Is your GM vehicle displaying a persistent “Shift to Park” message even when you’re clearly in park? You might be dealing with a widespread issue affecting thousands of General Motors vehicles across multiple models and years. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything about the GM shift to park recall, from affected models to legal settlements and what you can do if your vehicle is showing symptoms.
What Exactly Is the GM Shift to Park Problem?
The GM shift to park recall addresses a defect where vehicles fail to recognize when they’ve been properly shifted into the park position. This isn’t just annoying—it creates genuine safety hazards.
When your vehicle has this defect, you’ll notice:
- A persistent “Shift to Park” message on your dashboard
- Inability to turn off your engine completely
- Your vehicle stays in accessory mode, potentially draining your battery
- You might need to wiggle the shifter or try multiple times to get the car to recognize it’s in park
This issue stems from faulty transmission control assemblies (shifter assemblies) that fail to detect when drivers shift into park. The problem has been documented across numerous GM models dating back to 2016.
Vehicles Affected by the GM Shift to Park Recall
The defect impacts a wide range of GM vehicles. If you own any of these models, pay close attention to any shifting irregularities:
- 2016-2019 Chevrolet Malibu
- 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt
- 2017-2019 GMC Acadia
- 2018-2019 Chevrolet Traverse
- 2019 Chevrolet Blazer
- 2021-2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2020-2023 Buick Encore
Additionally, a separate but related parking brake issue affects 2024-2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV models, with GM recalling over 40,000 of these vehicles due to parking brake wiring harness problems.
Latest GM Shift to Park Recall Updates (2025)
Chevrolet Blazer EV Parking Brake Recall
In July 2025, General Motors issued a recall for 40,233 Chevrolet Blazer EVs (model years 2024-2025) due to a defective rear parking brake wiring harness that can become damaged or corroded. This issue can cause:
- Unintended activation of the parking brake while driving
- Complete failure of the parking brake functionality
- Increased risk of crashes or rollaways
GM began notifying affected owners on August 11, 2025. The fix involves rerouting the wiring with anti-abrasive tape or complete replacement if the harness is already damaged.
This problem was first identified in March 2025 after reviewing customer complaints, with GM’s investigation finding 97 related complaints between August 2023 and May 2025.
Class Action Settlement Reached
A major class action settlement was finalized in 2025, covering drivers in Ohio and Tennessee who experienced the “Shift to Park” issue. If you qualify, you could receive:
- $500 cash payment for all eligible class members
- Up to $375 reimbursement for out-of-pocket repair costs
The settlement covers these models:
- Ohio residents: 2017-2019 GMC Acadia, 2019 Chevrolet Blazer, 2016-2019 Chevrolet Malibu, 2018-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt
- Tennessee residents: 2017-2018 GMC Acadia
Important dates for this settlement:
- Claim submission deadline: August 19, 2025
- Exclusion/objection deadline: July 21, 2025
- Final approval hearing: August 22, 2025
Safety Concerns and Risks
The shift to park issue creates several safety concerns that go beyond mere inconvenience:
Rollaway Risk
If your vehicle isn’t properly in park, there’s a risk it could roll away, potentially causing property damage or injuries. This is especially dangerous when parking on inclines or with children in or near the vehicle.
Battery Drain
When your vehicle stays in accessory mode because it doesn’t recognize it’s in park, your battery can drain completely. This might leave you stranded without warning or require frequent jump starts.
Driver Entrapment
Many owners report being temporarily “trapped” in their vehicles, unable to shut them off completely. In extreme weather conditions, this could become dangerous if climate control systems aren’t functioning properly.
GM’s Response to the Shift to Park Issue
General Motors hasn’t issued a comprehensive recall for the traditional “Shift to Park” defect affecting non-EV models. Instead, the company has:
- Released technical service bulletins to dealerships as early as 2018
- Settled class action lawsuits in specific states
- Offered repairs through dealerships (typically involving replacement of the shifter control assembly)
Critics argue that GM has been slow to address the issue comprehensively, with many service bulletins being issued after vehicle warranties had already expired. This has left many owners facing repair bills between $700-$2,000.
How to Check if Your Vehicle Has Been Recalled
If you own a GM vehicle, here’s how to check if it’s subject to the GM shift to park recall or any other safety recall:
- Visit GM’s Owner Center recall page
- Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Check for any active recalls specific to your vehicle
You can also check the NHTSA website for recall information by entering your VIN.
