GM Recalls Nearly 50,000 Vehicles Over Transmission Concerns

General Motors is initiating two separate recalls affecting nearly 50,000 of its 2020-2022 model year trucks and SUVs due to potential transmission issues that could lead to a loss of control while driving. The recalls, detailed in reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), address separate but related concerns involving the transmission control valve. Owners of affected vehicles are advised to park them outside and are not recommended to drive them until repairs are made.

The first recall, NHTSA Recall Number 26V085, involves approximately 43,732 gasoline-powered 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a 10-speed transmission with an Electronic Transmission Range Select (ETRS) system. The defect stems from a transmission control valve that may experience excessive wear over time. This wear can lead to a gradual loss of pressure within the valve, resulting in harsh shifting. In rarer instances, this condition could cause the rear wheels to momentarily lock up or remain locked, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. The affected vehicles were produced between March 17, 2022, and July 19, 2022. Drivers may notice harsh shifting as a potential warning sign.

The remedy for this recall involves dealers installing new transmission control module (TCM) software. This updated software is designed to monitor valve performance and detect excessive wear approximately 10,000 miles before a wheel lock-up condition could occur. Once detected, the transmission will be limited to fifth gear, preventing the possibility of a wheel lock-up, which is associated with downshifts from eighth gear. A “Service Engine Soon” light and a “Reduced Propulsion” message will also be displayed on the instrument panel. This software update differs from the original component by actively monitoring and preventing the defect from leading to a dangerous situation. General Motors has confirmed that all 2023 model year and later vehicles of these models are equipped with this new transmission control software from the factory. Owner notification for this remedy is expected to begin on March 30, 2026.

The second recall, NHTSA Recall Number 26V083, addresses a defect in certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet and GMC pickup trucks that may not have received the correct software update as part of a previous recall (NHTSA Recall No. 24V797). This recall affects 1,055 diesel-equipped Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 vehicles from the 2020 model year, as well as 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled due to a similar transmission control valve wear issue. However, during the remedy phase of the prior recall, dealers may have inadvertently installed an incorrect software version in some of these specific trucks.

The issue in these affected vehicles is also related to excessive wear in the transmission control valve, which can lead to harsh shifting and, in rare cases, a momentary lock-up of the rear wheels. This momentary lock-up while driving increases the risk of a crash. The problem arises because the previously installed software did not adequately monitor valve performance or detect excessive wear. The trucks involved in this recall were subject to a six-day period between December 2, 2024, and December 8, 2024, for their initial repair. The remedy for this recall involves dealers inspecting the vehicles to confirm whether the incorrect software update was installed. If necessary, an additional software update will be performed. Similar to the first recall, the new transmission control software will monitor for this condition and prevent rear wheel lock-up by limiting the transmission to fifth gear, accompanied by warning lights and a reduced propulsion message. The option for dealers to mark a vehicle as remedied without verifying the most recent software version has since been removed from GM’s Global Warranty Management system. Owner notification for this recall is also scheduled to begin around March 30, 2026.

For both recalls, General Motors has stated that all affected vehicles are still under warranty, and therefore, no reimbursement plan is being offered. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) for both recalls will be searchable starting February 12, 2026.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from General Motors, LLC and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

---