GM recalls 62K Chevy Silverados: Fire & Engine Danger

If you own a Chevy Silverado built between 2019 and 2024, you might want to pay attention—GM is recalling 62,468 medium-duty trucks because the brake-pressure switch can leak fluid, cause an electrical short, and even spark a fire. What’s worse is it can happen even when the truck is parked and turned off.

I feel like it’s kind of scary to think your truck could catch fire sitting alone in a quiet driveway. GM says only about 1% are affected, but that’s still around 625 trucks that might start burning without warning.

Here’s what’s happening: a rubber part in the switch was made with an unauthorized chemical that breaks down over time. That allows brake fluid in, creating a short—they heat, they smoke, they catch fire. GM has already documented 160 reports, one even a real fire. So far no injuries reported, but still—it’s simply unacceptable in your quiet garage.

Why this recall feels like a serious wake-up call

This is not some random manufacturer fix—it is significant, and here is why:

• Fire while parked: This is when you are records the truck off, engine did not run so hey there was no chance of exhaust fire—but now you get the smells of something melting plastic or parts being too hot.
• Lost business: Many of these trucks are real work vehicles like Matt’s—if a truck gets tagged for repair by a manufacture there is a big chance that repair will be delayed which puts money into jeopardy since contractors use these for work every day and especially for per mile billing and working.
• No Safety or Trust: Not only does the chemical come from a supplier that did not understand that protocol on their fix (that happens) but it shows how something can simply start as a small error in the supply chain to whole violation of trust—and safety.

Here is tweet pretty much from a Silverado owner that sums it up:

“Parked it last night, came out this morning to a weird burnt smell. Turns out the brake switch melted. Can’t believe it.”

It is horrifying to think of…you park your truck thinking it is safe and maybe it is not.

And if that wasn’t enough… another massive engine recall

Just when you think the news couldn’t get worse, GM throws in another recall—this one even bigger. Nearly 600,000 Cadillac, Chevy, and GMC vehicles are being pulled back because their 6.2‑liter V8 engines could break down while driving.

That’s right—Couple of common symptoms:

• Loud knocking noises from the engine
• Check engine light coming on
• Sudden loss of power

Owners are worried—and they should be. GM says only about 3% are affected, but that’s still thousands of vehicles out there. They’ve already heard 28,000+ complaints, including 12 crashes and 42 fires. Thankfully, most injuries were minor. Dealers are ready to inspect and fix engines free of charge, and letters went out starting June 9.

How these two Recalls Affect Everyday Life

This isn’t just talk—it hits home in real ways:

• Engine failure on the road can be dangerous. Imagine you’re on the highway and your power just cuts—panic moment.
• Fire risk at home or work yard—these are big, medium-duty trucks parked all day. If one goes up in flames, everything around it could be at risk.
• Parts delays—dealers say engine parts are in high demand and some new trucks are stuck in limbo until the right engine is installed.

For owners, this means patience and caution:

• Check your VIN on GM’s recall lookup site
• Have both issues fixed right away—especially fire-prone brake switches
• Don’t ignore warning lights or strange smells

What to Check and Tips to Stay Safe

Here’s a quick checklist to stay safe and ahead:

• Check your VIN at GM recall lookup or NHTSA site
• Park outdoors and away from buildings until fixes are done for the fire risk
• Schedule both repairs—brake switch and engine inspection
• Watch for dashboard alerts and unusual sounds
• Document everything—photos, videos, receipts—just in case GM underestimates your case
• Stay calm, stay informed—GM is sending letters and working on parts

Why this news still matters

You might wonder why we’re talking about two big recalls at once. Here’s the thing:

• Early-warning signs could save your life and property
• This is about trust—if one part goes wrong, what else could?
• Consumers have power—recalls show when owners speak up and press for transparency, companies listen. GM’s roadmap now shows how safety affects their reputation.

I feel like as drivers, we deserve to know when our vehicles aren’t just old but possibly dangerous. And when something goes wrong, acting fast can make all the difference.

FAQs

Image Source: Fox Business