GMC MultiPro Tailgate Problems: What Owners Weren’t Warned About

What looked like a brilliant upgrade on paper has turned into a reliability minefield for some GMC truck owners. The MultiPro tailgate—GMC’s six-way Swiss Army knife of a tailgate—promised easier access, better hauling options, and even tailgate tunes. But real-world use is exposing cracks in the design. Literally.

Since its debut on the 2019 Sierra 1500, owners have been reporting everything from ghost openings and soaked electronics to frustrating latch issues and trailer hitch collisions. Add in premature wear, switch failures, and a few design oversights, and the picture gets complicated fast.

This guide walks through every major issue, breaks down what’s causing them, and lays out what you can do about it—whether you’re already driving a Sierra with a MultiPro or considering one for your next truck.

Ready for the full story? Let’s get into it.

1. What Owners Keep Running Into with the MultiPro Tailgate

The promise of six clever configurations is great—until the thing won’t latch, drains your battery, or slams down on its own. Across owner forums, service centers, and NHTSA complaints, a few issues keep surfacing. Here’s what real-world users are dealing with.

Tailgate Opens by Itself—Parked or Driving

You walk out to your truck, and the tailgate’s hanging open. No one touched it. Even worse, some drivers have reported it swinging down mid-drive, spilling cargo, and setting off dashboard alerts.

Most of the time, the cause traces back to water sneaking into the electronic release switch, shorting it out. It’s a design flaw GM has acknowledged, with recalls to prove it.

Latch Refuses to Stay Shut

This one’s both irritating and dangerous. Some owners say the inner gate drops the second they touch the release—no resistance, no delay, just a straight slam.

Others report trouble getting the latch to engage at all, especially in colder weather or after pressure washing. When that latch fails, the tailgate loses most of its structural strength.

Electrical Gremlins: Dead Buttons and Drained Batteries

Tailgate buttons suddenly unresponsive? Radio glitching? Battery mysteriously dead in the morning? Electrical problems are stacking up for MultiPro owners. Reports of wet connectors, fried circuits, and faulty body control module calibration aren’t rare. Even the optional Kicker audio system has caused trouble—more on that shortly.

Hinges and Panels Wearing Out Too Soon

This tailgate isn’t just complex—it’s heavy. With all its folding sections and pivot points, wear happens fast. Some owners say the hinges feel loose within a year.

Others complain about the step mechanism binding up or refusing to open smoothly. If you use it often, expect a faster decline than a traditional tailgate.

Confusing Configurations and a Steep Learning Curve

GMC tried to make the MultiPro intuitive. But if you’re not familiar with the button sequence or how each mode resets, it’s easy to fumble. Switching between step, work surface, and load-stop modes isn’t always smooth.

Several users say it’s awkward to return the tailgate to the closed position after using the step, and many just give up and stop using half the features.

Trailer Hitch Damage Is a Known Problem

Lower the inner gate with a hitch in place and boom—scuffed paint, cracked plastic, or worse. Even some drop hitches still interfere. GM added warning stickers, and there are aftermarket solutions now, but too many people found out the hard way.

Gravel and Mulch Get Trapped in the Gaps

Multiple folding panels mean multiple places for dirt to hide. Small rocks, mulch, even leaves can wedge between panels or fall into hidden crevices. Over time, this creates rattles, scratches, and clogged drains, especially for folks using their trucks for yard work or off-road use.

Kicker Audio System Isn’t Impressing Many Owners

GMC offered a factory-installed Kicker tailgate audio setup. Sounds cool, right? But it’s drawn complaints for weak bass, tinny quality, and Bluetooth quirks. Worse, it doesn’t integrate with your truck’s main audio system—and one owner even had it short out after a car wash.

2. Why It’s Failing: Design Flaws, Missteps, and Environmental Wear

The MultiPro tailgate didn’t end up with these issues by chance. Once you look under the surface, a few common threads start to emerge—and they point straight to decisions made at the design table, in the factory, and out in the real world.

Weak Spots Built Into the Design

Start with the electronic release switch. It’s recessed and exposed, sitting in a spot where water runoff naturally collects. That means rain, snow, even a hose at the wrong angle can sneak water into the contacts, shorting out the tailgate’s brain.

The step’s many pivot points and seams also create more joints than a traditional tailgate, which means more potential fail points. And that tight clearance around the trailer hitch? That wasn’t tested thoroughly enough before launch.

