Chevrolet Silverado Transmission Problems by Year 2014-2024
The 8-speed shudder bulletin, the three power train recalls, and complaint counts for each year
If your Silverado 1500 shakes at a steady speed, the answer is usually in GM bulletin 18-NA-355, not in a recall. This guide separates the two, lists the power train recalls that do exist, and shows how many owners have complained to NHTSA about each model year. Figures last checked September 18, 2026.
Silverado 1500 by Model Year: Complaints, Recalls and the 8-Speed Bulletin
Start with the recall question, because it is the one most owners ask. No 2014-2018 Silverado 1500 has a power train recall on file with NHTSA as of September 18, 2026. The well-known 8-speed shudder on 2015-2018 trucks is handled by a GM service bulletin, 18-NA-355. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers. It is not a recall, so outside of warranty the owner normally pays.
Three power train recalls do exist, all on newer trucks. Recall 20V-650 covers a driveshaft weld on certain 2019-2020 trucks. Recall 24V-797 and its follow-up 26V-083 cover a transmission control valve on certain 2020-2022 diesel trucks that can fail and lock the rear wheels.
By complaint count, the 2019 stands out with 323 power train complaints, the most of any year here. The 2021 follows with 233, and the 2017 and 2020 have 224 each. These are owner reports to NHTSA, not confirmed failures, and they cover the whole power train rather than the transmission alone.
The 8-speed automatic arrived for 2015. A 2014 Silverado 1500 has a 6-speed, so the shudder bulletin does not apply to it.
| Model year | Power train complaints (NHTSA) | Power train recalls | All recalls on file | First thing to check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 191 | None | 6 | A 6-speed truck, so bulletin 18-NA-355 does not apply. Delayed engagement or a hard 1-2 shift calls for a fluid check and a code scan. |
| 2015 | 147 | None | 11 | First year of the 8-speed. A rumble-strip shake at a steady speed between 25 and 80 mph is the bulletin 18-NA-355 pattern. Ask whether the fluid exchange was ever done. |
| 2016 | 193 | None | 11 | Same bulletin as the 2015. Eleven recalls on file and none of them power train, so run the VIN but do not expect a transmission recall. |
| 2017 | 224 | None | 6 | The bulletin covers 8-speed trucks with the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines (GM codes L83, L86 and L8B). Find out which transmission you have before paying for anything. |
| 2018 | 171 | None | 7 | Last model year the bulletin lists for the Silverado. If the shudder came back after a fluid exchange, the torque converter is the next thing to test. |
| 2019 | 323 | 20V-650 (driveshaft weld) | 10 | Most complaints of any year here. Run the VIN for 20V-650. The August 2019 version of the bulletin lists the Silverado only through 2018, so a 2019 that shudders gets normal diagnosis rather than an automatic fluid exchange. |
| 2020 | 224 | 20V-650, 24V-797, 26V-083 | 12 | Run the VIN. 24V-797 and 26V-083 apply to diesel trucks only: the transmission control valve can fail and lock the rear wheels. |
| 2021 | 233 | 24V-797, 26V-083 (diesel trucks) | 8 | Diesel owners: confirm that both the original recall and the 26V-083 re-repair were completed. Gas trucks have no power train recall on file. |
| 2022 | 175 | 24V-797, 26V-083 (diesel trucks) | 6 | Same two diesel recalls as the 2021. 26V-083 exists because some trucks were repaired incorrectly under 24V-797, so one past recall visit does not settle it. |
| 2023 | 104 | None | 3 | No power train recall. Newer trucks have had less time to collect complaints, so a low count is not a clean bill of health. |
| 2024 | 93 | None | 2 | Fewest complaints here and no power train recall. If the truck is still inside GM's powertrain warranty, start with the dealer. |
Complaint counts are owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the Silverado 1500 whose component includes power train, pulled September 18, 2026. They are reports, not confirmed failures. Recall counts and campaign numbers come from NHTSA's recall records for each model year. A recall covers certain trucks in a year, so your VIN decides whether yours is included. Heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 trucks are not counted here.
