A GM 10-speed transmission defect that causes harsh shifting and rear wheels locking up has prompted two separate recalls, which together cover more than 500,000 model year 2019–2022 vehicles.
These issues increase the risk of a crash. General Motors has identified at least 115 reports and one alleged accident connected to the defect, documented between February 2022 and November 2024.
In addition to two separate recalls, other problems involving General Motors’ 10-speed transmissions have prompted an investigation into a possible class action lawsuit.
Table of Contents
At A Glance: GM Rear Wheel Lock-Up Recalls
- Number of Vehicles: 553,376
- Affected Years: 2019–2022 Cadillac, Chevrolet and select diesel-equipped GMC vehicles with 10-speed transmissions (see full model lists below)
- Vehicle Defect Summary: Excess wear of the transmission control valve can cause internal pressure drops that lead to harsh shifting and rear wheels locking up. Wheel lock-up conditions typically occur when downshifting from eighth gear.
- Defect Remedy: An updated transmission control software that detects excess wear approximately 10,000 miles before a wheel lock-up could occur. If excess wear is detected, the software will restrict shifting to fifth gear.
- Related Recall Numbers: NHTSA 25V-148 (GM Recall N242480630), NHTSA 24V-797 (GM Recall N242454440)
Is My Vehicle Included in an Open Recall?
You can confirm your vehicle’s inclusion in an open recall by searching for your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the following directories:
- NHTSA Recall Search Directory: Check for recalls affecting vehicle models from any auto manufacturer.
- General Motors Owner Center: Search for recalls or warranties applicable to your Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet or GMC vehicles.
Your VIN is usually found on your vehicle’s driver’s side front windshield or doorjamb.
GM 10-Speed Transmission Defect Explained
GM’s 10-speed automatic transmission can experience excessive wear in the transmission control valve body, which can cause a fluid leak and lead to pressure drops that cause certain valves to move more quickly. This leads to harsh shifting conditions and a momentary rear wheel lock-up, both of which increase the risk of a crash.
The GM 10-speed transmission recall repair entails updating the transmission control module with software that monitors valve performance and detects excess wear. If excess wear is detected, the software will limit transmission shifting beyond the fifth gear. Vehicle owners may experience their vehicles becoming sluggish or notice a service engine light and reduced propulsion message on the instrument panel.1
Real-World Complaints From GM Owners
Drivers reported harsh shifting, sudden loss of power and momentary wheel lock-up events long before GM issued its recalls. Complaints pulled from NHTSA’s public database reveal a pattern of 10-speed transmission safety and drivability issues.
"Initially experienced a hard clunking sound when transmission shifting between 35-40 mph. I took it in for service and the dealership replaced the EGR sensor. The problem was not resolved with this fix. I took the vehicle back for service and the dealership then did a software/system reset. I then drove my truck with towing a trailer to San Diego and upon exiting the freeway, the back tires locked up causing a screeching of the tires which caused my vehicle to swerve. I felt as though this could have caused an accident. Shortly after, the engine light came on and my vehicle went into ‘limp mode.’ A dealership in San Diego then told me that the valve body plate would need to be replaced. According to the internet this seems to be an ongoing issue with this year’s vehicle, yet no recall has been issued by GM. I understand GM has issued a special warranty coverage #N242454441 providing extended warranty for control valve issues. I’ve been told my VIN is not included for this special warranty when it is the exact same issue."
“The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac CT5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stopped without the brake pedal being depressed. The contact stated that the message ‘Reduced Power’ was displayed on the instrument cluster. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 10 MPH. The contact was able to drive the vehicle off the highway and then to the residence. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and saw several warning lights illuminated on the instrument cluster. The contact was able to clear the codes, and then the vehicle was driven to a dealer. The dealer checked and saw that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V148000 (Power Train) and proceeded to reflash the Power Control Module and install the transmission monitoring software. The vehicle was repaired. The contact informed the dealer that the rear wheels had locked up and which indicated transmission damage. The dealer performed the recall repair and informed the contact that the vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact was advised that the engine was leaking engine oil. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for the oil leak failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and advised the contact that there was no assistance that could be provided. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.”
