A missing latch triggers the recall of the Chevrolet Colorado (shown here) and GMC Canyon pickups.

General Motors will recall more than 145,000 of its midsize pickups because a missing latch could lead to the hood of the trucks unexpectedly flying open on the highway.

The recall affects two models, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, both produced during the 2010 through 2012 model-years. A total of 118,800 of the pickups were sold in the U.S., another 15,264 in Canada. The rest were sold in Mexico or exported to other parts of the world.

The problem is that a secondary hood latch may not have been installed on the vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  If the primary latch isn’t properly engaged the hood could pop open. The situation could be especially severe while driving as wind could lift the hood up and block a driver’s view of the road ahead.

The automaker confirms it has learned of four instances where the secondary latches were not installed. But GM says there are no known instances of crashes or injuries caused by the problem.

The company plans to advise customers of the problem by letter next month and it will instruct owners to bring their vehicles to a dealer for inspection.

If the secondary latch is missing, the maker will replace the entire hood, according to GM.