GM Recalls Nearly 462,000 Trucks and SUVs Due to Transmission Issue
General Motors announced Wednesday that it is recalling close to 462,000 diesel-engine SUVs and pickup trucks across the United States. The recall addresses a potential issue with the transmission control valve, which, if faulty, could lead to the rear wheels locking up, significantly elevating the risk of a crash.
Drivers could experience harsh shifting before any wheel-related problems, according to the automaker.
“A transmission control valve in some of these vehicles may be susceptible to excess wear over time, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve that can cause harsh shifting. In rare cases, the rear wheels may experience a momentary lockup,” according to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
One complaint filed with NHTSA in August by a driver of a Silverado 2500 described a harrowing experience: “The transmission has a defect. While towing 8,000-lb trailer going up a small grade, the truck shuddered then immediately downshifted violently, causing the truck to skid and almost jack-knifing the truck and trailer.”
The recall affects the following GM models:
- 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500
- 2020-2022 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500
- 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL
GM plans to remedy the issue by having dealerships install new transmission control module software free of charge. The new software will monitor the valve and detect excess wear, giving drivers a 10,000-mile warning before wheel lockup. If wear is detected, the transmission will be limited to fifth gear to prevent wheel lockup, a condition that occurs when the transmission downshifts from eighth gear.
Owners of the recalled vehicles can expect to receive notification letters on December 9. For further information or assistance, motorists 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. The GM recall number is N242454440.
Owners can also contact NHTSA’s safety hotline at 888-327-4236 (toll-free at 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.nhtsa.gov for more details. NHTSA’s recall number is 24V-797.
