GM recalls 2013 Cadillac SRX, Buick LaCrosse for software fix

General Motors is recalling about 26,500 copies of the 2013 Buick LaCrosse sedan and Cadillac SRX crossover for a software problem that could cause the automatic transmission to shift out of manual mode.

The affected vehicles are equipped with the Driver Shift Control feature, which allows the driver to shift the automatic transmission similar to a manual transmission. GM said in a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the software problem may cause the transmission to shift unexpectedly from manual mode back to the automatic transmission, which removes any transmission-related engine braking. NHTSA said the unexpected loss of engine braking could cause a crash.

GM said in the filing that the manual mode can be re-engaged by moving the shift lever to Drive, and then back to manual mode.

The problem affects 24,752 Cadillac SRX and 1,861 Buick LaCrosse vehicles.

The Cadillacs were built between May 29 and Feb. 18, and the LaCrosses were built between April 25 and March 6.

The recall is expected to begin March 28. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control at no charge.

By Angie Fisher