Tailgate Latch problems of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado

2001 chevy Silverado full size pickup truck with long bed. Tailgate latches failed in sept 2004. Cargo shifted against tailgate and tailgate opened allowing partial cargo to fall out on highway 60 south in PA, south of the PA turnpike. No prior warning or other type of failure. No damage to vehicle or cargo but could have been very dangerous if high traffic. Several failures since while just driving with on cargo. 25000 miles on the truck and only 3 ys old.

While loading the vehicle tailgate dropped open and proceeded to fall off. Fortunate nobody was hurt. The dealership was notified.

While driving tailgate opened without warning. Dealership repaired the problem. Consumer suffered a bruise and swelling in his right hand which occurred before the latches failed completely.

Both tailgate cable of 2001 chevy Silverado snapped while off-loading rubbish into county rubbish dump trailer. Incident gave me a good scare and could have been really bad if I did not regain my balance and fell 10' into the trailer full of dangerous objects. No substantial damage to the tailgate as it made contact with the bumper. Upon closer look at the cables, it appears that only a few strands (and the vinyl sheathing) were keeping the cable together. The rest of the strands showed severe corrosion. Took the cable to local dealer but they would not even look at it but did say that it's out of warranty. The truck was purchased 3 years and 3 months ago. I had to pay $45 for the pair. I believe the cables should be good for the life of the truck under normal use.

I had a cooler on my tailgate, when I went to climb into my bed by stepping on the tailgate, both cables supporting the tailgate snapped, sending me and the cooler onto the ground.

While sitting on the tailgate, both tailgate straps broke.

2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500hd pickup, tailgate cable broke.

Broken tailgate cables on my 2001 Silverado.

Both tailgate cables broke on my truck before it was 3 yrs. Old. It cost $30 to replace.

The straps for the tailgate snapped, and consequently consumer was injured.

The strap that holds up the liftgate broke. Consumer feels this is very dangerous, gate could have injured someone. Dealer has been contacted. The parts are being checked by the manufacturer.