NHTSA Complaint #11540851 — 2014 GMC SIERRA 2500

Backing out of driveway, suddenly lost the transmission. I was stranded at about a 45-degree angle into the traffic lane. I had no gear position indication (an automatic) and couldn't move the truck under it's own power. Shut it off and restarted twice before I got it into "limp-mode" and, while abrupt and harsh, managed to get back into my driveway. Found fault code U0101, Lost Communication with TCM (Transmission Control Module). Had never heard that this has become a common problem. Discovered quickly GM has no parts available, no repairs available, and that it is happening to thousands of GM trucks from model years 2008 to 2015. The truck is useless without this module function. We use this truck to tow a 12000+ lb. travel trailer. I can't imagine how bad this could have been in freeway traffic with such a load. Have been told GM put the part on a national back order in October of 2022, with no estimate of availability. It's now late August of 2023 and still nothing available. Has me concerned that one of these vehicles could stall right in front of me in traffic! I can't afford to replace this vehicle, can't move it, and am relegated to going to work on a motorcycle- in traffic with other GM trucks just waiting to experience this failure. And winter is coming...