- NHTSA recall lookup by VIN
- NHTSA complaint and recall data (datasets and APIs)
- GM bulletin 18-NA-355, August 2019 version: shake or shudder between 25 and 80 mph (NHTSA copy)
- Chevrolet owner's manuals (maintenance schedule and fluid specifications)
Match the symptom to the next step
- A steady-speed shake that feels like rumble strips, on a 2015-2018 8-speed. That is the pattern in bulletin 18-NA-355, and GM's correction is a complete fluid exchange with Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP. A road test confirms the pattern before any fluid goes in. Transmission diagnostics
- The shudder came back after the fluid exchange. Fresh fluid cannot restore a worn torque converter clutch. At that point the converter, and the transmission behind it, need to be evaluated. Transmission rebuild
- A 2020-2022 diesel, or a 2019-2020 truck with the driveshaft recall still open. Recall work is done free by a Chevrolet dealer, and an independent shop cannot perform it. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov and book the dealer first. For anything a recall does not cover, see Chevrolet repair in Rohnert Park
- You tow, haul or climb Sonoma County grades regularly. GM's severe-service schedule puts the fluid and filter change at every 45,000 miles. Transmission service
- Red fluid under the front of the truck. Low fluid overheats a transmission quickly, especially with a trailer behind it. Have the cooler lines checked before the next trip. Transmission cooler service
Common Chevrolet Silverado Transmission Problems
Based on our 45+ years of experience, these are the most common transmission issues we see with this vehicle model.
2020-2022 Diesel Trucks: Transmission Control Valve Recall
NHTSA recall 24V-797 covers certain 2020-2022 Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks with diesel engines: the transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up. Recall 26V-083, filed in February 2026, covers 2020-2022 Silverado 1500 trucks that may have been repaired incorrectly under the first recall. Both repairs are free at a Chevrolet dealer. Run your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before anything else.
Common Symptoms
- •Rear wheels lock up momentarily while driving
- •Recall 24V-797 or 26V-083 shows as open on a VIN lookup
- •Truck was repaired under 24V-797 but never rechecked under 26V-083
Immediate attention required! This issue can lead to complete transmission failure if not addressed.
2015-2018 8-Speed Torque Converter Shudder (Bulletin 18-NA-355)
GM bulletin 18-NA-355 covers 2015-2018 Silverado trucks with the 8-speed automatic and the L83, L86 or L8B V8 engines. GM names the cause as torque converter clutch shudder and the correction as a complete fluid exchange with blue label Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP. The bulletin tells dealers that no diagnosis beyond the owner's complaint is needed on trucks built before its production cutoff dates. It is a bulletin, not a recall, so there is no free repair once the warranty has run out.
Common Symptoms
- •Shake or shudder under light throttle at a steady speed between 25 and 80 mph
- •Feels like driving over rumble strips or rough concrete expansion joints
- •Happens while the transmission is holding a gear, not during a shift
- •May ease after a fluid exchange and return later if the converter clutch is already worn
Immediate attention required! This issue can lead to complete transmission failure if not addressed.
Harsh Shifts When Cylinder Deactivation Switches (AFM)
Active Fuel Management switches the V8 between 4 and 8 cylinder modes, and some owners feel that change as a rough shift. The first job is to work out whether the engine or the transmission is causing it, because the repairs are completely different.
Common Symptoms
- •Harsh shifts when AFM activates/deactivates
- •Transmission hunting between gears
- •Reduced fuel economy
- •Check engine light with AFM codes
8-Speed Loss of Drive With a Whining Noise
A whine followed by no movement points to lost hydraulic pressure, and metal in the pan means internal parts have been damaged. There is no GM recall for this on the Silverado 1500. Have the truck towed rather than driven, because running a transmission with no line pressure spreads the damage.
Common Symptoms
- •Loud whining noise from transmission area
- •No movement in any gear
- •Metal debris in transmission pan
- •Complete loss of line pressure
Immediate attention required! This issue can lead to complete transmission failure if not addressed.
