Image Credit: Chevrolet.General Motors has issued a safety recall affecting more than 26,000 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans after discovering a steering-related defect that could increase the risk of a crash. The problem involves a steering gear assembly that may not have been properly secured during production.According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the defect could reduce steering precision and, in more serious cases, lead to a loss of steering control. GM estimates only a small percentage of the recalled vehicles are actually affected, but the company is recalling the entire population as a precaution.The recall covers certain 2025 and 2026 model-year Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans built over an 18-month production period. These commercial vehicles are widely used by businesses, fleet operators, and passenger transport services across North America.AdvertisementAdvertisementGM says it is not aware of any crashes or injuries linked to the issue. However, the company has received several field reports that may be related to the steering defect.What Caused the Problem?According to the recall report, the issue originates with the steering gear assembly. A malfunctioning sensor at a supplier's manufacturing facility failed to detect when a retaining nut had not been tightened to specification.As a result, some steering gear assemblies may have left production with a loose nut. If the condition develops while the vehicle is being driven, steering performance could gradually deteriorate and increase the likelihood of a crash.Drivers may notice warning signs before a complete failure occurs. GM says affected vehicles could exhibit reduced steering precision or a steering wheel that no longer remains centered while driving in a straight line.Which Vehicles Are Included?Image Credit: GMC.The recall affects a total of 26,541 vehicles across both Chevrolet and GMC brands. Included are certain 2025 and 2026 Chevrolet Express vans built between January 21, 2025, and June 1, 2026, along with 2025 and 2026 GMC Savana vans produced between January 21, 2025, and June 1, 2026.AdvertisementAdvertisementAlthough every vehicle within those production ranges is included in the recall, GM estimates that only about one percent of them actually contain the defect.Dealers Will Inspect and Repair the VansOwners of affected vehicles will be instructed to schedule an appointment with their local GM dealership once recall notifications begin.Dealers will inspect the steering gear assembly and replace it if necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge under the recall program.Because the affected vans remain within their factory warranty period, GM said a reimbursement program for previous repairs will not be offered.Owner Notifications Begin in AugustGM plans to begin notifying owners by mail starting August 10, 2026. Customers can also check whether their vehicle is included by entering its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the NHTSA recall database or GM's owner website.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana remain among the oldest vehicles currently sold by General Motors, with their basic platform dating back to the mid-1990s. Despite their age, the vans continue to serve as popular commercial vehicles thanks to their proven durability and widespread use in fleet applications.In this case, however, GM says the recall is not related to the vans' long-running design. Instead, the issue stems from a supplier quality-control problem that allowed improperly assembled steering components to pass inspection before being installed in customer vehicles.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.