Thousands of GMC Sierra pickups are at risk of having a grille component that could detach. | Carscoops

      The chrome front grille deflector may detach while driving.

      12 hours ago

      by Michael Gauthier

      GMC is recalling more than 70,000 Sierra pickups from the 2022 model year.

      The models affected have chrome front grille deflectors that could fall off.

      A solution is still being formulated, but the company has received over a thousand complaints.

      GMC is recalling 70,768 trucks with chrome front grille deflectors due to the potential for the attachments that secure them to break, leading to detachment.

      The recall pertains to the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500, and authorities indicate that the attachments securing the front upper grille deflector might degrade over time. If all eight attachments fail, the grille could unexpectedly fall off while driving. Drivers may hear a rattling sound before this happens, heightening the risk of an accident.

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      Minth Tennessee International manufactured the component, and GM first learned of the problem in January of the previous year when a customer reported the front grille deflector detaching during vehicle operation. GM initiated an investigation but quickly closed it, citing “no defect trend identified.”

      Nevertheless, the company kept monitoring the issue and noted an increase in claim rates, prompting a second investigation. This investigation uncovered “attachment points that may not adequately withstand expected loads.”

      Unfortunately, this issue seems to be quite prevalent, with the company reporting 1,225 field complaints and “four allegations” of grille detachment. However, the company has not reported any injuries related to the problem.

      A remedy is currently being developed, and owners are expected to receive notifications by late next month. In the meantime, General Motors has issued a stop delivery order on both new and used vehicles in inventory. This order prevents them from being “delivered to customers, dealer-traded, released to auction, used for demonstration purposes, or any other dealer activity.”