NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-085
Owners of certain 2022 Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC full-size SUVs should be aware of an important new safety recall involving a potentially dangerous transmission defect. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a problem with the transmission control valve in affected vehicles may cause the rear wheels to lock while driving, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.
This recall affects several of General Motors’ most popular SUV models equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Electronic Transmission Range Select (ETRS) system.
Vehicles Affected by Recall 26V-085
The recall applies to the following 2022 model year vehicles:
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Chevrolet Suburban
- GMC Yukon
- GMC Yukon XL
- Cadillac Escalade
- Cadillac Escalade ESV
Only vehicles equipped with the 10-speed transmission with ETRS and built within a specific production window are included.
What Is the Transmission Control Valve Problem?
General Motors determined that a defect related to motor vehicle safety may exist in certain vehicles due to excessive wear inside the transmission control valve body.
Over time, internal components of the valve may wear prematurely, which can lead to:
- Loss of hydraulic pressure inside the transmission
- Unexpected valve movement
- Harsh or abnormal shifting behavior
In rare situations, this condition may cause the rear wheels to momentarily lock — or remain locked until the vehicle stops.
Why This Defect Is Dangerous
Rear wheel lockup while driving can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle, particularly at highway speeds or during turns.
According to the NHTSA:
If the rear wheels lock up while driving, there is an increased risk of a crash.
GM is aware of at least one reported crash potentially linked to this issue, though no injuries have been reported.
Warning Signs Drivers May Notice
Drivers may experience warning symptoms before a serious failure occurs. These include:
- Harsh or rough shifting
- Sudden or aggressive downshifts
- Unusual transmission behavior
However, because the defect involves internal wear, symptoms may develop gradually and may not always provide sufficient warning before a lockup event.
What Caused the Problem?
GM’s investigation found that transmissions manufactured between April 2022 and September 2022 contained unique internal hardware that may accelerate wear inside the transmission control valve. Additionally, affected vehicles were not equipped with diagnostic software capable of detecting early valve wear.
Excessive wear can create a fluid leak inside the valve body, causing a pressure drop that allows internal transmission valves to move unexpectedly — leading to wheel lockup in extreme cases.
How the Recall Was Discovered
The issue came to light after a customer reported a transmission lockup through GM’s internal Speak Up for Safety (SUFS) reporting system on November 5, 2025. The incident allegedly caused a loss of vehicle control and a collision with a guardrail. GM opened a formal investigation later that month and reviewed field data spanning nearly two years. Investigators identified 13 field reports potentially related to the condition between November 2023 and October 2025, with 12 involving the affected 2022 SUV models.
On February 5, 2026, GM officially authorized a safety recall.
Recall Remedy: What Dealers Will Do
To correct the problem, GM dealers will:
- Install updated Transmission Control Module (TCM) software
- Improve monitoring of valve performance and wear
- Perform repairs
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning March 30, 2026. GM Recall Number: N252536750 ; NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-085.
What Owners Should Do Now
If you own one of the affected vehicles:
- Watch for recall notification letters in the mail.
- Contact your local GM dealership to confirm recall eligibility.
- Schedule the software update as soon as possible.
- Pay attention to harsh shifting or unusual transmission behavior and seek service immediately if symptoms appear.
Final Thoughts
Full-size SUVs like the Tahoe, Yukon, and Escalade are often used for family transportation and long-distance travel, making drivetrain reliability especially important. While GM reports that rear wheel lockup events are rare, the potential safety risk is significant enough to warrant immediate attention. If your vehicle is included in Recall 26V-085, scheduling the repair promptly is the safest course of action.
