More Owners Complain Of GM Transmission Defect Amid Pending Lawsuit
193Sponsored Links
This past April, a class-action lawsuit surfaced as consumers bound together to voice their displeasure over General Motors vehicles. Specifically, models equipped with the eight-speed automatic transmission. Now, more owners are speaking out.
Local North Carolina news station Action 9 WSOCTV reported on one local owner who showed the problem off for the camera. While the lawsuit alleges shakes, jerks, or a “hard shift” when selecting a gear with the automatic transmission, this owner highlighted the “Chevy shudder,” as he called it. At speed, he showed the steering wheel shuddering and shaking. He claims the problem is nearly constant in his $52,000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
GM told the news station that owners should visit a dealership to walk through the protocols with a technician to solve the problem. Numerous technical service bulletins (13 as of this past April) exist for issues like so many owners describe in their vehicles.
The transmission is the 8L90 or 8L45 automatic transmission, which is found in numerous GM vehicles. The transmission pairs to cars on a rear-wheel-drive architecture, meaning owners of GM’s sports cars, luxury sedans, trucks, and SUVs have the 8-speed automatic transmission in question. A full list of vehicles that house the transmission is below:
- 2015-2019 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2017-2019 Chevrolet Colorado
- 2015-2019 Chevrolet Corvette
- 2016-2019 Chevrolet Camaro
- 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
- 2016-2019 Cadillac ATS and ATS-V
- 2016-2019 Cadillac CTS and CTS-V
- 2016-2019 Cadillac CT6
- 2015-2019 GMC Sierra
- 2015-2019 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
- 2017-2019 GMC Canyon.
Supposedly, the problem is most common when accelerating or decelerating as the transmission moves to select another gear, though, it’s not specific to a gear in particular.
In the lawsuit filed earlier this year, owners said the issue may be the torque converter, which could be exposed to undue friction. In this case, gears may not function properly as metal shavings move throughout the transmission. We need to note this is not a definite cause and only an alleged problem stated in the lawsuit.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more GM recall news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Source: Action 9 WSOCTV
- Sweepstakes Of The Month: Win a 2023 Corvette Z06 Convertible. Details here.
Sponsored Links
100% unacceptable. How is it that FCA’s RWD based ZF 8 speed shifts perfectly fine and has been a rugged unit and GM keeps screwing up on their transmissions? And we are supposed to trust GM power-train for self driving and fully electric vehicles? When will these clowns get it into their academic bean counter skulls that what you do today in the here and now is going to fully dictate how your company is going to be perceived moving forward. They have burned so many bridges and here we are in 2019 with more half baked unfinished crap. And its not like this transmission just came out. There have been enough years where this nonsense should have been corrected by now! Its a shame that it takes a lawsuit to get a main part of your new 50-100K GM product corrected that you spent your hard earned money on.
FCA’s ZF 8 speed has NOT been rugged and reliable. My brother’s 2014 Grand Cherokee was in the shop several times for transmission issues including refusing to shift out of 2nd gear, another time wouldn’t shift into ANY gear. He now owns a 2015 Silverado that has zero issues.
The Grand Cherokee is a chrysler made little bro. of the mopar brand! It’s either the assembly or the material make-up of the components size choices is the fault inside of each “transmission of any brand-maker’s”!! If 1 assembly copy is assembled differently; then that’s the issue! From assembly plant-hot rodding!
Recently purchased a 2020 GMC Canyon v6 4×4 truck in July. The shift between First and second is rough and clunky when the truck is cold. Currently there is 150 km on the truck. The steering wheel is also 10 degrees off center on the straight sections of the highway. It appears that the driver’s wheel was not centered properly during the factory wheel alignment. I am losing confidence in this $ 50,000 plus GMC truck. They will not win customers by selling problems ! ☹️
The ZF 8 speed automatic is among the best transmissions in the world. GM uses the in-house solution to save money. They know it’s crap but the bean counters figured they could abuse their customers for a few years until the 10A was ready.
The ZF 8 spd might be good, but the FCA-built licensed versions suck something awful, especially the 845RE/850RE behind the Pentastar V-6. Lots of software/electronics issues, solenoids, parking pawl issues, bad valve bodies, etc. Those behind the V-8 are supposed to be better…maybe…if you get one of the ones made in Germany…
GM is no better or worse than any other manufacturers. It all depends on specific models with specific options if you have a chance of getting a good one or a lemon. Step right up and roll the dice…
Meanwhile, my 2014 Grand Cherokee with the 845RE, Pentastar, and tow package has done amazing ever since the software updates were applied to correct shift behavior.
