GM recalls 780,000 SUVs for possible lift gate issue

General Motors is recalling 779,023 SUVs globally, including 686,287 in North America, for gas struts on power lift gates that can prematurely wear, causing the gate to fall on people.

GM first investigated the problem in September 2010 but deemed the incident to be fairly isolated and closed its investigation while still monitoring reports.

So far, no crashes or deaths have been connected to the defect.

General Motors has announced a safety recall affecting its three-row crossover lineup, which includes the Chevrolet Traverse, the Buick Enclave, the GMC Acadia, and the (now-discontinued) Saturn Outlook. A “Prop Rod Recovery” system is designed to prevent such behavior by controlling liftgate descent, however the software is not properly calibrated to handle all failure scenarios.

The report goes on to explain that a flaw in the design of the gas struts – those pressurized gadgets that hold a liftgate in the air – allows dirt to enter the components, causing them to wear out prematurely.

The Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the affected portion of the connector and harness, and replace it free of charge if necessary.