This week, General Motors reported that more than 90,000 Cadillac and Chevrolet vehicles are set to be recalled due to a serious transmission issue. The Chevrolet Camaro is one of the affected models, and a defect in the 10-speed automatic transmission can cause the front wheels to lock up unexpectedly, increasing the chances of a serious crash.
This recall is of concern especially for Camaro owners because it could affect the safety and handling of the vehicle at high speeds, considering that it is one of the Chevrolet high-performance cars. GM is taking swift action to notify owners of the affected cars and implement a fix as soon as possible to prevent potential accidents.
Cadillac and Chevrolet Models Are Affected
According to a report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the urgent recall affected the following Chevrolet and Cadillac models.
- Cadillac CT4 (2020-2021)
- Cadillac CT5 (2020-2021)
- Cadillac CT6 (2019-2020)
- Chevrolet Camaro (2020-2022)
Owners who use any of these models are advised to take immediate action to ensure their vehicles are safe to drive.
Transmission Issue
As mentioned earlier, the issue stems from a defect with the transmission control valve in vehicles that have GM’s 1-speed automatic transmission. Over time, the valve wears off, leading to pressure loss, which causes abrupt gear shifts. Additionally, this problem can cause the front wheels to lock up momentarily, which may lead to a serious crash.
This effect had been investigated earlier by GM in 2024, and the engineers found out that the wheel lock-ups lasted only 150 milliseconds, which is a very short time to cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle. However, in November 2024, GM looked into the matter again after 115 reports of front-wheel lock-ups and a crash directly linked to the defect were reported.
After further investigation, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority announced the current recall on February 27, 2025, to prioritize the safety concerns of the affected models.
What the Owners of Chevrolet Camaro and Cadillac Models Need to Know
As part of the recall process, GM has scheduled to notify all affected owners by mail starting April 2025. Both Camaro and Cadillac owners should be on alert to check if their cars are part of the urgent recall.
How GM Plans to Fix the Problem
To fix this problem, GM dealers will install a new transmission control module monitoring software, free of charge. This software will detect excessive valve wear and prevent the front wheel from locking up. It will also monitor transmission pressure thus preventing sudden loss of control.
If you own any of the mentioned vehicles and suspect that it is affected, take immediate action instead of waiting for the mail notification. You can also check your vehicle’s recall status by;
- Visiting the NHTSA recall database (nhtsa.gov)
- Checking GM’s recall lookup tool on Cadillac’s or Chevrolet’s website
- Calling GM’s customer service (Cadillac: 1-800-333-4223 / Chevrolet: 1-800-222-1020)
The transmission software update is expected to be a quick and easy update at GM dealerships that will enable owners to sort out the issue with ease.
Is it Safe to Drive Before the Fix?
Although there are no widespread accidents related to the transmission problem, GM has advised owners to be cautious while driving. In case one notices erratic transmission behavior, harsh shifting, or unusual noises, they are advised to take the vehicle to a dealer as soon as possible.
GM expects that only 1% of affected vehicles will exhibit this defect so many drivers may never experience any issues. However, they are advised not to ignore the recall because it could be a dangerous gamble.
Whether you drive a luxury Cadillac sedan or a powerful Chevrolet Camaro, taking the vehicle to a dealership to have the software update will prevent potential accidents and ensure that the car remains in peak condition.
In the meantime, stay tuned for updates from GM, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and the NHTSA, and if you own any of the affected vehicles, schedule your recall service as soon as possible instead of waiting for official communication in April.