General Motors has recalled 90,081 vehicles because their front wheels can lock up.
All of the recalled models use the same 10-speed automatic transmission. They include some, but not all, examples of the:
The company tells federal safety officials, “A transmission control valve in some of these vehicles may be susceptible to excess wear over time, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve that can cause harsh shifting. In rare cases, the wheels may experience a momentary lockup.” Lockup always occurs on a downshift from eighth gear, the company says.
That could cause a skid and a crash.
GM says it knows of 115 field reports of the problem and one accident that may be related.
Dealers will install new transmission control software to monitor the valve. The company says the software should detect valve wear “approximately 10,000 miles before a wheel lockup condition could occur. “
Once the software detects the problem, it triggers a service warning and limits the car to fifth gear. That should allow owners to get the car to a dealership for service.
Recall repairs are always free. But millions of us miss recall notices every year and unknowingly drive recalled vehicles. Find out if your car needs any free safety repairs at our easy recall center.