The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon models from 2010 to 2012 have been subject to a recall from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration for a hood latch problem.

Now, obviously the mention of a hood latch problem is something that should have potential used truck buyers concerned. After all, as the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, or NHTSA as it is better known to most folks, "If the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly.

During vehicle operation, this could obstruct the view of the driver and increase the risk of a crash."

Up to 118,800 of the pickups are going to be affected by this recall, according to information supplied by NHTSA. Here's what the official language is, "General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured from November 9, 2009, through August 28, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, "Hood Latch System." The hood may be missing the secondary hood latch."

The remedy is fairly simple. According to NHTSA, "General Motors will notify owners and instruct them to inspect their vehicle for the presence of a secondary hood latch. Dealers will replace the hood on any affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463."

Edmunds.com is recommending that you not delay on this recall.

The site says, "If you own one of the aforementioned GM trucks, this is a problem you will want to address as soon as you receive your recall notice."

It's important to get the work done quickly because a hood suddenly flying open can be disastrous in any driving situation, but especially on the highway or freeway. Strangely, my driver's education training still sticks in my mind for just this situation. (I'm not sure why they covered this in driver's ed in high school but they did.) Basically, if your hood flies open suddenly, the correct thing to do is turn your head almost parallel to the dashboard and look through the opening created between the hood and your vehicle. Then, pull over when you can do safely and try shutting your hood. If you can't, call for help.

This is the kind of thing you might want to practice. (I don't mean have your hood flying open while driving.) Prop your hood open while sitting parked in your driveway or a parking lot. Then, lean over until you can see through the hood opening. Here's hoping you never have to use that skill but it's a good one to have and practicing before hand will make you that much more confident if and when the time comes.

Interestingly, not all recall notices are acted on immediately, if at all. In 2009, there were 1.9 million used cars recalled but the recall work was not done. That represented about 3% of all used cars sold that year. That's a pretty substantial number, especially when you factor out all of the certified pre-owned vehicles.

Should this news stop you from buying a used Chevrolet Colorado or GMC Canyon? Not necessarily, especially if the recall work has been done. (Either of these trucks sold as certified pre-owned by a Chevrolet or GMC dealership will have had the work done.)

There is another recall you might want to be aware of that affects only 9000 of these models. According to a posting at our About Trucks website, "General Motors will replace a defective shift cable clip in about 9,000 Colorado and Canyon trucks equipped with automatic transmissions. The current clip may allow the cable to move out of position. If that happens, placing the shift lever into "Park" will appear to be successful, but won't actually put the transmission into park mode. The problem may not be immediately noticeable, because a driver could still turn off the ignition and remove the key, usually a signal that system components are where they should be. But the truck can still roll, because "Park" hasn't truly been achieved."

Here's the official info from NHTSA about the recall: CHEVROLET / COLORADO GMC / CANYON

• Model Year(s): 2010-2012
• Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
• Report Receipt Date: DEC 19, 2012
• NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V594000
• NHTSA Action Number: N/A
• Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
• Potential Number of Units Affected: 118,800
• GM's number for this campaign is 12319. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.