one or both support cables snap. In two cases, consumers had been dropped to the ground while sitting on the tailgate. In two other cases, the tailgate collapsed while customers were loading the truck. One truck owner was injured by falling cargo.
GM spokesman Bill Kemp said the company would cooperate with the NHTSA investigation. GM began its own investigation after being contacted by NHTSA, Kemp said.
In the early phase of a NHTSA defect investigation, known as a preliminary evaluation, the agency typically asks an automaker to forward all known information regarding complaints, injuries and deaths tied to a piece of equipment. NHTSA also does its own testing.
If NHTSA deems the problem serious enough, the agency next conducts an "engineering analysis," which can take a year or more to complete. Automakers often opt to begin a voluntary recall before the formal investigation runs its course.
You can reach Jeff Plungis at (202) 662-7378 or jplungis@detnews.com.
