(January 15, 2011) DETROIT — General Motors is expanding a recall of certain 2011 model year trucks to include additional full-size trucks and midsize pickup trucks to replace the rear axle cross pin that may have been improperly heat-treated and could fracture, causing the axle to lock while driving.

The original recall in December 2010 of 1,262 U.S. vehicles now includes 26,751 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Cadillac EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Colorado, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe; and GMC Canyon, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL.  Owners of the vehicles are being contacted and urged against driving the trucks until the axle pin is replaced.

If the pin fractures and becomes displaced within the rear axle, the driver may hear a banging noise coming from the axle.  If the pin shifts out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock.  The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle, which could lead to a crash.

GM knows of one customer incident in which a driver experienced a loss of power to the axle. There was no crash.  GM is unaware of any crashes or injuries related to the condition.