GM recall: 330k Silverado, Sierra HD trucks recalled for engine block heater fire risk

GM is recalling 330,000 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra HD trucks for an engine block heater fire risk through a faulty cord.

The trucks affected are 2017-2019 Chevy Silverado 2500 and 3500 as well as 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 with the Duramax 6.6-liter diesel engine and the optional engine-block heater cord.

Some of these same trucks were involved in an earlier recall in 2019 due to a short-circuit condition and potential fire risk according to Autonews.com (subscription required).

GM announced the recall and stated they received complaints as well as reports of fire according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration document.

Affected truck owners may notice “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,” according to the document.

GM says they will have dealers disable the block heater and provide free replacement block heaters and cords under a separate customer satisfaction campaign.

Dealers were notified on July 1, and owners will be notified starting August 16.

The bottom line on the engine block heater fire risk

With any recall, it is important to see immediately if your truck is affected and then take action — don’t wait for the dealer. GM will make this right even thought it is a supplier-related issue with Electronics Components International in Ontario, Canada, the company that supplies the engine-block heater and power cord being ultimately responsible.