Assembly Gaps and Fitment Issues from the Factory

Some of this is build quality. Owners have reported tailgates that never quite lined up right—hinges slightly out of square, latches needing extra force, or the inner gate flopping around loosely.

A few shop techs say the beds themselves were misaligned at the factory, especially early model years. That misfit can throw off striker alignment and make even a healthy tailgate act up.

Weather and Road Grit Take Their Toll

Cold weather stiffens the latches. Rain and melting snow find their way into switch housings. Mud and gravel get kicked up into those narrow seams between panels.

The MultiPro lives in the elements, and because it’s more complex than a standard gate, it wears faster. One power wash or slushy winter is all it takes to trigger problems.

Some of It Comes Down to How It’s Used

This one’s not all on GM. Some drivers accidentally trigger the gate from their key fob or bump the release while loading up. Others forget to clear out mulch or rocks that jam the hinges.

The step has a 375-lb weight rating, but it’s easy to overload if you’re hauling tools or stepping in while carrying heavy gear. User error doesn’t explain every failure, but it can accelerate wear.

3. How Often Is It Breaking? A Reality Check on Reliability

The promise of innovation only goes so far if things keep breaking, and with the MultiPro, the numbers aren’t flattering. Reliability takes a hit the moment you start counting failure points.

Complaints Are Piling Up, Fast

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows a steady uptick in tailgate-related complaints tied to the Sierra’s MultiPro system, particularly for models between 2020 and 2024. It’s not just noise on forums.

Reports include unintended openings while driving, latches failing to hold, and switches shorting out after rainstorms. Many of these issues have led to repeat service visits—some owners have taken their trucks in three or more times without a fix that sticks.

Complexity Isn’t Helping the Score

Here’s the thing: the MultiPro has more parts, more electronics, and more moving panels than a standard tailgate. And every added feature is another point of failure.

Compare it to older one-piece tailgates or even Ford’s simpler Pro Access swing gate, and the MultiPro ends up looking like a headache in the long run. More hinges, more switches, more sensors—all exposed to the elements.

Owners Aren’t Just Annoyed—They’re Losing Patience

The frustration isn’t just mechanical—it’s personal. Some users report not being able to trust their truck bed for tool storage or weekend trips because they can’t guarantee the gate won’t pop open overnight. Others are stuck waiting for parts on backorder or getting temporary fixes that don’t hold up. It’s hard to enjoy “six-way flexibility” when two of those ways don’t work anymore.

4. What GM’s Doing About It: Recalls, Band-Aids, and Bulletins

General Motors hasn’t ignored the wave of MultiPro tailgate complaints, but the fixes haven’t always stuck. Between official recalls and a string of technical service bulletins (TSBs), it’s clear even GM’s been playing catch-up.

A Massive Recall Hit in 2024—And Then Grew

In February 2024, GM issued recall 24V-060, affecting around 320,000 heavy-duty trucks. The issue? Water creeping into the electronic release switch and triggering the tailgate to unlatch on its own. That’s not just annoying—it’s dangerous. Cargo sliding out on the highway can cause real damage, and GM knew it.

But that wasn’t the end. By December 2024, they expanded the recall to cover another 132,000 vehicles. Turns out the original “fix”—a new switch—wasn’t bulletproof. Failures kept rolling in.

Not Just Recalls—Bulletins Tried to Catch the Rest

Recalls weren’t the only play. GM issued TSB 23-NA-112 in mid-2023 to update the body control module (BCM) software. The goal? Make it harder to accidentally activate the inner gate, especially if you leaned on the button or your key fob misfired.

They also published bulletins for alignment issues—because let’s face it, some gates wouldn’t shut right from day one. And in 2021, GM pushed out instructions on disabling the inner gate if a trailer hitch was installed. A clever band-aid, but still not a real fix for poor clearance design.

What It All Means

If your truck’s been affected, odds are you’ve seen at least one of these service notices—or you will. But don’t expect a single repair to wipe the slate clean. The recurrence of the same problems across years shows the fixes haven’t nailed it.

5. The Price You’ll Pay – What MultiPro Repairs Actually Cost

When the MultiPro tailgate works, it’s slick. But when it doesn’t? Expect your wallet to take a hit, especially if you’re out of warranty.

Full Assembly Swaps Don’t Come Cheap

If the entire tailgate needs replacing—electronics, painted panels, step mechanism, and all—you’re looking at $1,200 to $1,500 just in parts. Tack on labor, and the bill can quickly climb past $2,000. Add damage from a trailer hitch or bent step, and that number goes even higher.

