Chevy, GMC Full-Size Trucks and SUVs Recalled Over Potential Wheel Lockup
Certain Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac trucks and SUVs have been recalled over a missing transfer case part that can cause wheel lockup.
Owners of certain full-size Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac SUVs and pickups have faced their fair share of recalls in recent years, some of which can prove to be more than minor inconveniences and potential safety hazards. Some can lead to catastrophic failure, in fact, which is never what one would call ideal – but on the bright side, at least GM is addressing these problems rather than trying to ignore them. Now, however, owners of some of those same models are facing another recall over a potentially serious issue.
That issue stems from the fact that some Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac models were built with a component missing from the drivetrain transfer case, which can cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up with no warning that such a thing is about to happen. It stems from GM supplier Magna Powertrain, which implemented changes to its assembly line a while back. During that time, its standardized work practices and error detection protocols weren’t properly followed.
As such, the oil pickup tubes in certain transfer case assemblies weren’t installed, and somehow circumvented the supplier’s error proofing protocols that would have otherwise rejected the incomplete units. The issue was later discovered by a GM engineer, who disassembled the transfer case from a 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 that experienced wheel lockup. They discovered that the transfer case was missing the oil pick-up tube – and without it, the transfer case bearings aren’t properly lubricated, which is the root cause of this issue.
This new recall impacts a wide variety of models including the 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), as well as certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe SUVs. Luckily, it isn’t a widespread issue, as just 66 total models are impacted this time around.
Given the severity of the issue, GM is advising owners of impacted models not to drive their vehicles until they can be repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace the transfer case in those models, free of charge. Owners can expect to begin receiving letters informing them of the defect on June 22, 2026, but in the meantime, they can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevy customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 for more information, referencing recall number N262557620.
Alternatively, they can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at NHTSA.gov.
Join the Chevrolet Forums now!
