GM Recalls Over 460,000 Silverado, Sierra and SUVs for Wheel Lock Up Issue

GM is recalling 1% or approximately 4,618 of the 461,839 Silverados and Sierras due to a wheel lock-up issue.

General Motors has issued this recall for various models, including the Silverado, Sierra, and several SUVs, to address the potential defect. The company has also issued a stop-sale order for affected vehicles.

The 2024 GM Wheel Lock Up Recall affects specific 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickups, as well as the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon, and Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban models.

Only vehicles with diesel engines, which feature a 10-speed automatic transmission, are included in the recall; models with gas engines, which use a different transmission, are not included.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) documents reveal that the issue stems from the transmission control valve, which may wear over time. In rare cases, this wear can lead to a failure that locks the rear wheels, causing possible safety hazards.

Drivers may experience harsh shifting before the problem becomes more severe. GM plans to notify affected vehicle owners via mail on December 9, 2024. More information on this recall can be found here.

What Causes the GM Rear Wheel Lock Up Issue?

The GM rear wheel lock-up issue is mainly caused by wear in the transmission control valve. As the valve deteriorates over time, it can result in a pressure loss, leading to harsh shifting.

In rare instances, this pressure drop can cause the rear wheels to lock momentarily. NHTSA documentation notes, “Excessive wear in the transmission control valve can lead to a gradual loss of pressure, resulting in harsh shifting, and in some cases, may cause the rear wheels to lock briefly.”

The problem was first reported to GM on June 5, 2024, when a customer complaint was submitted via the company’s “Speak Up for Safety” program, which allows employees to anonymously report safety concerns.

The complaint involved a 2021 Sierra 2500 HD pickup, where the rear wheels locked while towing a trailer, resulting in property damage.

How Do I Know If My Vehicle Is Affected?

To check if your vehicle is affected by the GM rear wheel lock-up issue, you can enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the GM Owner Center website or use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall lookup tool.

The recall impacts the following models:

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

Owners of affected vehicles may experience the following issues:

• Harsh Shifting: The vehicle may exhibit rough gear shifting, particularly when downshifting.
• Momentary Rear Wheel Lock-Up: In rare cases, the rear wheels may lock up momentarily, especially during downshifts from eighth gear.
• Service Engine Light: A warning light may appear on the instrument panel.
• Reduced Propulsion Message: A message indicating reduced propulsion may be displayed.

If you notice any of these symptoms, make sure to contact your dealer to receive a software update to resolve the issue.

How Will GM Rectify the Problem?

GM plans to resolve the wheel lock-up problem by having dealers install updated transmission control software.

This new software will monitor the transmission valve for signs of excessive wear, detecting potential issues up to 10,000 miles before the rear wheels may lock up.

If the software identifies excessive wear, it will restrict the transmission to fifth gear, preventing the wheels from locking during downshifts from eighth gear.

GM says it will cover the cost of any necessary transmission repairs under its warranty for vehicles affected by the faulty control valve.

How Should I Proceed if My Truck or SUV Is Affected?

If your truck or SUV is affected by the recall, here are the steps you should follow:

1. Check Your VIN: Visit the GM Owner Center website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall lookup tool to check if your vehicle is part of the recall by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
2. Contact Your Dealer: If your vehicle is impacted, contact your local GM dealership to schedule an appointment for a free software update.
3. Monitor for Symptoms: Watch for any signs like harsh shifting, momentary rear wheel lock-up, service engine light, or reduced propulsion messages. If any of these occur, notify your dealer immediately.
4. Follow Up: After receiving the software update, continue to monitor your vehicle’s performance. If issues persist, reach out to your dealer for further assistance.
5. Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for additional communications from GM regarding the recall, as they may provide further instructions or updates.

By following these steps, you can ensure your vehicle remains safe and functions properly.

The Lemon Law Experts Can Help–Call Us Today!

In addition to the recent recall regarding faulty low brake fluid warning lights, GM has also issued a recall for certain SUVs and pickups due to a potential rear wheel lock-up issue caused by a faulty transmission control valve.

If you’re experiencing ongoing problems related to either of these recalls, consulting a lemon law attorney can help you explore your options for resolution.

An experienced attorney can work directly with the manufacturer to secure necessary repairs, a refund, a replacement vehicle, or cash compensation.

At the Lemon Law Experts, we are committed to assisting GM owners facing persistent defects, including those related to the rear wheel lock-up issue and the brake fluid warning light malfunction.

Since 2009, our team has helped consumer secure significant compensation through refunds and cash settlements with major automakers, including General Motors.

If you’re dealing with GM’s recent recalls or need assistance with a lemon law claim, the Lemon Law Experts are here to help.

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to assess your case and guide you through your options- contact our team today for more information.