Harsh 1-2 Shift
A common complaint. Fluid level and condition, stored codes and the current software calibration are the first things to check. Valve body work comes only after those are ruled out.
Common Symptoms
- •Hard jolt when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear
- •More pronounced when cold
- •Neck-snapping shift quality
- •May improve slightly when warm
Transmission Cooler Line Leaks
Cooler lines and their fittings can seep or leak as the truck ages. The leak itself is a small repair. The damage comes from driving on low fluid, which overheats the transmission quickly under a trailer or on a long grade.
Common Symptoms
- •Red fluid under front of vehicle
- •Low transmission fluid warnings
- •Overheating when towing
- •Wet or seeping cooler line fittings
Shift to Park Message
Faulty shift position switch or wiring issue causes false "Shift to Park" messages. Usually resolved with switch replacement or harness repair.
Common Symptoms
- •"Shift to Park" message despite being in Park
- •Unable to turn off vehicle
- •Key stuck in ignition
- •Random battery drain
Delayed Engagement
Can indicate low fluid pressure, worn clutches, or valve body issues. Early diagnosis important to prevent further damage. On a 2020-2022 diesel, check recalls 24V-797 and 26V-083 first.
Common Symptoms
- •2-3 second delay when shifting from Park
- •RPMs flare before engagement
- •Worse when cold
- •Clunk when finally engages
Not seeing your specific issue? Our ASE-certified technicians can diagnose any transmission problem.
Contact Our ExpertsChevrolet Silverado Transmission Services Available
Professional transmission repair services tailored to your Chevrolet Silverado. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your vehicle's specific needs.
Our Services Include:
8-Speed Fluid Exchange (Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP)
Complete fluid exchange with the blue label Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP that GM bulletin 18-NA-355 names as the correction for torque converter shudder.
Torque Converter Replacement
Replace a worn torque converter when the shudder returns after the fluid exchange. Includes fluid service.
Transmission Calibration Check
Confirm the truck is running GM's current transmission software before any parts are replaced.
Valve Body Replacement
Replace or rebuild valve body to correct shifting issues.
Transmission Rebuild
Complete 8L90 transmission overhaul with updated components. Includes warranty.
Cooler Line Replacement
Replace leaking cooler lines and fittings, then confirm fluid level and cooler flow.
Shift Position Switch Repair
Replace faulty park position switch and repair wiring as needed.
Get Your Personalized Quote
Every Chevrolet Silverado is unique, and repair costs can vary based on:
- ✓Your vehicle's specific condition and mileage
- ✓The extent of repairs needed
- ✓Parts availability and options (OEM vs. aftermarket)
- ✓Any additional services discovered during inspection
professional diagnostics: We provide comprehensive diagnostic services at no charge to accurately identify your transmission issues before any work begins. You'll receive a detailed written estimate with transparent pricing.
Why Choose Rohnert Park Transmission?
Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees or surprise charges. You approve all work before we begin.
Expert Technicians
ASE-certified specialists with extensive Chevrolet Silverado experience.
Quality Parts
We use OEM or equivalent quality parts for lasting repairs.
Convenient Service
Quick turnaround times and loaner vehicles available.
Chevrolet Silverado Transmission Maintenance Schedule
GM's severe-service schedule, printed in the 2019 and 2021 Silverado owner's manuals, calls for an automatic transmission fluid and filter change every 45,000 miles. Those are the two manuals we checked, so confirm the interval for your own year in the manual that came with the truck. Rows marked as shop advice are our recommendation, not GM's.
Professional Tip from Rohnert Park Transmission
Regular transmission fluid changes are the single most important maintenance item for preventing costly repairs. We recommend checking your fluid level and condition every 3,000 miles or during regular oil changes.
Schedule Maintenance CheckChevrolet Silverado Recalls & Technical Service Bulletins
Stay informed about important safety recalls and manufacturer service bulletins for your vehicle.