And it’s not just the big repairs. Even small issues can get expensive:

• Just a replacement latch might cost $75 to $150.

• A new switch kit alone? Around $90.

• Hinge sets average $80.

None of that includes labor.

Out of Warranty? Get Ready to Push for Goodwill

GMC’s 3-year/36,000-mile warranty covers most early failures, but once you’re out of that window, it’s up to your dealership—and your negotiation skills.

Some owners have gotten partial coverage or goodwill assistance, especially if there’s an open TSB or their truck has low mileage. But others have had to eat the full cost.

Aftermarket Isn’t Always the Answer

Sure, you can find cheaper tailgate parts outside the dealership. But the MultiPro’s complexity makes compatibility a gamble. One wrong connector or bracket, and you’re back at square one—with a part that may not even fit right.

6. DIY Fixes That Actually Work (and Which to Skip)

The MultiPro tailgate isn’t exactly backyard-wrench friendly, but there are a few issues you can take care of without calling the dealership—if you know what you’re doing.

Keep the Hinges Moving and the Water Out

A squeaky, sticky tailgate isn’t just annoying—it’s a warning. Start by spraying silicone lubricant on the hinges, latches, and strikers. While you’re at it, check the drain slots. If they’re clogged, standing water can sneak into the wiring harness and corrode the switch, especially after a pressure wash or winter storm.

For added insurance, some owners shrink-tube the switch plug or apply a dab of silicone sealant over the connector—cheap, easy, and it might save you a few hundred bucks down the line.

Know the Trick to Disable the Inner Gate

Towing a trailer? Hold the upper tailgate button for three seconds. You’ll see the taillights flash—that means the inner gate is locked out. It won’t drop and hit the hitch by accident.

Do the same thing again to re-enable it. This trick alone has saved plenty of MultiPro owners from cracked plastic and dented sheet metal.

Alignment Fixes You Can Do in the Driveway

If your tailgate’s misaligned or binding, try the GM-recommended shim trick. Loosen the hinge bolts, adjust the gate until it sits flush, then torque everything back down. Just be sure to go slow—over-torquing can tweak the fit worse than before.

Know When to Walk Away

There’s a limit to DIY. If your tailgate won’t electronically release, or if the step mechanism is binding internally, it’s time for a pro. Anything involving wiring, BCM calibration, or water-damaged switches isn’t worth guessing at.

7. Towing Nightmares – Hitch Collisions and What Actually Prevents Them

Why the Inner Gate Keeps Slamming Into Your Hitch

One of the biggest complaints about the MultiPro tailgate? The mid-gate smashing into trailer hitches. It’s not just a design oversight—it’s a real clearance issue.

That inner panel drops straight down and hits even low-profile 2-inch receivers. It’s cracked tailgate trim, bent hitch hardware, and scuffed paint waiting to happen.

GMC saw this coming and added a warning label near the switch. But unless you’re watching every button press like a hawk, it’s easy to forget—especially with a trailer already hooked up.

Factory Workaround That Actually Helps

Luckily, there’s a built-in safety feature most owners don’t use. Hold the upper button for three seconds, and the inner gate disables itself. The taillights will blink to confirm. It’s a temporary lockout, and you’ll need to do it again after shutting the truck off. Not perfect—but it works.

Aftermarket Fixes That Pull Their Weight

If you tow regularly and don’t want to play the “did I disable the gate?” game, plug-and-play sensors like the CURT MultiPro Tailgate Sensor or TailgateFix override switch are worth every penny. They detect a hitch in place and block the mid-gate from opening. No splicing. No error codes. Just plug them in and forget about it.

Some owners also switch to MultiPro-friendly hitches with dropped or beveled profiles. The B&W Tow & Stow and similar models help, though clearance still depends on your trailer’s coupler height.

8. How It Stacks Up – MultiPro vs. Ford and Ram’s Tailgate Tricks

Feature Showdown: Versatility or Simplicity?

The GMC MultiPro has six ways to open, flip, fold, and step up. On paper, it’s the most versatile tailgate in the game. But that versatility comes at a cost—literally and in terms of everyday usability.

Ford’s Pro Access tailgate takes a simpler approach. It adds a swing-out center panel to the regular drop-down gate. It’s all about bed access when a trailer’s hooked up. No steps, no buttons to memorize—just grab and swing.