Symptoms of the GM Shift to Park Issue
How do you know if your vehicle has this problem? Look for these telltale signs:
- Dashboard displays “Shift to Park” message even when the shifter is in the park position
- Unable to turn off the vehicle completely
- Key fob can’t be removed (in vehicles without push-button start)
- Need to repeatedly move the shifter between positions to get the car to recognize park
- Vehicle stays in accessory mode, keeping electronics running
- Battery drains unexpectedly when vehicle is parked
Temporary Fixes While Waiting for Repair
If you’re experiencing the shift to park issue and waiting for a permanent fix, try these temporary workarounds:
- Shift to drive then back to park multiple times
- Move the vehicle forward or backward slightly before attempting to park again
- Press firmly on the brake while shifting to park
- Wiggle the shifter slightly after shifting to park
Remember, these are temporary fixes only and won’t resolve the underlying defect.
The Technical Cause of the Problem
The root cause of the shift to park issue is a failure in the transmission range selector lever microswitch. This component is responsible for detecting when the vehicle has been shifted into park.
Over time, these microswitches can wear out or become misaligned, causing the vehicle’s computer to think the transmission is not fully in park even when it is. The issue typically becomes more frequent and persistent as vehicles age.
Cost of Repairs Without Recall Coverage
If your vehicle isn’t covered by a recall or settlement, repair costs can be substantial:
| Repair Type | Estimated Cost | Parts Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Shifter Repair | $400-$700 | Shifter microswitch |
| Shifter Assembly Replacement | $700-$1,200 | Complete shifter assembly |
| Transmission Control Module | $1,200-$2,000 | Electronic control module + labor |
These costs vary by dealership, region, and specific vehicle model.
Ongoing Legal Actions and Your Rights
Multiple class action lawsuits remain active across different states. If you own an affected vehicle but don’t live in Ohio or Tennessee (where settlements have been reached), you may still have legal options.
Under lemon laws in most states, if your vehicle has a substantial defect that can’t be fixed after multiple repair attempts, you may be entitled to:
- A buyback of your vehicle
- A replacement vehicle
- Financial compensation
The specifics vary by state, so consulting with a lemon law attorney in your area is advisable if you’ve had multiple failed repairs.
Other Related GM Recalls in 2025
In addition to the shift to park issues, GM has issued other significant recalls in 2025:
In June 2025, GM recalled over 62,000 Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks (2019-2024) due to brake pressure sensor issues that could cause fires. Owners were advised to park outside until repairs could be completed.
What to Do if You Have the Shift to Park Problem
If you’re experiencing the shift to park issue, take these steps:
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of when the issue occurs, any warning messages, and how it affects your vehicle.
- Contact your GM dealer: Schedule a service appointment and specifically mention the shift to park issue. Reference the appropriate technical service bulletin if possible.
- Check for settlement eligibility: If you live in Ohio or Tennessee, verify if your vehicle is covered by the recent settlement at stplawsuit.com.
- Report to NHTSA: File a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through their website to help establish a pattern of defects.
- Explore lemon law options: If multiple repair attempts have failed, consult with a lemon law attorney to understand your rights.
The Difference Between Official Recalls and Service Bulletins
Many owners are confused about why GM hasn’t issued a comprehensive recall for all affected vehicles. Here’s the distinction between recalls and technical service bulletins:
Safety Recalls: Mandated when a defect creates an unreasonable safety risk. Manufacturers must notify all owners and provide free repairs regardless of vehicle age or warranty status.
Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs): Internal documents for dealership technicians that outline repair procedures for known issues. Unlike recalls, TSBs don’t require manufacturer notification to owners and don’t guarantee free repairs outside of warranty.
For the shift to park issue, GM has primarily relied on TSBs rather than comprehensive recalls, which has been a point of contention in the various lawsuits.
Model-Specific Information
Different GM models experience slightly different versions of the shift to park problem:
Chevrolet Malibu (2016-2019)
These models typically show the issue after 30,000-50,000 miles. The common repair involves replacing the shifter assembly, which houses the faulty microswitch.
GMC Acadia (2017-2019)
Acadia models were among the first to show widespread problems, with many owners reporting issues beginning around 20,000 miles. The problem is particularly common in the 2017 model year.
Chevrolet Volt (2016-2019)
In addition to the standard shift to park message, Volt owners sometimes report that their vehicles won’t enter charge mode properly due to the same underlying issue.
Chevrolet Blazer EV (2024-2025)
The newest recall involves a different but related issue with the parking brake wiring harness. This is separate from the traditional shift to park problem but can cause similar symptoms of being unable to shift out of park.
The GM shift to park recall situation continues to evolve, with new legal developments and technical solutions emerging. By staying informed and knowing your rights as a consumer, you can better navigate this challenging issue and ensure your vehicle operates safely and reliably.
