GM recalls 52,000 vehicles for wheels that can jam

General Motors' full-size SUVs and pickup trucks are currently the subject of a new recall due to rear wheels that can suddenly lock, causing a loss of control while driving.

More specifically, the models targeted are the Cadillac Escalade 2021, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Silverado HD 2020 to 2022, Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe 2021, GMC Sierra 1500 and Sierra HD 2020 to 2022 as well as GMC Yukon and Yukon XL 2021, but only those equipped with a diesel engine.

In all, over 52,000 units are being recalled in Canada.

The problem stems from the fact that the transmission control valve can wear out over time and lose pressure. If this should happen, the transmission could change gear abruptly, causing the rear wheels to lock up, according to the recall notice issued by Transport Canada.

General Motors is due to notify owners by mail within the next few weeks. A visit to a dealer will be necessary to update the transmission control module software so that any excessive wear is detected before the wheels lock. In the event of excessive wear, the engine warning light will come on, a message will appear on the dashboard, and the transmission will not be able to go higher than fifth gear.

In mid-September, all these same models, but from the 2023 and 2024 model years, were recalled due to an electronic problem with the braking system.

In some cases, if the brake fluid level falls below the minimum threshold, a software bug could prevent the warning light from illuminating on the dashboard. This would prevent the driver from knowing that the brake fluid level is low, reducing the vehicle's braking capacity and increasing the risk of an accident.

In this case, the recall affected just over 38,000 units in Canada.