Chevrolet has launched a recall and ordered dealers to stop selling some of its largest trucks over concerns about vehicle fires. The recall affects about 40,000 Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD pickups from model years 2019 through 2023.
But, despite alarming headlines over the past 24 hours, most truck owners don’t need to be concerned.
Truck marketing has contributed to confusion about this recall. Chevrolet uses the Silverado name for every truck it builds at full size or larger. Its full-size Silverado 1500 is its best-selling product. That truck is not at risk here.
Larger Silverado HD trucks like the 2500 and 3500, sometimes bought as personal vehicles, aren’t affected by this recall either.
Instead, the recall affects very large “medium duty” trucks almost exclusively used in commercial operations. Many tow trucks, dump trucks, and similar work vehicles are medium-duty Silverado models. And yes, medium-duty trucks are larger and more powerful than heavy-duty trucks.
“Heavy duty” is a marketing term. Medium duty is a term that qualifies a work vehicle for different federal fuel economy rules. This recall affects only medium-duty trucks.
Chevrolet tells federal safety officials that, in some of the largest Silverado trucks, flammable brake fluid can seep out of the brake assembly onto an electrical component. There, it can cause a short circuit and a vehicle fire.
Chevrolet says it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the problem but has seen “one potentially related field incident” that resulted in a fire.
Because of the fire risk, the company is asking owners to park trucks outdoors until dealers can repair them.
Dealers will fix the problem by replacing the brake master cylinder pressure sensor. They will also inspect related wiring harnesses and replace any that show signs of damage.
Recall repairs are always free.
Drivers sometimes miss recall notices, so check our recall center to see if your car has been subject to any urgent repair orders.
