Recall 26V289 covers 66 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2026 SUVs and trucks for transfer-case wheel lockup. Do not drive. Free dealer repair.
Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash because the affected wheel stops rotating as expected. Do not drive the vehicle, even for short trips. If it has to move, call the dealer and ask about towing. A grinding sound is the listed warning sign before lockup. Repair will be free at any franchised GMC dealer once available.
GMC is recalling 66 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2026 vehicles, including Yukon Xl, Yukon, Tahoe, Suburban, Escalade Esv, Escalade, Sierra 1500, Suburban 1500, and Silverado 1500 models, because a missing drivetrain transfer case component can lock the front or rear wheels without warning. Do not drive an affected vehicle; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The transfer case is part of the four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive powertrain on the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2026 GMC vehicles listed in this recall. It sends engine power through the driveline so the front and rear wheels receive torque when the system calls for it. Inside the transfer case, bearings need steady oil flow to keep rotating parts from overheating or seizing.
On affected vehicles, the transfer case assembly is missing its oil pickup tube. That tube draws oil to the bearings. Without it, the bearings are not properly lubricated, and the transfer case can bind. If that happens, the front wheels, rear wheels, or both can lock up without warning to the driver.
GM says drivers can hear a grinding sound before the wheels lock up. Treat that sound as a warning sign and stop driving until the vehicle is checked.
Who's affected?
Covers Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac SUVs and pickups using the same transfer case assembly. VINs became searchable on May 7, 2026.
| 2019 GMC Yukon Xl | powertrain |
|---|---|
| 2018 GMC Yukon Xl | powertrain |
| 2020 GMC Yukon | powertrain |
| 2019 GMC Yukon | powertrain |
| 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe | powertrain |
| 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe | powertrain |
| 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe | powertrain |
| 2020 Chevrolet Suburban | powertrain |
| 2019 Chevrolet Suburban | powertrain |
| 2018 Chevrolet Suburban | powertrain |
| 2017 Chevrolet Suburban | powertrain |
| 2015 Chevrolet Suburban | powertrain |
| 2015 Cadillac Escalade Esv | powertrain |
| 2015 Cadillac Escalade | powertrain |
| 2026 GMC Yukon Xl | powertrain |
| 2026 GMC Yukon | powertrain |
| 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 | powertrain |
| 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe | powertrain |
| 2026 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 | powertrain |
| 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | powertrain |
| 2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv | powertrain |
| 2026 Cadillac Escalade | powertrain |
| Units affected | 66 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 4 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash because the affected wheel stops rotating as expected. Do not drive the vehicle, even for short trips. If it has to move, call the dealer and ask about towing. A grinding sound is the listed warning sign before lockup. Repair will be free at any franchised GMC dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, or 2026 vehicle is included in this recall.
- Do not drive the vehicle until the transfer case inspection or replacement is complete.
- Arrange a tow if the vehicle has to be moved to the dealer; do not drive it there yourself.
- Contact a franchised GMC dealer to ask when the free transfer case inspection or replacement can be performed.
- Reference recall number 26V289 when you call, and explain that the missing transfer case component can cause front or rear wheel lockup without warning.
- Bring the recall notice if GMC has mailed one; owner letters are expected June 22, 2026.
What happens at the repair
Until the remedy is completed, do not drive the vehicle. Once GMC opens the dealer repair, a GMC technician will inspect the transfer case assembly and replace it when needed. Parts and labor will be free under the recall. Out-of-pocket transfer case repairs are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the covered vehicles are under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| May 7, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 7, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| May 7, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 7, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V289?
Recall 26V289 covers 66 GMC vehicles from 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2026 with a transfer case defect. A missing drivetrain transfer case component can make the front or rear wheels lock without warning, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, or 2026 GMC vehicle is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 26V289. If it is, do not drive the vehicle. Call a franchised GMC dealer and ask how to complete the transfer case inspection or replacement without driving the vehicle to the service department.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Dealers will inspect the transfer case and, if needed, replace the transfer case assembly free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What does the do-not-drive instruction mean?
Do not drive the vehicle until the recall remedy is completed. The transfer case defect can make the front or rear wheels lock without warning. If the vehicle has to move, call the dealer first and ask about towing or other transport instructions.
When will GMC notify owners about recall 26V289?
GMC expects to mail owner notification letters on June 22, 2026. You do not have to wait for the letter to check your VIN. If your vehicle is included, reference recall 26V289 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V289000 |
|---|---|
| GMC customer service | 1-800-462-8782 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V289 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V289000 |
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →