When it comes to cars, everything can happen in a matter of milliseconds. That’s why it is essential for brands to issue a recall quickly and transparently, it’s the difference between a mistake and a loss. It’s not just about correcting a technical fault, but about protecting those who are behind the wheel every day. Sometimes, what seems like a small, unimportant defect can turn into a real risk on the road. That’s what has happened to Cadillac and Chevrolet, two General Motors brands that have discovered a critical defect in the transmission that can cause an unexpected locking of the front wheels. Models like the Chevrolet Camaro are at the centre of the drama, precisely because it is a high-performance car where such a failure can have very serious consequences for its drivers.
What happened?
General Motors has been forced to recall 90,000 Cadillac and Chevrolet vehicles after confirming the existence of a problem in the 10-speed automatic transmission. Apparently, this component can wear down and lose pressure after gear changes and, what’s worse, lock the front wheels for a few fractions of a second, enough to cause an accident.
Which vehicles are affected?
According to the report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected models are:
- Cadillac CT4 (2020–2021)
- Cadillac CT5 (2020–2021)
- Cadillac CT6 (2019–2020)
- Chevrolet Camaro (2020–2022)
All vehicles share the same issue.
Origin of the problem
Although the lock-up lasts only around 150 milliseconds, that instant can be enough for the driver to lose control of the vehicle, especially at high speeds or during critical maneuvers. GM has acknowledged at least 115 incidents related to this failure, including one confirmed accident directly linked to the issue.
That’s why, on February 27, 2025, the group officially activated the safety field action decision, marking the beginning of the urgent recall notice.
What to do if you own one of these vehicles
GM will begin notifying affected owners by mail in April 2025, but recommends not to wait. If you own one of the mentioned models, you can check whether your vehicle is included in the recall:
Visit the NHTSA portal (nhtsa.gov), use the recall search on the Chevrolet or Cadillac websites, or contact customer service directly:
Cadillac: 1-800-333-4223 / Chevrolet: 1-800-222-1020.
At the dealerships, a new software update will be installed that modifies the transmission module. Of course, it will be at no cost to the user since it is a defect on the part of General Motors.
This new version monitors valve wear and controls pressure to prevent sudden lock-ups and maintain vehicle control at all times. It is a quick intervention that does not require major mechanical changes.
Is it safe to drive before taking it to the workshop?
Although GM estimates that only 1% of the affected vehicles will suffer the failure, extreme caution is advised while driving. If you notice sudden gear changes, strange noises, or unusual behaviour when accelerating or braking, it is best to take the car for inspection as soon as possible.
Acting in time in these failures is crucial, if you believe your vehicle is affected by this recall and notice any issues, do not delay in booking your appointment with the dealership and getting your car fixed.