Tailgate Hinge problems of the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While putting the tailgate down, the straps failed prior to the recall and the hinges failed after the recall. The contact purchased new straps from the parts store and then received a recall notice. The consumer called the dealer to have the vehicle repaired. The dealer stated that because he did not have the original straps, they would not make the recall repairs. The dealer would also not repair the tailgate hinges as stated in the recall letter. The failure mileage was 40,000 and current mileage is 97,650. Updated 07/29/08 recall 3 06v066000 updated 07/29/08.

I am submitting this complaint because gm has not reimbursed me for a recall in which I paid for out of my own pocket. The reimbursement amount is minuscule and would have been far less than what the dealership would have charged back to gm. Please see the detail to this complaint below. April 2006 I received a recall notice from gm, it stated the following: 1. Your 1999 model year Chevrolet silverado, is involved in a safety recall 06019. 2. Schedule an appointment with your Chevrolet dealer. 3. This service will be performed for you at no charge. I do not recall the specific dates but I scheduled an appointment with my local dealer wilson Chevrolet, stillwater ok, I called and made the appointment on Monday and scheduled the appointment for that Wednesday. That Wednesday I arrived at 8:00 am on time at wilson Chevrolet. I spoke with the service gentlemen at the desk and he proceeded to tell me that I had have to leave my vehicle. They did not offer to give me a ride to work or anything, simply stating I could reschedule. Reschedule was out of the question due to I had already taken a leave of absence from work and the dealership was on the opposite side of town; it was a 30 minute drive round trip from my place of employment. Considering my options I remembered that in the mailing gm had provided a reimbursement form. I opt to purchase the cables from the dealer and replace them myself and file a reimbursement with gm. I issued a reimbursement to gm using their form, I asked for a reimbursement of $44. 44, the cost of the cables including tax. On October 16, 2006, a few months later after submitting the reimbursement request I received a denial letter denying reimbursement, no reason was given. I ask nthsa to look into these claims as I am not aware of my rights to seek reimbursement on a recall that gm is responsible for.