Tag Archives: General Motors

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.

NHTSA Investigates Engine Failure in GM Trucks And SUVs

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A shocking number of complaints has prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to launch a safety probe into engine failure reports affecting approximately 870,000 Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac models manufactured by General Motors (GM). The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a staggering 39 complaints, accompanied by numerous Early Warning Reporting (EWR) Field Reports, all pointing to engine failure in vehicles equipped with the L87 V8 engine.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The following models are under scrutiny:

  • 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2019-2024 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2021-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2021-2024 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2021-2024 GMC Yukon
  • 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade

The Alarming Reality of Engine Failure

Complainants have reported a disturbing trend: a bearing failure can trigger either engine seizure or a catastrophic breach of the engine block by the connecting rod. In many cases, there are no warning signs before the failure occurs, resulting in a sudden and unexpected loss of power. This increases the risk of a crash, which can lead to devastating consequences, including injuries and property damage.

NHTSA Takes Action

In response to these disturbing reports, the ODI has initiated a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to determine the scope and severity of the potential problem. The investigation aims to assess the safety-related issues associated with engine failure and identify any necessary corrective actions to prevent future incidents.

What California Drivers Need to Know

If you’re behind the wheel of one of these affected vehicles, it’s crucial to be aware of this potential issue. Engine failure can be a significant safety concern, especially when driving at high speeds. Don’t wait until it’s too late – stay informed and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Seeking Help from a California Lemon Law Expert

If you’re experiencing engine problems or other issues with your Chevy, GMC, or Cadillac vehicle, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced California Lemon Law attorneys. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the complex process and determine if you’re eligible for compensation or relief under the law. If you have concerns about your vehicle or would like to report an incident, consult with a California Lemon Law attorney for expert guidance and support.

GM 2nd Quarter Sales Increase 40 Percent

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General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) announced it sold 688,236 vehicles in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2021 – an increase of 40 percent compared to a year ago – in a unique market bolstered by strong customer demand, but constrained by low inventories resulting from the global semiconductor shortage.

“The U.S. economy is accelerating, consumer spending is robust and jobs are plentiful,” said Elaine Buckberg, GM chief economist. “Consumer demand for vehicles is also strong, but constrained by very tight inventories. We expect continued high demand in the second half of this year and into 2022.”

“The agility and creativity of our supply chain, purchasing, engineering and manufacturing teams, in collaboration with our suppliers and dealers, have helped us continue to satisfy customers and gain market share in some of the highest demand segments of the market,” said Kurt McNeil, U.S. vice president, Sales Operations.

GM is well positioned in 2021 to lead the industry in full-size and mid-size pickup sales for the seventh consecutive year. During the quarter, GM earned 40.6 percent of the retail market for full-size pickups, up 4.5 percentage points year over year (J.D. Power PIN), with more than 237,000 Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras sold in the quarter.

The company is taking steps to meet customers’ future needs, especially in capacity-constrained segments:

GM announced that production of HD pickups will increase by about 1,000 trucks per month beginning in mid-July as a result of production line efficiencies delivered by the team at Flint Assembly in Michigan.
Also, GM will return full-size pickup production to Oshawa Assembly in Canada at the end of 2021.
Shipments of Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size pickups built at Wentzville Assembly in Missouri increase by about 30,000 total units from mid-May through early July as the team completes dynamic vehicle testing on units held at the plant due to semiconductor supply disruptions.

GM ended the quarter with 211,974 units in inventory, down from 334,628 at the end of the first quarter.

  • Chevrolet Bolt EV delivers record second-quarter and first-half deliveries.
  • Buick sales rise 86 percent on strong demand for new Encore GX, redesigned Envision, and Enclave, creating the brand’s best quarter in more than 15 years.
  • GMC records best second quarter and best first half since 2005 driven by Yukon and Yukon XL.
  • Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra sales up a combined 36 percent, with light-duty models posting strong segment share gains.
  • Cadillac’s second quarter retail sales were its best since 2015.

Click Here to read the full report.

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 →

2015 Cadillac Escalade Partial Airbag Deployment

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Certain 2015 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV automobile’s may not meet the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for occupant crash protection. The vehicles involved were manufactured between April 06, 2014 to May 13, 2014. GM’s recall number is 14220 and the NHTSA campaign number is 14V-259. Continue reading →

2014 Buick Lacrosse and Chevy Malibu Reduced Braking

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General Motors will be conducting a safety campaign for certain 2014 Buick Lacrosse and 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles equipped with 17 inch front brake assemblies. According to reports, these vehicles may have been manufactured with front brake rotors that are too thin. Initial brake performance will will not be affected by the problem, however, higher heat generated in the rear pads will significantly shorten the brake pad life. Continue reading →

GM Faces Fines For Ignition Switch Safety Problems

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A record fine of $35 million U.S. will be paid out by GM after a government investigation into how GM handled the recall of 2.59 million vehicles over faulty ignition switches. GM’s agreement with regulators also includes significant changes into how the automobile manufacturer reviews safety problems and decides when to issue a recall.

  • G.M. will be required to meet monthly with regulators and provide a list of every safety problem under consideration, as well as report on any new communications with their dealers.
  • The company must also improve information sharing across its different units, make recall decisions more quickly and revise its analysis practices to improve the ability to identify safety issues.

Continue reading →