Chevy Silverado/Sierra, GM SUVs recall: wheels lock up

A new 2020-2022 Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra and GM SUVs recall with diesel engines involves the wheels locking up due to a transmission issue.

Chevy, GMC trucks and GM SUVs recall

The recall, posted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website NHTSA.gov, reveals GM will 461,839 trucks and full-size SUVs.

These vehicles include:

• 2020-2022 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500
• 2020-2022 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500
• 2021 Cadillac Escalade
• 2021 GMC Yukon
• 2021 Chevy Tahoe
• 2021 Chevy Suburban

GM says say a transmission control valve can wear out over time. In rare cases it can fail and lock up the rear wheels. Drivers may notice harsh shifting before any wheel problems.

The fix is for dealers to install new transmission control software that will monitor the valve and detect excess wear 10,000 miles before the wheels lock up. If wear is detected, the transmission will be limited to fifth gear, preventing wheel lockup, which happens when the transmission downshifts from eighth gear.

Interestingly, the recall only impacts diesel engines since, according to GM, they use a different transmission than gas engine vehicles.

This is interesting considering both the full-size trucks and SUVs gas and diesel use a 10-speed transmission, yet it appears the transmission itself is different.

Owners will be notified by mail with more information on the recall.