The ZF 8-speed is absolutely one of the best designed and best executed automatic transmissions in the business, finding use in everything from compact luxury cars to SUVs to 1500 series trucks all the way up to the Rolls Royce Phantom/Cullinan and Bentley Bentayga.
I have a 2020 Chevy Silverado Custom with 8,200 miles. Last night while trick was idling at a drive thru the check engine light came on. When I went to drive away the truck shuddered hard. I pulled over turned truck off cranked it back up. Check engine light still on. I tried to drive it to dealer and it wouldn’t shift out if first even manually. Truck RPM would go up but transmission wouldn’t shift. I had to have truck towed to dealership. I have only made 3 payments so far. Seems like this is a on going transmission issue.
They are junk trannys, and GM customer service is of no help what so ever! I called to file complaint about my 2016 Silverado tranny and all I got is that they are aware of the problem
You’re lucky they recognized the problem. My dealer told me they are unaware of any complaints with their transmissions. I said, there is a fkn class action lawsuit over it and the only reason I know about it cause my rear end locked up during a downshift from 3rd to 2nd gear and nearly gave me a heart attack.. Essentially the rear end didn’t lock up because of defective rear end, it was the transmission locking up for 1 second during the shift that caused the rear wheel to lock up and squeal
Mine just went out and I can’t get a hold of anyone! 🙁
Is it an 8 speed or a 10?This is exactly what my 2020 RST 6.2L 10speed went through.Im now waiting on GM to redesign/engineer an entirely new valve body for the transmission(with no eta of repair).Been without my vehicle for 3 weeks and of course the dealer refused a buyback/straight trade.Get ready for some frustration and a Chevy Traxx loaner…
That isn’t the transmission. It’s likely a misfiring cylinder, possibly due to the AFM. It happened to my 18’ Sierra today. Getting it towed to the dealership tomorrow. Should be warrantied, but afterwards I’m buying the Range AFM Disabler, which disables the V4 mode and is reported to reduce the AFM issues. Just be sure to remove it before taking the truck in for service.
My 2015 Silverado done the same thing at 8000 miles and it was a defective transmission module . Which was under warranty at that time .
Thank God its under warranty. Point is, it shouldnt be an issue on vehicles new or not very old. Im pissed that I was never told to change tranny fluids.
2018 ct 6. 2.0 turbo:. At 20,000 had the transmission oil changed. This fixed the sturdering:. Now at 25,000 it some times pauses between 1 and 2 gears, but the very worst is the ( feels like I have been rear ended by another car). This happens at near stopped motion. At times it is very server.
I had the same issue a my 2020 GMC AT4. Had to wait 4 hours on the interstate for a wrecker. Dealer said transmission needed to be reprogrammed. Now I’m seeing all these comments and realize there is a bigger problem, and all this happened at the 550 mile mark on the odometer. Now at 4000 miles, I went to leave the house this evening and it is dead as as dead gets. Lights up the cluster, but does nothing else. Starter does not even engage. I am of the belief I have purchased a lemon! Although, I’m sure the manufacturer would not agree. So far I would not recommend GMC to anyone.
I was about to buy a GMC truck but with all these comments abd issues I’ll look elsewhere
How do get in on this lawsuit ? I was on my way to OK from IL when the noise my GMC tranny caused me to turn around and head home with high hopes that I would make it. I did, and its been in the shop now for 4 weeks while waiting my turn just to get looked at, order and receive a new transmission, then installation. Im out the use of my truck for a month that Im still making payments on. Feels like I’m paying for nothing. Also kept me from my trip because I dont trust the loaner vehicle. My truck is only 3 years old 😣😡
Yes we have a Silverado 1500 2019 bought it brand new didn’t even have 3 miles on it has been nothing but trouble transmission ….
Bought brand new GMC Canyon JULY 2020. It has a clunky / harsh 1- 2 shift when cold, and when going up incline. Clunky shift from park to first? WTH?
