GM has recalled thousands of vehicles for transmission problems that can cause the vehicle to shift unexpectedly or lose power while driving
General Motors has issued multiple recalls affecting different model years and vehicle types due to transmission defects. The specific issue varies by recall — some involve the transmission shifting into neutral without warning, others involve delayed shifting or loss of power. If you own a GM vehicle, you need to know whether yours is affected, what the actual risk is, and what GM will do about it at no cost to you.
The most important thing to understand is that recalls are not optional. A defective transmission can cause you to lose control of your vehicle while driving, which is a safety issue. GM is required by federal law to fix the problem, and you should not ignore a recall notice.
Key Takeaways
- You can learn about your specific vehicle is under recall by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on GM's recall website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
- GM will repair or replace the transmission at no cost to you, including parts and labor, once you schedule an appointment with a GM dealership.
- If you have already paid out of pocket to fix a transmission problem that is now under recall, you may be able to request reimbursement from GM.
- Driving a vehicle with a known transmission defect puts you at risk of sudden loss of power or unexpected shifting, which can cause accidents.
- You do not need to wait for GM to contact you — you can check your vehicle's recall status right now using your VIN.
How to check if your vehicle is affected
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the unique code that identifies your specific car. It appears on your vehicle registration, insurance card, and on the driver's side of your dashboard where it meets the windshield. You can also find it on the door jamb on the driver's side.
Go to safercar.gov, which is the official NHTSA website. Click "Check for Recalls" and enter your VIN. The site will show you every open recall affecting your vehicle, including the transmission recall if it applies to you. You can also visit GM's official website and use their recall lookup tool, which will show you the same information.
Write down the recall number and the description of the problem. This information will help you when you contact a dealership to schedule service.
What the transmission defect actually does
The specific behavior depends on which recall affects your vehicle. Some transmissions shift into neutral unexpectedly while you are driving, which means the engine is no longer connected to the wheels and you lose power. Others shift with a delay or jerk, or fail to shift into the correct gear. In some cases, the transmission may not engage when you put the vehicle in Drive or Reverse.
These problems can happen at any time — while you are accelerating, at highway speed, or while stopped. The risk is that you lose control of the vehicle or cannot accelerate when you need to, such as when merging onto a highway or crossing an intersection.
This is why GM issued the recall in the first place. The company determined that the defect creates a safety risk that warrants a mandatory fix.
How to schedule a repair appointment
Contact a GM dealership that services your vehicle type. You can find dealerships near you by searching online or by calling GM's customer service line. When you call, tell them you have a recall and provide the recall number you found on safercar.gov.
The dealership will schedule an appointment at a time that works for you. Depending on the repair, the work may take a few hours or longer. Some dealerships offer loaner vehicles while yours is being serviced, though this is not may provide.
Bring your vehicle registration and insurance card with you. You will not be charged for the repair, parts, or labor. If the dealership tries to charge you, contact GM customer service when ready.
What happens during the repair
The technician will diagnose the transmission problem and either repair it or replace it entirely, depending on what the recall specifies and what they find when they inspect your vehicle. The repair procedure is determined by GM and is the same across all dealerships.
Once the work is complete, the dealership will document the repair in their system and provide you with a receipt. Keep this receipt for your records. It shows that the recall work was performed and when.
After the repair, your transmission should operate normally. If you experience the same problem again, contact the dealership and tell them the recall repair did not fix the issue.
If you already paid to fix the transmission
If you paid out of pocket to repair or replace your transmission before you knew about the recall, you may be able to request reimbursement from GM. This is called a pre-recall repair claim.
Contact GM customer service with your receipt showing what you paid and when. You will need to provide proof of the repair, such as an invoice from the shop that did the work. GM will review your claim and determine whether the repair you paid for is the same repair they are now doing under the recall.
Reimbursement is not automatic, and GM may deny your claim if the repair was done too long before the recall was issued or if the repair does not match the recall procedure. However, it is worth submitting a claim if you have documentation of what you paid.
What to do if you cannot reach a dealership or there is a long wait
If the nearest dealership has a long wait time or is not responding to your calls, contact GM customer service directly. You can also file a complaint with NHTSA if you believe GM is not making the recall repair reasonably available to you.
Do not ignore the recall while you wait for an appointment. Continue to drive your vehicle normally, but be aware of the transmission problem and avoid situations where sudden loss of power would be dangerous, such as heavy traffic or highway driving at high speed, if possible.
If you experience the defect while driving — such as the transmission shifting into neutral or failing to shift — pull over safely and contact roadside information or a tow truck. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle long distances if the problem is occurring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the recall repair cost me anything?
No. GM is required by federal law to repair or replace the transmission at no cost to you, including parts, labor, and any diagnostic work. If a dealership charges you, that is a violation of recall law. Contact GM customer service when ready if this happens.
Can I take my vehicle to an independent mechanic instead of a GM dealership?
The recall must be performed by a GM dealership or an authorized GM service center. Independent mechanics cannot perform recall work and cannot bill GM for the repair. You must use an authorized dealer to have the recall completed at no cost.
What if my vehicle is still under warranty?
The recall repair is separate from your warranty. Even if your warranty has expired, GM will repair the transmission under the recall at no cost. The recall covers the defect regardless of when your vehicle was purchased or how many miles it has.
How long does it take to fix a transmission recall?
The time varies depending on the specific repair and how busy the dealership is. Some repairs take a few hours; others may take a full day or longer if the transmission needs to be replaced. Ask the dealership for an estimate when you schedule your appointment.
What if I sell my vehicle before the recall is fixed?
The recall follows the vehicle, not the owner. The new owner can take the vehicle to a dealership and have the recall repair done at no cost. If you are selling the vehicle, you should disclose the open recall to the buyer.