{"source":"NHTSA vehicle owner complaint","officialApiUrl":"https://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/odinumber?odinumber=11760553","retrievedAt":"2026-11-05T07:26:57.032Z","count":1,"results":[{"odiNumber":11760553,"manufacturer":"General Motors, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/13/2026","dateComplaintFiled":"08/29/2026","vin":"2GNAXJEV5K6","components":"UNKNOWN OR OTHER","summary":"The power liftgate on my 2019 Chevrolet Equinox experienced a sudden mechanical failure without warning. I pushed the automatic liftgate button and the liftgate raised normally. Once raised, the upper mounting bolt securing the power liftgate actuator severed. The actuator broke loose, struck the rear taillight assembly and pushed it outward approximately one inch, and the liftgate came crashing down without warning.  My [XXX] grandson was approaching the rear of the vehicle to retrieve his golf clubs. Fortunately, he had not yet reached the area beneath the liftgate when it fell. Had he or another person been standing beneath it, I believe the sudden uncontrolled closing of the liftgate could have caused serious injury.  The failure was confirmed during repair by an independent mechanic who is a former GM mechanic. He had considerable difficulty extracting the severed mounting bolt and repaired the actuator/bolt failure at a cost of approximately $400. The mechanic retained the failed parts, including the severed bolt, and they are available for inspection upon request.  The actuator also displaced the rear taillight assembly. The mechanic attempted to reseat it, but the taillight still does not sit flush with the vehicle, so damage resulting from the incident remains.  The vehicle and failed components have not been inspected by GM, police, or an insurance representative. I reported the incident to General Motors and received a GM case number. GM declined reimbursement because the repair was performed outside a GM dealership.  There were no warning lamps, warning messages, or other symptoms that I noticed before the failure. The liftgate appeared to operate normally until the sudden failure.I reported the incident to GM under case #XXX and requested the case be reopened because the taillight remains displaced and does not sit flush. The failed parts, including the severed bolt, were retained by my mechanic and are available for inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2019","productMake":"CHEVROLET","productModel":"EQUINOX","manufacturer":"General Motors, LLC"}]}]}