GMC Recalls Over 90,000 Vehicles Due to Transmission Defect: A Quick Overview

General Motors is back in the spotlight - this time over a transmission control issue that could lead to dangerous wheel lock-ups.

On February 27, 2025,GM confirmed a recall affecting over 90,000 vehicles across four popular models. The company cited a faulty transmission control valve that could lead to harsh shifting or, in rare cases, temporary wheel lock-up.

The affected cars include popular Cadillac and Chevrolet models with 10-speed transmissions. While GM says only a small percentage of vehicles have the issue, drivers are being asked to bring their vehicles in for repairs.

If your vehicle is part of this GMC recall, here’s what you need to know about the issue, how it could affect your safety, and what your options are if your car has already shown signs of trouble.

What’s Behind This GMC Recall?

According to a notice published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the defect involves premature wear in the transmission control valves found in certain 10-speed transmissions. Over time, the valves can wear out and lead to a sudden drop in hydraulic pressure inside the transmission.

In rare cases, that sudden loss of control can cause the wheels to lock - even if only for a split second.

The report highlights that while these wheel lock-ups last less than 150 milliseconds, they can still pose a real crash risk, especially at high speeds or in busy traffic. In September 2024, a driver of a 2021 Cadillac CT5 filed a complaint that the front tires of their vehicle locked up while driving.

GM originally downplayed the issue because of how short the lock-up duration was, but an internal review found more than 115 similar complaints. One of those reports involved an actual crash, which pushed General Motors to move forward with the GMC recall.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

If you drive a newer Cadillac or Camaro, double-check your VIN right away. According to the recall notice, the affected models include:

• 2020-2021 Cadillac CT4
• 2020-2021 Cadillac CT5
• 2019-2020 Cadillac CT6
• 2020-2022 Chevrolet Camaro

In total, 90,081 vehicles are included in the GMC recall. GM estimates that about 1% of those cars may experience the defect, but they’re encouraging all owners to take action - especially if they’ve noticed transmission problems like rough gear shifts, unusual noises, or sudden jerking while driving.

What is GM Doing About It?

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified starting in April 2025. According to the NHTSA, General Motors will issue a free software update to recalibrate the transmission control system. The update will monitor valve performance more closely and reduce the risk of pressure loss that leads to harsh shifting or wheel lock-ups.

For now, there is no physical component replacement included in the recall. GM is banking on the new software being enough to manage the issue, even in vehicles where valve wear has already started.

Still, this “fix” may not be enough for owners whose cars have already suffered major performance problems - or worse, have become unsafe to drive. And if your vehicle has already been in the shop for repeat transmission-related issues, you may have other options under California’s lemon law.

What to Do if Your GMC Vehicle is Recalled

If you’re one of the few consumers impacted by this recent GMC recall, there are several ways to prepare.

1. Look Up Your VIN

Visit the NHTSA’s recall search tool or GM’s recall website and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This will confirm whether your car is officially part of the recall. You can usually find your VIN on the driver-side dashboard (visible through the windshield) or inside the driver-side door.

2. Schedule Your Free Repair

If your vehicle is included in the recall, your dealership will perform a software update at no cost to you. Be sure to bring the following documents for the repair appointment:

• Recall Notice Letter
• Title
• Registration
• Driver’s license
• Insurance card
• Warranty
• Maintenance records
• Repair appointment confirmation

In some cases, the dealership may need to keep your vehicle overnight, depending on their scheduling or how busy their service department is. It’s a good idea to ask ahead of time and make alternate transportation arrangements just in case.

3. Keep Records of the Repair

If your vehicle has already been in the shop for transmission problems - before or after the recall - keep every invoice, diagnostic note, or service report. Having a complete record of your repair history may help if you decide to sell the vehicle later or if you need to file a lemon law claim.

4. Monitor Your Vehicle After the Repair

Getting the recall repair doesn’t mean the problem is fully resolved. After your dealership updates the transmission software, pay close attention to how your vehicle drives.

In case the same transmission problems return, or new ones show up, bring the vehicle back to the dealership and ask them to recheck the work.

More importantly, if the issue continues after multiple repair attempts, you might have grounds for a lemon law claim.

Can You File a Lemon Law Claim for Your Recalled Vehicle?

Under certain circumstances a recall may automatically qualify your car under California’s lemon law. Additionally, if you’ve had ongoing problems or your car meets certain conditions, you may be able to file a claim.

Here’s what typically qualifies:

• The defect is covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty
• The problem significantly affects the use, value, or safety of the vehicle
• You’ve made at least two repair attempts for a serious safety issue
• Or you’ve made four or more repair attempts for a non-safety issue
• The vehicle has been in the repair shop for 30 or more days (total) for warranty repairs
• The defect was not caused by driver abuse or neglect

Even if you’re outside that initial window, you may still have a claim depending on your circumstances. A qualified lemon law lawyer can review your repair history and let you know if you might be eligible for compensation.

Owners of lemon vehicles are entitled to:

• A full refund of the purchase or lease price (minus a small usage fee)
• A replacement vehicle of equal value
• Or cash compensation, depending on the severity of the issue
• Potential for 2x the purchase price of vehicle in additional money

The manufacturer is also responsible for covering your attorney fees if you win your case. That means you can speak with a lemon law attorney at no cost to find out whether you have a claim.

Have More Questions?

Finding out your motor vehicle has a transmission issue that could affect your safety is frustrating - and concerning. When you buy a car, you expect it to perform reliably. But sometimes, things go wrong.

Your first step as a consumer is to get your vehicle checked and repaired for free. If that doesn’t work, talk to a lemon law attorney to find out if you qualify for something more than a software update.

Manufacturers and dealers don’t always do the right thing the first time. But California law gives you a way to hold them accountable and seek justice.

At CLINE APC, we help vehicle owners across California get the compensation they deserve when manufacturers fall short. Our team has decades of experience handling GMC recall claims and other lemon law cases. Feel free to contact our office or reach out to us online for a free consultation.