Chevrolet Silverado
General Motors' Silverado trucks among the models being recalled by the automaker. Chevrolet

US automaker General Motors is recalling thousands of trucks to fix potential fuel tank problems that increase the risk of a fire, the company confirmed on Thursday (16 November).

In statement the company said it is recalling nearly 49,000 trucks worldwide to address the issue.

The recall covers GM's and GMC Sierra 3500 trucks sold from 2011 through 2015 with two fuel tanks.

Documents posted Thursday by the US government say that the low-fuel-level sensor in the front tank can stick, causing the rear tank to over-fill the front tank.

That can make the front tank expand and touch the drive shaft, possibly causing a hole and a fuel leak.

GM said it has no reports of fires or injuries from the problem.

Dealers will replace the rear tank fuel pump, update software and inspect the front tank. Owners will be notified starting 18 December with parts available for repairs in February.

GMC Sierra 3500
GMC Sierra 3500 trucks sold from 2011 through 2015 with two fuel tanks also being recalled. Getty Images