Safety Recalls (NHTSA)
Driveshaft Joint May Not Be Properly Welded
Recall ID: 20V-650
Certain 2019-2020 Silverado 1500 trucks. One of the driveshaft joints may not have been properly welded, which can let the driveshaft separate while the truck is moving.
Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer, not at an independent shop. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, then book the recall with the dealer.
Transmission Control Valve May Fail (Diesel Engines)
Recall ID: 24V-797
Certain 2020-2022 Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer, not at an independent shop. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, then book the recall with the dealer.
Re-Repair of Trucks Fixed Incorrectly Under 24V-797
Recall ID: 26V-083
2020-2022 Silverado 1500 trucks that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V-797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer, not at an independent shop. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, then book the recall with the dealer.
Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)
What are TSBs? Technical Service Bulletins are manufacturer advisories about known issues and recommended repair procedures. They are not recalls but provide valuable repair guidance.
Shake and/or Shudder During Light Throttle Acceleration Between 25 and 80 MPH at Steady Speed
TSB #18-NA-355 • Issued: 2019-01-17
Released January 17, 2019 and revised through August 2019. Covers 2015-2018 Silverado trucks with the 8-speed automatic and the L83, L86 or L8B engines. GM names the cause as torque converter clutch shudder and the correction as a complete fluid exchange with blue label Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP. Trucks built after the bulletin's production cutoff dates left the factory with that fluid, so they get normal diagnosis instead. A bulletin is not a recall, so outside of warranty the owner normally pays for the work.
Related Symptoms:
Not Sure If It Is a Recall or a Repair?
Recall work is done free by the dealer. Everything else is where we come in: we diagnose the Chevrolet Silverado, tell you whether the symptom matches an open recall or a service bulletin, and handle the repairs that are not covered by a recall.
Related Vehicle Repair Guides
Silverado Engine Problems Guide
Complete guide to all Silverado engine problems by model year (1999-2025)
View Guide →2011 Silverado Engine Guide
Complete guide to 2011 Silverado 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.2L V8 engines, AFM issues, and repair options
View Guide →2013 Silverado 1500 Engine Guide
Complete guide to 2013 Silverado 1500 engines including 4.3L V6, 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.2L V8 specs, AFM problems, and repair costs
View Guide →Silverado Check Engine Light Flashing Guide
Expert guide to intermittent check engine light flashing on Silverados
View Guide →Reduced Engine Power Silverado Guide
Complete troubleshooting for Reduced Engine Power warning
View Guide →Ford F-150 Repair Guide
Compare transmission issues with Ford's best-selling truck
View Guide →GMC Repair in Rohnert Park
The Sierra shares the Silverado's transmissions. See how we handle GMC trucks.
View Guide →Chevrolet Repair in Rohnert Park
Everything we do for Chevrolet cars and trucks
View Guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a recall on the 2016 Silverado transmission?
No. As of September 18, 2026, NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2016 Silverado 1500 and none of them is a power train recall. The same is true for every model year from 2014 through 2018. The well-known 8-speed shudder is covered by GM bulletin 18-NA-355, and a bulletin is not a recall, so outside of warranty the owner normally pays for the repair. Recalls are issued by VIN, so check your own truck at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Which Silverado 1500 years have a transmission or driveline recall?
Three power train recalls are on file for 2014-2024 trucks. Recall 20V-650 covers certain 2019-2020 trucks with a driveshaft joint that may not have been welded properly. Recall 24V-797 covers certain 2020-2022 diesel trucks whose transmission control valve may fail and lock up the rear wheels. Recall 26V-083 covers 2020-2022 trucks that may have been repaired incorrectly under 24V-797. Recall repairs are free at a Chevrolet dealer. An independent shop like ours cannot perform them.
What is GM bulletin 18-NA-355?
It is GM's service bulletin for a shake or shudder under light throttle between 25 and 80 mph at a steady speed, when the transmission is not shifting. GM released it on January 17, 2019 and revised it through August 2019. For the Silverado it covers 2015-2018 trucks with the 8-speed automatic and the L83, L86 or L8B engines. GM names the cause as torque converter clutch shudder and the correction as a fluid exchange with blue label Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP.
