General Motors (GM) has announced a significant recall affecting nearly 462,000 of its diesel-engine SUVs and pickup trucks in the United States. The recall, issued on Wednesday, addresses a critical safety concern related to a faulty transmission control valve. This defect could potentially lead to rear wheel lockup, significantly increasing the risk of vehicle crashes.
According to GM, the issue stems from a transmission control valve in certain vehicles that may experience excessive wear over time. This wear can cause a gradual loss of pressure within the valve, initially manifesting as harsh shifting. In more severe, though less frequent cases, this pressure loss can lead to a momentary lockup of the rear wheels. This alarming scenario can occur without warning and poses a serious safety hazard, particularly at higher speeds or when towing.
The recall impacts a range of popular GM models from the 2020-2022 model years. The affected vehicles include:
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 (2020-2022)
- GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500 (2020-2022)
- Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV (2021)
- Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban (2021)
- GMC Yukon, Yukon XL (2021)
Reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) detail concerning incidents. One driver of a Silverado 2500 reported a terrifying experience while towing an 8,000-lb trailer. The driver described the truck shuddering before violently downshifting, causing the vehicle and trailer to skid and nearly jackknife. Such accounts underscore the potential danger posed by this transmission defect.
To remedy this issue, GM dealers will perform a free software update to the transmission control module. This updated software is designed to proactively monitor the transmission control valve for excessive wear. It is engineered to detect potential problems approximately 10,000 miles before a wheel lockup is likely to occur. If excessive wear is detected, the software will limit the transmission to fifth gear. This preventative measure is crucial as it avoids downshifting from eighth gear, the condition that can trigger the rear wheel lockup.
Owners of affected vehicles can anticipate receiving notification letters regarding the recall starting December 9th. GM has established dedicated customer service lines to assist owners with recall inquiries. For Chevrolet owners, the number is 1-800-222-1020. GMC customers can call 1-800-462-8782, and Cadillac owners should contact 1-800-458-8006. GM’s specific recall number for this campaign is N242454440.
Additionally, vehicle owners can reach out to the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (or toll-free at 1-800-424-9153) or visit the NHTSA website at www.nhtsa.gov for further details and to check if their vehicle is included in this Gm Recall using their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The NHTSA recall number is 24V-797.
This transmission-related recall follows a recent GM recall in September for a similar number of SUVs and pickups due to a separate issue with a faulty low brake fluid warning light. These recalls highlight the importance of vehicle owners staying informed about potential safety issues and promptly addressing any recall notices from manufacturers. If you believe your GM vehicle may be affected by this latest gm recall, it is crucial to contact your local GM dealer or the customer service lines provided to schedule the necessary repair and ensure your safety on the road.
