General Motors recalls over 90,000 vehicles for potential wheel lock-up
- General Motors is actively recalling over 90,000 vehicles due to a significant transmission control valve issue.
- The defect can lead to harsh shifting and momentary wheel lock-ups, raising safety concerns.
- The recall is aimed at ensuring customer safety with upcoming software updates to prevent potential accidents.
In the United States, General Motors announced a recall affecting more than 90,000 vehicles due to a transmission control valve problem. The issue arises in vehicles equipped with a 10-speed transmission, specifically the 2020-2021 Cadillac CT4, 2020-2021 Cadillac CT5, 2019-2020 Cadillac CT6, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Camaro. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that over time, the transmission control valve can wear excessively, resulting in a loss of pressure, which led to harsh shifting and, in rare cases, momentary wheel lock-ups while driving. These occurrences have increased the risk of accidents, prompting GM to take action. The investigation into these transmission issues began anew after multiple reports emerged, including a notable case in September 2024, where a driver reported their 2021 Cadillac CT5's front tires locked temporarily. Even though these lock-ups lasted less than 150 milliseconds, the NHTSA stated they could significantly compromise vehicle control, increasing the likelihood of a crash. After reviewing 115 reported incidents of wheel lock-ups, with a single incident associated with an accident, GM decided to initiate a safety recall on February 27, 2025. Affected owners will receive notifications starting in April 2025 and can expect to have new software installed to address the transmission control valve issue. This software is designed to detect excessive wear in the valves approximately 10,000 miles before a potentially dangerous condition can occur. In the event of excessive wear detection, the software will limit the vehicle's shifting capabilities by placing it into a safer gear until the next key cycle. General Motors has emphasized the importance of customer safety and has committed to rectifying this problem swiftly. Their statement reassures customers that they are prioritizing solutions for the affected vehicles. The company has also made upgrades to production models to incorporate new transmission control software that prevents similar issues in future vehicles. By being proactive in addressing this matter, GM aims to reassure its customers and mitigate any potential risks associated with these recalls.