“A search of your site shows I have no unrepaired recalls. That is not true. I had a software update installed to keep me from going above 7th gear in my 10 speed transmission due to concerns over incidents of transmission/rear end lockup occurring when downshifting from 8th to 7th gear. [...] While this is supposed to protect me from a transmission/rear end lockup, it has impacted me in MPG since this update, especially when towing a travel trailer. My MPG while towing a travel trailer decreased by 30%. My highway travel MPG has decreased by 17%. Yes GM is saying they are protecting myself and the vehicle. It is costing me a lot at the pump. It has been almost 8 months since the recall updated software was installed and not a word when this will be repaired and I have a 10 speed transmission I purchased from GM back in full operation.”
The volume and severity of these complaints contributed to GM’s internal investigations that prompted recall action in late 2024.
Recall #1 – NHTSA 25V-148 / GM Recall N242480630
- Date Issued: March 6, 2025
- Affected models: 2019–2020 Cadillac CT6, 2020–2021 Cadillac CT4, 2020–2021 Cadillac CT5 and 2020–2022 Chevrolet Camaro2
- Notification Schedule: Dealers were notified on March 6, 2025. Owner recall notices were scheduled to be mailed from April 21, 2025 through September 16, 2025.3
Recall #2 – NHTSA 24V-797 / GM Recall N242454440
- Date Issued: October 24, 2024
- Affected vehicles: Diesel-equipped 2020–2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 2020–2022 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, 2021 GMC Yukon and 2021 GMC Yukon XL
- Notification Schedule: Dealers were notified on October 24, 2024. Owner recall notices were mailed December 12, 2024.5
GM Harsh Shifting, Wheel Lock-Up History
GM began receiving reports of wheel lock-up events as early as 2020. In June 2024, a GM engineer submitted an internal report involving a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 HD whose wheels locked up while towing a trailer. GM previously investigated the rear wheel lock-up issue and found that it was not sufficient to cause a loss of vehicle control.
By September 2024, however, GM reviewed a growing number of incidents related to the wheel lock-up condition in its diesel vehicles. The automaker identified 1,888 field reports submitted between January 30, 2020 and August 2, 2024, plus 11 accidents and three minor injuries. These findings led GM to issue its first recall addressing the 10-speed transmission defect.6
GM later identified a similar condition occurring in a separate vehicle population equipped with the same 10-speed transmission. On September 27, 2024, GM received an internal report of a 2021 Cadillac CT5 unexpectedly shifting to “neutral” and the front wheels locking up while driving. The vehicle was towed and the damaged engine and front differential were replaced.
General Motors reviewed field data for vehicle models now included in the second recall. On December 18, 2024, GM identified one reported accident and 115 field reports received between February 17, 2022 and November 12, 2024.7 These findings led to a subsequent recall issued in early 2025.
GM Wheel Lock-Up Recall: Contact Information
You can ask about your eligibility for the recall remedy, schedule a repair service or report further complaints through the following phone numbers:
- General Motors Customer Service: 1-888-988-7267
For inquiring about your inclusion in a recall or scheduling a repair service. See manufacturer-specific numbers below.- Cadillac Customer Service: 1-800-458-8006
- Chevrolet Customer Service: 1-800-222-1020
- GMC Customer Service: 1-800-462-8782
- NHTSA Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236
For submitting vehicle complaints to federal regulators.
Have your VIN ready when calling.
What To Do If Your Vehicle Still Has Problems
If General Motors cannot repair your vehicle within a reasonable time frame or number of repair attempts, your vehicle may be considered defective under California’s consumer protection laws. Specifically, the California Lemon Law entitles owners of defective vehicles to recover cash compensation, a replacement vehicle, or an approximately full refund of their vehicles’ purchase prices.
Some vehicle owners who were made to wait an unreasonable amount of time for a recall remedy have been able to take lemon law cases against their auto manufacturers and win. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling lemon law claims involving Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles.
If you’re still experiencing GM transmission problems after multiple repair attempts, or if your vehicle has been stuck waiting for a recall remedy, you may have rights under the California Lemon Law. Get a free consultation from our lemon lawyers at 866-492-5112.
References
- (2025, March 6). Part 573 Safety Recall Report 25V-148. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V148-9249.PDF
- (2025, March 6). Transmission Damage May Cause Wheel Lock-Up. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=25V148000
- (2025, March 26). Part 573 Safety Recall Report 25V-148. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V148-5827.PDF
- (2025, March 6). Reference Number: 202503060008. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCMN-25V148-1299.pdf
- (2024, October 24). Rear Wheel Lock-Up from Transmission Valve Failure. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=24V797000
- (2024, October 31). Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-797. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V797-7588.PDF
- (2025, March 26). Part 573 Safety Recall Report 25V-148. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V148-5827.PDF
