Tag Archives: Chevrolet problems

Transmission Control Valve May Lock Rear Wheels in 2022 GM SUVs

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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:

  1. Watch for recall notification letters in the mail.
  2. Contact your local GM dealership to confirm recall eligibility.
  3. Schedule the software update as soon as possible.
  4. 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.

Chevy Bolt Battery Replacements Are Slow

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General Motors believes that they have the final resolution for the Chevy Bolt saga by replacing the entire battery system on the Bolts. While the new batteries are starting to make their way into the Chevy dealerships, and into the vehicles, the waitlist is long, and the dealerships are getting limited inventory. One dealership we recently spoke with informed us that due to the physical complications in replacing the batteries, the process is slow, yielding perhaps only one or two vehicles per day. At this pace, the replacement of batteries into all Bolts will take several months.

In the meantime, GM has offered repurchases to many owners of the Bolts, but they’re not following up with consumers with time frames or logistics. While promises are being made, actions are not. And while a case is pending with GM, consumers are still struggling with how to protect themselves from dangerous fires, or something even as simple as where to safely park their Bolt.

We now have a client whose Bolt actually did catch fire in the middle of the night causing the destruction of the vehicle and other property. So, we know first-hand just how dangerous these vehicles are, and the destruction they’re capable of. Please heed all of the warnings GM has given and especially do not park a Chevy Bolt in an enclosed area.

We are still successfully pursuing Bolt cases against GM on a daily basis. For a free consultation, please email attorney Barry Edzant directly at BarryE@valencialaw.com and I will personally discuss your case with you. Be safe!

GM Software To Prevent EV Battery Fires

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General Motors will be contacting owners of select 2017-2019 model year Chevrolet Bolt EVs previously repaired under National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number 20V-701.

The problem began in October 2020 when the NHTSA started an investigation into owner complaints of battery fires while their Bolt EV was charging. To reduce the risk of fires, GM provided a temporary fix in which the the vehicle’s software was updated to limit it’s charge to 90% of the battery’s capacity.

As part of the final repair, dealers will use diagnostic tools to identify potential battery anomalies and replace battery module assemblies as necessary. The fix will also include the installation of advanced onboard diagnostic software that detects potential issues related to changes in battery module performance. Customers will need to visit their Chevrolet EV dealer to have the service procedure performed. Once the remedy procedure is completed, the dealer will remove the 90% state of charge limitation and return the battery to its previous 100% charging capability.

Customers of 2019 model year Chevrolet Bolt EVs will be able to have this fix performed starting on April 29 and customers who own 2017 and 2018 model year Bolt EVs will be eligible to have the remedy performed by the end of May. GM will be making this diagnostic software standard in the 2022 Bolt EV and EUV future electric vehicles. According to GM, if a problem is diagnosed, the software will warn the driver with an illuminated warning lamp on the gauge cluster and drivers would need to have the vehicle towed to a dealer for repairs.

Chevrolet Silverado Inaudible Warning Indicator

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The owners of certain 2014-2015 Chevrolet and GMC trucks and SUV’s equipped with base radio and an internal amplifier, could experience problems that will leave drivers with no audible warning indicators. This “No Chime Condition” will require that the vehicle be returned to the nearest dealership to have the radio software updated. The defect could leave drivers with no audible warning if the key is left in the ignition, the driver’s door is opened, or if the front passenger seat belt is not buckled. (Radio and chime functions are not restored until the battery is disconnected and reconnected.) Continue reading →

Ignition Switch Problems For Buick, Cadillac, And Chevy Cars

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General Motors continues to expand their recall for ignition switches that could unexpectedly shut of when the ignition key is bumped or when driving on rough road conditions. The problem has resulted in unexpected loss of engine power and can affect power steering, power braking, and airbag deployment. Until the problem can be fixed, drives are asked to remove all items from their key ring leaving only the vehicle key. Continue reading →

Could Push Button Ignition Become Standard On Automobiles?

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GM’s ignition switch problems have raised the question of whether push button ignition systems may be safer to use in automobiles than the standard keyed ignition. Key-less ignition systems have been used in luxury cars since the 1990’s, and most of today’s automobile manufacturers offer them as an option in approximately 72% of their vehicles sold today. Continue reading →