General Motors is recalling certain Chevrolet and GMC pickup trucks and Cadillac SUVs with diesel engines because a failure of the transmission control valve may cause the rear wheels to lock up.
The recall affects an estimated 461,839 model year 2020–2022 Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac vehicles with diesel engines. The transmission control valve in GM’s diesel vehicles may prematurely wear, causing a gradual loss of pressure and harsh shifting. The rear wheels may momentarily lock up, increasing the risk of a crash.
So far, General Motors is aware of 1,888 field reports of Cadillac SUVs and GMC and Chevy pickup trucks locking up.
GM models with gasoline engines use a different transmission and are therefore not affected by this recall.
Table Of Contents
- GM Rear Wheel Lock Up Recall: Quick Facts
- GM’s Recalled Vehicle Models
- GM Customer Service Contact Information
- History of the GM Transmission/Rear Wheel Lock Up Defect
- How GM Will Fix The Rear Wheel Lock up Issue
- What To Do With Your GM Diesel Truck’s Shifting Or Locking Problems
- Contact a GM Lemon Law Attorney
Chevy Pickup, GMC Truck, Cadillac SUV Recall: Quick Facts
- NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000
- GM Recall Number: N242454440
- Estimated Number Of Vehicles: 461,839
- Vehicle Type: Certain 2020-2022 Chevy, GMC and Cadillac pickup trucks and SUVs with diesel engines.
- Issue: Rear wheels may lock up due to a transmission issue. Sometimes, drivers will experience harsh shifting. The rear wheel locking typically occurs in a downshift from eighth gear.
- Cause: A transmission control valve may show excess wear over time. Excessive wear can cause fluid leaks, leading to a gradual loss of pressure. This pressure drop can cause certain valves to move unexpectedly, causing harsh shifting.
- Remedy: Dealers will install transmission control module software that detects excessive wear about 10,00 miles before the rear wheels risk locking up. If excess wear is detected, the transmission will be limited to fifth gear temporarily.
GM recall notices will be mailed out to owners of affected Cadillac SUVs and GMC/Chevy pickup trucks beginning December 9, 2024.1
GM’s Recalled Vehicle Models
GM’s rear wheel lock up recall includes the following vehicle models equipped with diesel engines:
- 2021 Cadillac Escalade
- 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
- 2020–2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2020–2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- 2020–2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
- 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2020–2022 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2020–2022 GMC Sierra 2500
- 2020–2022 GMC Sierra 3500
- 2021 GMC Yukon
- 2021 GMC Yukon XL
To check if your Cadillac, Chevrolet or GMC vehicle is affected by the recall, use NHTSA’s “Check for Recalls” search tool and type in your Vehicle Identification Number.
General Motors Service Department Contact Information
To inquire about your eligibility for recall repairs or schedule an appointment, contact the appropriate customer service department for your vehicle below:
- General Motors Customer Service: 1-888-988-7267
- Cadillac Customer Service: 1-800-458-8006
- GMC Customer Service: 1-800-462-8782
- Chevrolet Customer Service: 1-800-222-1020
If you notice other issues in your GM diesel vehicle, you can contact NHTSA’s Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
History of the GM Transmission/Rear Wheel Lock Up Defect
In June 2024, a GM engineer submitted an internal report based on a customer claim that the wheels on a 2021 Sierra 2500 HD pickup truck locked up while towing a trailer, causing property damage. General Motors started a new investigation into the issue in July 2024.
GM’s previous investigation revealed that excessive wear in these transmissions’ control valves was causing harsh shifting and, in some cases, very brief lock-up conditions in the rear wheels. At the time, prior tests and analysis did not show that the lock up condition was severe enough to cause a loss of control of the vehicle, according to the recall report. GM had not yet found reports of incidents or accidents caused by the rear-wheel lock up condition.
The same month GM began its new investigation, NHTSA informed GM that its VOQ monitoring process identified new reports related to the transmission control valve issue. GM analyzed the results of the Vehicle Owner Questionnaires and a comprehensive field data search on September 17, 2024.
According to GM’s findings, 1,888 field reports received between January 30, 2020 and August 2, 2024 alleged a rear wheel lock up condition in the affected diesel vehicles. GM also found 11 incidents allegedly caused by the rear wheels locking up, such as vehicles veering off the road or incurring property damage. Three minor injuries were also reported.2
How GM Will Fix The Rear Wheel Lock Up Issue
Visit the proper dealership for your vehicle model to get the repair as part of a recall. Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC dealers will offer the repair for harsh shifting and rear wheel lock-up conditions.
GM’s dealers will install a new transmission control module software that monitors valve performance and detects excess wear approximately 10,000 miles before your rear wheels are at risk of locking up. Once the excess wear is detected, the software will limit your transmission to fifth gear until the next key cycle. This prevents a possible wheel lock up condition, which typically occurs in a downshift from eighth gear.
Drivers of Cadillac SUVs and GMC or Chevy pickup trucks will experience this as sluggish or reduced propulsion. They may also notice a service engine light and reduced propulsion message on their instrument panels.
What To Do With Your GM Diesel Truck’s Shifting Or Locking Problems
If your GM diesel truck or SUV has issues with harsh shifting or a rear wheel lock up condition, schedule an appointment through GM’s customer service department. You may contact either GM’s general customer service department or contact the service department for your specific vehicle manufacturer.
When you contact your manufacturer’s customer service department, tell the representative your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and ask if your vehicle is included in the GM Rear Lock Up recall. Schedule an appointment with your local dealership to get your vehicle repaired.
When you go to the dealership for your repair visit, collect the paperwork given to you by the dealership or technician. This paperwork consists of “work orders” or “repair orders” that indicate the nature of your visit, the date, time and mileage when the repair visit took place, and the services performed in order to address your reported concerns.
If your Cadillac, Chevy or GMC vehicle cannot seem to be repaired within a reasonable number of repair attempts, you should save your repair orders from your previous repair visits. These repair orders will be important in helping you obtain compensation from the manufacturer in the event that these recurring issues point to a manufacturing defect.
Contact A GM Lemon Law Attorney
If your vehicle has a manufacturing defect, you may be entitled to specific forms of compensation under California’s Lemon Law: cash-and-keep settlement, a vehicle replacement or a vehicle repurchase (also known as a lemon law buyback). On top of that, other expenses you incurred thanks to your recurring vehicle problems could be compensated as part of the final settlement.
If you suspect that your GM diesel vehicle is a lemon, you can get a free consultation from our firm. Our team of Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC lemon law attorneys can answer any questions you have and explain your legal options regarding your vehicle.
If you lose, you pay nothing. If you win, General Motors (or its subsidiaries) will have to pay our attorneys’ fees and costs as part of the final settlement.
Contact our GM lemon law attorneys for a free consultation by dialing 833-208-8181 or complete the consultation form below this article.
References
- (2024, October 24). Rear Wheel Lock-Up from Transmission Valve failure. Track Recalls & Safety Issues by NHTSA ID; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=24V797000
- (2024, November 8). Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-797. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V797-1282.PDF
Lemon Law Help by Knight Law Group is an automotive lemon law firm that exclusively practices in California. If you are a California resident who purchased or leased a defective vehicle from a licensed dealership in California, we may be able to help you get rid of your potential lemon and recover significant cash compensation. Model year restrictions apply: 2020–Present vehicle models only.
However, we cannot help those who reside outside of California or purchased their vehicle outside of California unless they are active duty members of the Armed Forces, nor will we be able to refer those to a lemon law firm in their states.
To learn more about the California Lemon Law and your legal rights, visit our guide on the California Lemon Law for more information.
