General Motors will recall 119,000 US vehicles because some of them may be missing a backup hood latch, the US automaker said in regulatory filings.

GM did not say whether it was aware of any accidents or injuries as a result of the defect, which affects certain Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles from the 2010 to 2012 model years.

"If the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly," GM wrote in the recall notice to federal safety regulators.

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

Notices will be sent to owners, who can simply check under the hood to see if the second latch is missing. If it is, GM dealers will replace the missing part free of charge.