90,000 Camaros and Cadillacs Could Experience Front Wheel Lock-Up | Carscoops

      GM's solution for the affected models, such as the CT4, CT5, and CT6, appears more like a temporary fix than a proper resolution.

      GM is recalling thousands of vehicles that come with a ten-speed automatic transmission.

      The transmission contains a valve that may wear over time, potentially leading to the front wheels locking up while the vehicle is in motion.

      The NHTSA has reported 115 instances of lock-up along with one accident.

      General Motors is recalling close to 100,000 units of Cadillac and Chevrolet Camaro due to issues with their ten-speed automatic transmission. The internal components of the gearbox can suffer damage, which may result in the front wheels locking up.

      The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that the cars are fitted with a transmission control valve that can experience excessive wear over time. This wear can lead to a gradual loss of pressure, contributing to abrupt shifting. In severe cases, the front wheels might lock up temporarily.

      A Slow Reaction from GM

      Concerns began to arise in September 2024, when an owner of a 2021 Cadillac CT5 reported that both front wheels locked up while driving, causing the vehicle to shift into neutral. This incident resulted in significant damage, necessitating engine and front differential replacement.

      Interestingly, GM was previously aware of the problem and had concluded that “in some cases, excessive wear in a control valve… was leading to harsh downshifting and, in rare instances, a momentary (<150 ms) lock-up of the wheels.” Although this was concerning, the automaker decided it was “not enough to result in a loss of vehicle control.”

      However, following a real case of lock-up, a new investigation was initiated. This led to the discovery of 115 reported lock-up incidents as well as one accident. Fortunately, this prompted the automaker to take action and initiate a recall.

      Which Specific Models Are Impacted?

      The recall affects 90,081 vehicles, including the 2019-2020 Cadillac CT6, 2020-2021 Cadillac CT4, 2020-2021 Cadillac CT5, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Camaro. The Camaro is the most significantly impacted, with 50,147 units being recalled, which is nearly double the number of CT5s.

      As part of the recall, dealerships will install updated software for the transmission control module designed to “detect excess wear approximately 10,000 miles (16,093 km) before a wheel lock-up condition occurs.” Once detected, the ten-speed automatic transmission will be restricted to fifth gear until the next key cycle. This aims to prevent lock-ups that may occur when the transmission shifts down from eighth gear. In addition to limiting the gearbox's functionality, the software will trigger the service engine light and display a reduced propulsion message.

      This does not seem to be a robust solution, but notifications to owners are expected to be sent out in April. Nonetheless, the company currently has software available only for a select number of vehicles – including the CT4, CT5, and some CT6 models.