GM Recalls 43,000 SUVs Over Transmission Issue That Can Lock Rear Wheels

Transmission Trouble, Again

Ford isn’t the only automaker recently dealing with a transmission issue that can lock up the rear wheels. General Motors has issued a recall covering 43,732 full-size SUVs over a similar problem. The issue is related to a 2024 recall (24V797) that affected more than 461,000 vehicles.

This time, however, the recall applies to gas-powered models equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission. According to the new recall (26V085), certain vehicles may contain a transmission control valve that is susceptible to excessive wear. The defect can lead to a loss of hydraulic pressure within the valve body, resulting in harsh shifting and, in some cases, rear-wheel lock-up, increasing the risk of a crash.

Breaking It Down

The list of affected models includes 17,178 units of the Chevrolet Tahoe, 7,616 units of the Chevrolet Suburban, 2,239 units of the 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 3,609 units of the 2022 Cadillac Escalade, 7,820 units of the GMC Yukon, and 5,270 units of the GMC Yukon XL – all from the 2022 model year.

According to the safety recall, a customer reported that their vehicle’s transmission locked up, causing them to lose control and crash into a guardrail. GM opened an investigation on November 21, 2025, and later determined that the affected vehicles were not equipped with diagnostic software capable of detecting excess wear in the transmission control valve.

How GM Plans to Prevent It

As a remedy, GM will install updated transmission control module (TCM) software. The update is designed to detect and monitor excessive wear in advance – potentially up to 10,000 miles before a lock-up condition could occur. If the system detects an issue, the software will limit the transmission to fifth gear to help prevent a lock-up event, which typically occurs during a downshift from eighth gear. GM plans to notify affected owners on March 30, 2026.

Aside from the transmission issue, GM is also recalling roughly 600,000 vehicles equipped with the 6.2-liter L87 V8 over concerns of potential engine failure. The remedy includes switching to an updated oil specification, specifically Mobil 1 FS 0W-40. The issue has also led to a lawsuit, with plaintiffs alleging that GM knew about the engine’s potential failure risk before the vehicles were sold.