Why does my Silverado shudder at highway speed?
On a 2015-2018 truck with the 8-speed, the first suspect is torque converter clutch shudder. GM's bulletin says owners describe it as driving over rumble strips, between 25 and 80 mph, under light throttle, while the transmission holds a gear. If the shake shows up during a shift, or only at one road speed, look elsewhere first: tires, the driveshaft, or an engine misfire. A road test with a scan tool watching converter clutch slip separates the two.
What fluid does the Silverado 8-speed take?
GM bulletin 18-NA-355 calls for blue label Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP, and trucks built after the bulletin's production cutoff dates left the factory with it. Refilling an 8-speed with the older fluid undoes the bulletin's fix. For any other Silverado transmission, use the fluid named in that truck's owner's manual.
How much does it cost to rebuild a Silverado transmission?
The cost of a complete 8L90 transmission rebuild varies based on the extent of damage and specific parts needed. All rebuilds include necessary updates and our comprehensive 2-year/24,000-mile warranty. The 6-speed models typically require less complex repairs. Call (707) 584-7727 for a personalized quote based on your vehicle's specific condition.
Is the 8-speed transmission better than the 6-speed?
Both have their pros and cons. The 8-speed offers better fuel economy and smoother operation when working properly, but 2015-2018 trucks are the ones covered by GM's shudder bulletin. The 6-speed is the older, simpler design.
When should I change my Silverado transmission fluid?
GM's severe-service schedule in the 2019 and 2021 Silverado owner's manuals calls for a transmission fluid and filter change every 45,000 miles. Severe service includes towing, hauling, hilly terrain and heavy stop-and-go traffic, which describes a lot of Sonoma County driving. Those are the two manuals we checked, so confirm the schedule for your year in your own manual.
My 2016 Silverado shudders on the highway. Is it fixable?
Often, yes. A 2016 with the 8-speed falls inside GM bulletin 18-NA-355, and the first step is the fluid exchange the bulletin describes. If the shudder is still there after the exchange, the torque converter is the next suspect. Call (707) 584-7727 to book a road test.
Which Silverado year has the most transmission complaints?
The 2019 model year, with 323 power train complaints filed with NHTSA as of September 18, 2026. Next come 2021 with 233, then 2017 and 2020 with 224 each. The 2024 model year has the fewest so far, at 93. These are owner reports, not confirmed defects, and newer trucks have had less time to collect them.
What is AFM and why does it affect my transmission?
Active Fuel Management (AFM) switches the V8 between 4-cylinder and 8-cylinder operation to save fuel. Some owners feel a harsh shift or gear hunting as it switches. If yours does, have the engine and transmission scanned for codes before assuming AFM is the cause.
Why does my Silverado say "Shift to Park" when it is already in Park?
The message appears when the truck does not detect that the shifter is in Park, even though it is. The truck may not shut down fully, which can drain the battery. The usual causes are the park position switch in the shifter or its wiring. It is an electrical fault, not an internal transmission failure.
My 2022 Silverado hesitates when cold. Why?
A pause of a few seconds before Drive engages on a cold morning can come from low fluid, worn fluid, or a control problem. On a 2020-2022 diesel, check recalls 24V-797 and 26V-083 at nhtsa.gov/recalls first, because both involve the transmission control valve. If no recall is open, a scan and a fluid level check are the starting point. Call (707) 584-7727.
Have more questions about your Chevrolet Silverado?
Talk to Our ExpertsTrusted Chevrolet Silverado Transmission Repair in Sonoma County
For over 45 years, Rohnert Park Transmission has been the go-to shop for Chevrolet owners throughout Sonoma County. Our ASE-certified technicians specialize in Silverado transmission repair and maintenance.
Why Choose Rohnert Park Transmission?
- ✓Factory-trained technicians specializing in Chevrolet transmissions
- ✓State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment for accurate problem identification
- ✓Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- ✓Same-day service for most transmission repairs
- ✓Convenient location serving Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, and Petaluma