GM recalled over 90,000 vehicles for a transmission defect that can cause loss of power while driving

General Motors issued a recall affecting more than 90,000 vehicles due to a transmission problem that can result in sudden loss of engine power. The defect primarily affects certain model years of the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Cadillac Escalade. If your vehicle is included, GM will repair or replace the transmission at no cost to you.

The recall was triggered after GM identified a manufacturing defect in the transmission that can cause the engine to stall or lose power unexpectedly. This issue poses a safety risk because it can happen while you are driving on a highway or in traffic. GM discovered the problem through warranty claims and customer complaints, then notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Key Takeaways

  • Check your vehicle identification number (VIN) on GM's recall website or call 1-800-462-8343 to learn about your specific vehicle is affected.
  • GM will contact you by mail with recall details, but you do not have to wait — you can schedule service when ready at any GM dealership.
  • The repair is covered completely by GM at no cost, including towing if your vehicle cannot be driven safely.
  • If your transmission fails before you can get service, document the failure and contact GM's customer service line to discuss your options.

How to check if your vehicle is included in the recall

The fastest way to confirm whether your vehicle is affected is to look up your VIN. Your VIN is a 17-character code found on your vehicle registration, insurance card, or on the driver's side dashboard where it meets the windshield. You can also find it on the title or loan documents.

Go to GM's official recall page at gm.com/recalls or call GM's customer service line at 1-800-462-8343. Have your VIN ready when you call. A representative will tell you within minutes whether your vehicle is part of this recall. If it is, they can also tell you what specific transmission issue affects your model and what the repair involves.

You can also check NHTSA's website at safercar.gov and search by your VIN or vehicle year and model. NHTSA maintains a complete database of all active recalls and will show you the exact recall number and description.

What happens when you schedule service

Contact your local GM dealership and tell them you need recall service for your transmission. You do not need to wait for GM's recall letter to arrive in the mail — you can schedule an appointment right away. Have your VIN and vehicle keys ready when you call.

When you bring your vehicle in, the dealership will inspect the transmission and perform the repair or replacement as specified in the recall. The entire process typically takes several hours to a full day, depending on whether the transmission can be repaired or needs to be replaced. Ask the dealership for a loaner vehicle or arrange a ride home while your vehicle is being serviced.

There is no charge for this service. GM covers all labor, parts, and diagnostic costs. If your vehicle cannot be driven safely to the dealership, GM will typically cover towing costs — confirm this with the dealership when you schedule.

What to do if your transmission fails before you can get service

If your transmission stalls or loses power while you are driving, pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. Turn on your hazard lights and call for roadside information or emergency services if you are in traffic or an unsafe area.

After you are safe, contact GM's customer service line at 1-800-462-8343 and explain what happened. Tell them your vehicle is part of the transmission recall and that the failure occurred before you could schedule service. Document the failure by taking photos of your odometer and the vehicle's location, and note the exact time and date.

GM may cover towing and rental vehicle costs if the failure is confirmed to be related to the recalled defect. Some customers have also pursued reimbursement for repair costs they paid out of pocket before the recall was announced, though this is handled case-by-case. Keep all receipts and documentation of the failure.

Understanding the transmission defect and why it matters

The defect involves a manufacturing issue in the transmission's internal components that can cause the transmission to lose the ability to send power to the wheels. When this happens, the engine may continue running but the vehicle will not move, or it will suddenly lose power while in motion. This is different from a normal stall — the transmission itself is not responding.

This defect is particularly dangerous on highways or in heavy traffic because the driver loses the ability to accelerate or maintain speed without warning. A vehicle that suddenly loses power can be struck by other vehicles or cause a collision if the driver cannot safely pull over. GM determined the risk was serious enough to warrant a recall rather than a software update or monitoring program.

The recall affects specific production dates and model years. Not all vehicles from those years are affected — only those built during the window when the defective transmission components were in use. This is why checking your specific VIN is essential.

What to expect from GM after the repair

Once your transmission is repaired or replaced, the dealership will provide you with a receipt showing the work completed and the recall service number. Keep this documentation for your records and for future resale of the vehicle.

If the same transmission issue occurs again after the recall service, contact GM when ready and reference your previous repair. A second failure of the same component would indicate the repair was not completed correctly, and GM would be responsible for additional service.

The recall repair does not affect your vehicle's warranty. If other transmission problems develop later, they are still covered under your existing warranty terms. The recall service itself is separate from warranty coverage.

If you sold or traded in your vehicle

If you no longer own the recalled vehicle, you do not need to take action. The current owner is responsible for getting the recall service completed. However, if you sold the vehicle privately, you may want to contact the buyer and let them know about the recall so they can address it.

If you traded the vehicle to a dealership, the dealership is required to complete any outstanding recalls before selling the vehicle to another customer. You do not have a financial obligation for the recall repair on a vehicle you no longer own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this recall affect my vehicle's resale value?

A completed recall repair should not affect resale value. Buyers are more concerned about recalls that have not been addressed. When you sell or trade in your vehicle, provide documentation showing the recall was completed. If you have not had the service done yet, complete it before selling — most dealerships will not purchase a vehicle with outstanding recalls.

Can I take my vehicle to an independent mechanic instead of a GM dealership?

No. Recall repairs must be performed by an authorized GM dealership. Independent mechanics are not authorized to perform recall work, and GM will not reimburse you if you have the work done elsewhere. The dealership network ensures the repair meets GM's specifications and is documented in the recall system.

How long will the repair take?

Most transmission repairs or replacements take between four and eight hours, though some may take longer if complications are discovered during inspection. Ask the dealership for an estimate when you schedule. If your vehicle needs a full transmission replacement rather than a repair, it may take a full business day or longer.

What if I cannot get to a dealership right away?

You can schedule service at your convenience. There is no important date to complete the recall repair, though you should prioritize it given the safety risk. If you are concerned about the transmission failing before you can get service, limit highway driving and avoid heavy traffic until the repair is completed.

Will GM provide a rental car while my vehicle is being repaired?

This varies by dealership and location. Some GM dealerships offer loaner vehicles during recall service, while others do not. Call ahead and ask when you schedule your appointment. If a loaner is not available, ask about local rental car discounts or arrange alternative transportation in advance.