General Motors (GM) is recalling 77,824 full-size vans, including the 2022 to 2023 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana, equipped with either the 4.3-liter V6 engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission or the 2.8-liter Duramax I4 turbodiesel with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The recall stems from a defect in the transmission control module (TCM) software, which may cause a range of serious driving issues, including harsh shifting, unintended deceleration, and rear wheel lock-up. These problems can increase the risk of an accident and are considered a safety hazard.
Problem Description –
The affected vans were built with incorrect software calibration in the TCM, which controls the behavior of the transmission. The faulty software may not respond properly to electrical failures in the transmission, leading to rough shifting, reduced power, and in some cases, rear wheel lock-up. Under certain conditions, these issues may cause the vehicle to move in an unintended direction at low speeds, posing a serious risk of a crash.
Affected Models –
The recall affects certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans equipped with specific powertrain combinations:
- 4.3L V6 engine with 8-speed automatic transmission (LV1/M5U)
- 2.8L Duramax I4 turbodiesel engine with 8-speed automatic transmission (LWN/MQD)
54,722 Chevrolet Express vans and 23,102 GMC Savana vans are affected by this recall.
The Risk and Consequence –
When the transmission experiences an electrical failure, the TCM may set the wrong diagnostic trouble codes (DTC), which could cause the transmission to behave erratically. Drivers may experience harsh shifting or a loss of power, while rear wheel lock-up could occur, making the vehicle difficult to control. If the vehicle moves in an unintended direction, especially at low speeds, it could cause a crash.
The Remedy –
GM has decided to address this issue by updating the TCM software calibration at no cost to the owners. The updated software will correct the miscalibration and ensure proper response to electrical failures within the transmission. GM will begin sending out owner notification letters on December 23, 2024, and owners are advised to schedule an appointment with their local dealer for the repair.
GM’s customer service teams are available for support, and owners can contact them at:
- GM customer service: 1-888-988-7267
- Chevrolet customer service: 1-800-222-1020
- GMC customer service: 1-800-462-8782
Recall Chronology –
- August 1, 2024: A GM engineer receives a report regarding unexpected deceleration in a 2022 Chevrolet Express, triggered by a transmission malfunction.
- August 27, 2024: GM launches a product investigation after discovering an incompatibility between the TCM software and the calibration files for affected vehicles.
- October 2, 2024: GM analyzes field data, finding 24 complaints related to harsh shifting, unintended deceleration, and rear wheel lock-up.
- October 31, 2024: GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) approves a safety recall.
Looking Ahead –
This recall highlights GM’s proactive approach to vehicle safety. By swiftly addressing the issue with a software update, GM ensures that the affected vehicles will be corrected at no cost to the owner. The company is committed to keeping their customers safe and ensuring the reliability of their vehicles. Owners of the affected Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans should stay informed and take immediate action to schedule their free repairs.
 is recalling 77,824 full-size vans, including the 2022 to 2023 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana, equipped with either the 4.3-liter V6 engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission or the 2.8-liter Duramax I4 turbodiesel with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The recall stems from a defect in the transmission control module (TCM) software, which may cause a range of serious driving issues, including harsh shifting, unintended deceleration, and rear wheel lock-up. These problems can increase the risk of an accident and are considered a safety hazard.){kind=link}