General Motors just hit the brakes on 90,081 vehicles—literally. A newly issued recall affects Cadillac, Chevy, and Camaro GM models with a transmission defect that could cause the wheels to lock up while driving. That’s not just bad for your transmission—it’s a potential recipe for disaster on the road.

Which vehicles are affected in the GM transmission recall?

The recall, filed under NHTSA Campaign Number 25V148, covers multiple GM models equipped with the Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission. The affected vehicles include:

• 2020-2021 Cadillac CT4
• 2020-2021 Cadillac CT5
• 2019-2020 Cadillac CT6
• 2020-2022 Chevrolet Camaro

A total of 90,081 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada are impacted. GM placed affected vehicles under a Stop Delivery Order as of March 6, 2025, meaning dealers cannot sell them until they are repaired.

Why is GM recalling its 10-speed transmissions?

The defect stems from excessive wear in the transmission control valve, leading to a loss of hydraulic pressure. GM documents warn that as the issue worsens, the transmission may experience harsh shifting before reaching a critical failure point. When that happens, the wheels can momentarily lock up during a downshift from eighth to seventh gear.

GM’s recall filing states: “If the transmission control valve wears beyond a critical threshold, a momentary wheel lock-up condition may occur, increasing the risk of a crash.”

Recall the latest episode of GM’s 10-speed transmission drama

GM’s 10-speed Hydra-Matic transmission has been plagued by reliability issues since its debut. The Lemon Law Firm notes that owners have reported shuddering, lurching, loss of power, and transmission slippage across multiple GM models. The Haynes repair manual website also flags shift selector problems, fluid leaks, and overheating as common failures in GM’s 10-speed automatic.

A class-action lawsuit is already underway, targeting GM for its handling of 10-speed transmission defects. The lawsuit claims that GM has known about these issues for years but failed to take action.

GM’s fix: A software band-aid?

For now, GM’s recall fix doesn’t replace the faulty transmission component. Instead, dealers will reprogram the Transmission Control Module (TCM) to detect excessive wear before a failure occurs.

Once wear reaches a certain threshold, the software will limit the transmission to fifth gear, preventing the downshift-related wheel lock-up. GM’s recall bulletin states: “The updated software will prevent the transmission from shifting beyond fifth gear once excessive wear is detected, reducing the risk of wheel lock-up.”

While this prevents the most dangerous failure, it’s not a true fix. Once the software locks out higher gears, owners will need a full transmission replacement to restore normal operation. Let’s hope GM steps up and foots the bill for that.

What should owners do?

If you own an affected GM vehicle, check for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls by entering your VIN number. You can also call GM’s recall hotline at 888-327-4236 or contact your nearest dealership for assistance.

A recall this big isn’t just a paperwork headache—it’s a warning. A locked-up transmission can cause a serious accident, and GM isn’t taking chances. If you drive an affected model, book that repair now. Your safety depends on it.