Rear wheel flaw forces GM to recall nearly 462,000 pickups, SUVs

DETROIT, Michigan: General Motors is recalling nearly 462,000 diesel-powered pickup trucks and large SUVs due to a potential defect that can cause the rear wheels to lock up, increasing crash risks.

The recall involves certain Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickups from model years 2020 through 2022, as well as the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Suburban.

Documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), released November 13, indicate that a transmission control valve in these vehicles can wear out over time. In rare cases, this valve can fail, leading to rear-wheel lockup. Before the issue occurs, drivers may notice rough or harsh shifting.

GM plans to address the issue by installing new transmission control software in affected vehicles. This software will monitor the valve's condition and can detect signs of excessive wear about 10,000 miles before the wheels are at risk of locking up.

If the software detects wear, the transmission will automatically limit itself to the fifth gear to prevent the locking issue, which typically occurs when the transmission downshifts from the eighth gear.

GM will cover repairs under warranty for vehicles with a defective control valve. Starting December 9, owners will receive recall notifications by mail.

GM began investigating the issue after a customer complaint was reported to U.S. safety regulators in January. By July, GM launched a formal investigation, and in September, a company investigator identified 1,888 reports of potential wheel lockups linked to the problem.

GM also found 11 incidents where vehicles veered off the road, causing minor property damage. Three minor injuries were reported, though none were attributed directly to crashes.

This recall highlights GM's ongoing commitment to addressing potential safety issues and ensuring that affected vehicles are equipped with protective measures to prevent further incidents.