2024 GMC Sierra EV Recall: Dim Turn Signals Pose Safety Risk

GMC’s first electric pickup truck, the 2024 Sierra EV has only been teased but is already up against its first challenge. General Motors has recalled 1,962 of the 2024 GMC Sierra EV trucks because of a safety concern with the front turn signals and parking lights.

According to the NHTSA, a vehicle's front turn signals and parking lights need to be distinct enough in luminosity for other drivers to tell them apart, and the 2024 GMC Sierra EV falls short of that rule. That makes it harder for other road users to notice when the truck's turn signals are active, which raises the risk of accidents.

Widespread Issue Affects All Recalled Vehicles

GM says all of the recalled 2024 GMC Sierra EV trucks, 100 percent of them, are affected by this problem. A GM engineer first flagged the issue, which has been traced back to a supplier miscalculating the correct lumens for the Sierra EV's light bar turn signals and parking lights.

In response, GM dealerships will replace the headlight multipurpose LED driver module on affected trucks at no cost to customers. GM plans to notify owners of the defect by mail starting November 25 this year. In the meantime, owners can reach GM customer service at 888-988-7267 for more information, referencing recall number N242474560.

Setback for the Highly Anticipated Electric Pickup

The recall is a particular blow to buyers who've been waiting for the 2024 Sierra EV, which only began deliveries in August. GMC launched the truck with the Denali Edition 1, a luxury trim priced at $99,495, a figure that differs slightly from the pricing GMC first announced back in 2022.

The 2024 Denali Edition 1 carries an EPA-estimated range of 440 miles per charge, 10% higher than GMC's initial projections. It also comes with adaptive air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and the CrabWalk feature, the same diagonal-driving trick found on the GMC Hummer EV.

Sibling Rivalry: GMC Sierra EV vs. Chevrolet Silverado EV

The 2024 Sierra EV shares a lot with its corporate sibling, the Chevrolet Silverado EV. Under the skin, the NV3000 and NV4000 platforms are nearly identical aside from sheetmetal and some option content, much like the gas-powered Sierra and Silverado they're replacing.

CrabWalk is one feature that does set the Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 apart from the Silverado EV RST, its Chevy counterpart's top trim. It lets the truck turn diagonally at low speeds, which comes in handy in tight parking lots and congested streets.

Moving Forward with Electric Trucks

Still, this recall is a setback for a truck that represents a significant step into the electric pickup market. As automakers keep pushing EV technology forward, buyers should expect more capable, efficient, and stylish electric trucks to arrive in the coming years.

The dim turn signal issue is a legitimate safety concern, but GM's quick recall response and straightforward solution should reassure owners. With the major troubleshooting steps already underway, Sierra EV fans can look forward to seeing what this electric pickup can really do in the near future.