GM Recalls 460,000 Vehicles for Rear Wheel Lock-Up Risk

FILE PHOTO: The new GM logo is seen on the facade of the General Motors headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., March 16, 2021. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook

General Motors is recalling 461,839 diesel-engine vehicles due to a risk of the rear wheels locking up, which raises the chance of a crash.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) recall notice on Wednesday, a transmission valve prone to wearing down over time can cause the rear wheels to misfunction. Drivers may notice harsh shifting before any wheel problems.

The recall affects certain Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra models from 2020 to 2022, as well as select 2021 Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon, and Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban models.

GM plans to install new software to monitor and detect wear on the valve, limiting the transmission to the fifth gear if excessive wear is detected to prevent lock-up. Owners will be notified starting Dec. 9.

Vehicles Being Recalled

2020 to 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 2020 to 2022 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500 2021 Cadillac Escalade 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe 2021 Chevrolet Suburban 2021 GMC Yukon 2021 GMC Yukon XL

The recall notice referenced customer reports dating back to January 2020, and leading to an investigation that began in July 2024. GM identified 1,888 field reports of potential wheel lockups related to the issue.

Additionally, GM found 11 incidents possibly connected to the problem, some of which resulted in vehicles veering off the road, causing minor property damage, and three cases involving minor injuries.

Installation of New Control Software

Dealers will provide updated transmission control module software at no cost. This software monitors valve performance, detecting excess wear approximately 10,000 miles before potential wheel lock-up.

If detected, the transmission will adjust gears to prevent lock-up, displaying a service engine light and reduced propulsion message. GM will also offer a special program to repair transmissions identified by the software as having a faulty control valve.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail. They can check their vehicle’s recall status by entering their information on the NHTSA recall website. Alternatively, they can contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, using recall number N242454440.

September Recall

In September, GM recalled approximately 450,000 pickup trucks and SUVs in the United States due to a potentially inoperative low brake fluid warning light.

That round of recall includes 2023 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023 to 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV models.

From NTD News