General

GM Recalls 460,000+ Diesel Trucks, SUVs for Transmission Problem

By 11/14/2024 12:49pm
2021 Chevrolet Silverado RST driving on a highway.

General Motors has recalled 461,839 diesel pickups and SUVs to fix a transmission problem that can cause harsh shifts and, in some cases, make the rear wheels lock in place.

Recalled models include the:

Every recalled vehicle uses a diesel engine. GM trucks and SUVs equipped with gasoline engines use a different transmission, which is not affected by this problem.

The company tells federal safety officials that “a transmission control valve in some of these vehicles may be susceptible to excess wear over time.” As the valve loses pressure, shifts grow harsh. Untreated, the condition can cause the rear wheels to “experience a momentary lockup.”

GM says it knows of at least 1,888 field reports, a handful of incidents with property damage, and three minor injuries that may be related to the transmission problem.

Software Update Will Warn Drivers

The company won’t replace every transmission outright. Instead, it says, dealers will “install new transmission control module software that will monitor valve performance and detect excess wear approximately 10,000 miles before a wheel lockup condition could occur. Once detected, the transmission will be limited to fifth gear, preventing the possibility of a wheel lockup condition, which occurs in a downshift from eighth gear.”

The software will cause a “service engine light and reduced propulsion message” to appear in the gauge cluster, alerting drivers to contact a dealership.

GM’s report to the government doesn’t explain what dealers will do with cars that have the error mode triggered.

By law, dealers never charge for recall repairs.

Millions of people miss recall notices every year and unknowingly drive recalled vehicles. Our recall center has an easy VIN tool to help you find out if your car needs any free safety repairs.