Years affected, the mileage it usually shows up at, and what fixes it
About this problem
Automatic transmission complaints describe harsh or delayed shifts, jerking at low speed, hesitation when pulling away and flaring between gears. Newer transmissions with many gears rely heavily on software, and some problems are fixed by updates or by relearning shift patterns. Others come from worn valve bodies, torque converters or clutch packs and need a rebuild or replacement.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 since 2012, 469 (4.9%) describe transmission shudder and harsh shifting, the third most reported problem we track on the Silverado 1500. The reports cluster on the 2016, 2017 and 2019 model years, and the 2019 drew the most, with 95. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 9,000 and 76,000 miles. 5 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Chevrolet has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Complaints describe the Silverado 1500's automatic transmission shuddering at highway speeds, clunking into gear and shifting harshly, especially the 8-speed trucks. Some owners say the problem shows up mostly when cold or in stop-and-go traffic, others at highway speeds. The 2016, 2017 and 2019 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Dealers usually start with a transmission software update (a re-flash) and a fluid change. If that does not help, a valve body, torque converter or full transmission replacement may follow.
Typical cost: A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"The power train delays shifting from 1st to 2nd gear resulting in hesitation in forward movement or a very hard, abrupt lurching forward shift. This happen on the first drive of the day and then intermittently throughout the day."
2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 12,100 miles
"When I first purchased this vehicle it has always shifted hard and shuddered. I took it to the shop and they told me it was because my auto 4 wheel drive was on."
2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 100,000 miles
"I have a 2016 Chevy Silverado high country 6.2l engine 8 speed transmission 38,000 miles. Transmission either hesitates or shifts roughly when accelerating."
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 38,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Chevrolet has sent dealers 111 bulletins that mention this problem on the Silverado 1500. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
N182188930-01 - Special Coverage (Added Customer Reimbursement Labor Codes).
15111 - special coverage.
This service bulletin provides a procedure to repair wiring to correct customer concerns of Driveability, Hesitation, Transmission Shifting Rough/Harsh, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated.
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
This service bulletin provides service /diagnostic information to aid with a Transmission Harsh 1-2 Shift Upon First Start Up/Shift of the Day Under Light Throttle.
This service bulletin advises the technician to check if the transmission cooler lines are twisted to correct customer concerns of Harsh Shift, Shudder, Surge, Stall, Transmission Overheating and/or High Transmission Fluid Temp...
Before you buy a Silverado 1500
- On the test drive, accelerate gently and firmly, and pay attention to the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts and to coasting down to a stop.
- Ask whether transmission software updates or a fluid flush have been done.
- Walk away from a car that clunks into gear or flares the engine speed between shifts.
Questions
Which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years have transmission shudder and harsh shifting?
Complaints are highest for the 2016, 2017, 2019 model years. The 2019 drew the most, with 95 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 32,000 miles, and half reported it between 9,000 and 76,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.