General Motors Recalls 43,732 SUVs for Transmission Valve Defect

General Motors recalls 43,732 2022 SUVs over a transmission control valve defect that may cause rear-wheel lock-up. See affected models and details.

General Motors has issued a new recall affecting 43,732 full-size SUVs from the 2022 model year due to a potential defect in the transmission control valve that, in rare cases, could lead to rear-wheel lock-up.

The recall covers gasoline-powered versions of the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, as well as the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission. According to the campaign details, certain vehicles may contain a transmission control valve susceptible to excessive wear. Over time, this can result in a gradual loss of hydraulic pressure within the valve body, first showing up as harsh shifting and, in isolated instances, leading to a momentary rear-wheel lock-up. Such a condition increases the risk of a crash.

The investigation began on November 21, 2025, after a customer reported that the transmission locked up, causing the driver to lose control and strike a guardrail. GM later determined that some affected vehicles were not equipped with diagnostic software capable of detecting excessive valve wear in advance.

As a remedy, the company will install updated transmission control module software. The update is designed to monitor valve wear and detect abnormal conditions approximately 10,000 miles before a potential lock-up could occur. If an issue is identified, the system will limit the transmission to fifth gear. Available information indicates that the lock-up event typically occurs during a downshift from eighth gear, and the limitation is intended to reduce the likelihood of that scenario. Owner notifications are scheduled to begin on March 30, 2026. GM’s internal recall number for this campaign is N252536750.

This action follows a larger 2024 campaign (24V797) that addressed a similar issue involving transmission control valve wear and the risk of rear-wheel lock-up. In that case, GM also relied on software updates aimed at early detection and preventive gear limitation.

Separately, the automaker is carrying out another major recall involving roughly 600,000 vehicles equipped with the 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine. As part of that program, GM updated the recommended oil specification to Mobil 1 FS 0W-40. The engine issue has also led to litigation, with plaintiffs alleging the company was aware of potential risks before the vehicles were sold.

Owners of the affected SUVs can check their vehicle status using the NHTSA recall lookup tool or through the GM Owner Center. As with other safety recalls, the software update will be performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

Rather than a large-scale mechanical replacement, this campaign centers on a software correction intended to identify wear early and prevent a critical event. Its long-term effectiveness will likely become clearer as the recall is implemented and monitored in the field.