Ram’s 60/40 split multifunction tailgate is another no-fuss design. Both doors swing wide like barn doors or drop like a regular tailgate. Best part? You don’t have to unhook your trailer to use it.

Clearance, Load Rating, and Recalls—Where the Gaps Are

This is where the numbers start speaking louder than marketing:

• Hitch Clearance: Ram and Ford win. GMC’s inner gate needs serious babysitting around trailers.

• Load Support: Ram’s tailgate can hold up to 2,000 lbs when dropped—old-school muscle. GMC’s MultiPro step is capped at 375 lbs.

• Recalls: Ford and Ram? Zero major tailgate recalls as of 2025. GMC? Three and counting, mostly tied to unintended gate openings and electrical gremlins.

So while GMC leads in multi-mode tricks, the others counter with simplicity, strength, and fewer headaches.

9. Legal Avenues – What You Can Actually Do If It Keeps Failing

Lemon Law: When Repairs Go Nowhere

If you’ve had your MultiPro tailgate repaired three or four times and it’s still glitching, you may qualify for lemon law protection, depending on your state. The rules vary, but the basic idea is the same: if a recurring defect substantially affects use, value, or safety, the manufacturer may be on the hook for a buyback or replacement.

The key? Document everything. Save every repair order. Keep photos or videos of the tailgate acting up. And send GM a certified letter explaining the problem before you file anything. If you ever do need to make a case, that paper trail will do the talking.

Class Actions: Where This Might Be Headed

With multiple recalls already in the books and more than 800,000 trucks affected by tailgate malfunctions, it wouldn’t be surprising if a class-action lawsuit develops. It’s happened before with GM—think “Shift to Park” and power liftgate issues.

No formal class action has launched over the MultiPro yet, but if the problem keeps spreading—or if a revised switch design doesn’t fix it permanently—it’s probably just a matter of time.

Final Call

If your tailgate keeps misfiring, you’ve got options. Use your warranty. Push for goodwill coverage if you’re just out of it. And don’t hesitate to consult a lemon law attorney if things get serious. You’re not stuck riding it out.

10. What Needs Fixing, What You Can Do, and What Buyers Should Know

GM Needs to Rethink the Basics

At this point, it’s clear the MultiPro tailgate needs a cleaner, tougher switch setup. Water shouldn’t short it out—and when it does, it shouldn’t cause the gate to swing open while driving. That fix alone would stop the most serious complaints cold.

Then there’s the hitch issue. A six-mode tailgate that smashes into a trailer ball? That’s a design oversight, not an edge case. GM should either redesign the mid-gate for clearance or make a hitch-sensor system standard.

Simplifying the controls wouldn’t hurt either. Six modes are great, but not if they confuse the average user into misusing—or avoiding—them altogether.

What Current Owners Should Do

If you’ve already got a MultiPro tailgate, don’t wait on problems. Get the recall work done, clean out debris regularly, and lubricate the moving parts—especially if you tow or work in dirty environments. And if you haul with a hitch often, install a plug-and-play sensor kit so the gate doesn’t accidentally drop onto it.

Also, get in the habit of checking for software updates. Some tailgate glitches have been fixed with nothing more than a new BCM calibration.

Advice for Shoppers Thinking About a GMC

If you’re shopping for a Sierra, the MultiPro tailgate is impressive—but know what you’re getting into. If you tow a lot or don’t care about having six ways to open your tailgate, a traditional setup might save you some headaches.

Check the truck’s VIN to make sure any recalls have already been done. And if you’re buying used, inspect the tailgate closely—especially the lower edge near the hitch and the electronic release switch. That’ll give you a good idea of how well it’s held up and whether problems might be waiting.

No-Nonsense Wrap-Up: What You’re Really Getting with the MultiPro Tailgate

The MultiPro tailgate promised next-level versatility—and in a lot of ways, it delivered. The step, work surface, and six-position setup add legit utility you won’t find on most other trucks.

But that flexibility also comes with headaches: switches that short out, hitches that get in the way, and a tailgate that might unlatch when you least expect it. It’s not a total dealbreaker, but it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it tailgate either.

If you already own one, take care of it. Stay on top of recalls. Keep the hinges clean, and don’t trust the electronics in wet weather without some added protection.

If you’re still shopping, weigh the convenience of the features against how you plan to use your truck. For some, the MultiPro’s quirks are worth it. For others, a simpler setup might bring more peace of mind.