There has been a problem with these transmissions since 2015 and the only action offered in 5 years is a change in transmission fluid ? There seems to be a recurring personification theme going on that a transmission is learning, but usually transmissions get worse over time not better. So if there is a problem when still relatively new what will it be like after 30 to 40 thousand miles ? The transmission should function properly from the start. I have a 1986 Chevy Wrangler with a bullet proof transmission, the eight speeds are far from that. GMC needs to identify the problems and fix them, rather than blowing smoke up everyone’s ass. When people spend their hard earned money on a product , in this
case 50 to 100 thousand dollars , they expect the product to last a reasonable length of time. It is not just about selling a vehicle, but also about winning a loyal customer base for the future. I have been a GM / Chevy customer for 40 years , but this ongoing GM transmission issue has really pissed me off. In the light of the GM eight speed a 15 year warranty would not be enough. If any of this new multi speed transmission stuff is for improved fuel economy, I say screw the mileage thing a build a strong transmission. I would rather paid 5 dollars a litre for fuel than have a crappy transmission in a new vehicle.
Wish I had veen notified to change transmission fluid. I wouldnt be without my truck for a month maybe had I been told.
General Motors customer service at its finest.
Or General Motors LACK of customer service.
Or General Motors LACK of customer respect.
Or General Motors TERRIABLE customer experience.
Whatever your General Motors KNOWN FAULTY PARTS issues are, In the eyes of General motors, you are complaining.
General Motors, take your vehicle to the dealer, so the dealer can charge the CUSTOMER more money.
General Motors, use the lemon law, so that will cost the CUSTOMER more money.
General motors, hire an attorney, so that will cost the CUSTOMER more money.
I am curious when General Motors receives KNOWN FAULTY PARTS from a supplier that are out of spec, is GENERAL MOTORS complaining when they address the KNOWN FAULTY parts with the suppliers QUALITY department ?
WHO labeled this complaining ?
Customer complaints. Makes it sound like its the customers fault they bought a FAULTY vehicle.
You know you had a choice, you didn’t have to buy a GM vehicle, now live with it !!!
That would be fine if the product was represented as FAULTY at purchase.
In General Motors eyes, unless this, or any other, KNOWN FAULTY PART, costs human life, or is deemed a safety concern by the government, GM has ZERO responsibility to do anything, and if GM does fix a KNOWN FAULTY part issue GM thinks they are doing you – us – the CUSTOMER a favor.
GM ” we build a truck for work”, the fan boys, ” if you buy another brand it will fail you “. Seriously, JUST LIKE THIS !!!
You can’t have it both ways, either GM builds a quality product and stands behind it, or they don’t.
You can’t say you do, and follow that comment up with NOTHING, a LAWSUIT, a LEMON LAW.
GM, if you can’t fix the transmission, buy back the vehicles, or give a working replacement.
GM surely won’t buy them back, they don’t want a KNOWN FAULTY VEHICLE.
In my opinion!!!
Owning one of these and knowing what is really going on here is what is known.
#1 not all transmissions are having this issue. The majority are working fine but their is an larger than normal number with this issue.
#2 GM has been trying to solver this. Early on they did electronic programming. They then would change the converter. Later they even changed the transmissions. All this did not solve the issue. Now they have gone though a series of new transmission fluid to deal with what is claimed a moisture absorption issue with the original fluid. Mobil One has made several fluids and the latest appears to be working in most cases so far.
#3 a large number of people also have done the buy out with GM as they have done many with no issues.
Now some here like to rant on topics they have no connection to. But I as an owner on this have monitored this for the last couple years with people on the forums that have the issues and also I keep up with the TSB’s.
The other thing I have learned is that GM is not alone as several other MFGs have had moisture issues with their fluids and it also created Shudder in their vehicles.
The latest TSB is using a new Mobile One fluid and a new machine that totally flushes the transmission and converter. It is easy to get done by just contacting the dealer and having it done. So far it appears to fix most of the issues due to this.
The real question is why are only some having this issue?
My Canyon had a Seal issue that would let the converter drain back early on and the dealer fixed it with a new converter and transmission. As of now my transmission is flawless in shift.
This is what really is happening. I have skin in this game and at this point I am not worried. I expect GM will announce a extended time on the flush TSB for higher time or miles to cover owners.
As many gun owner know today many new transmission fluids have very different Hygroscopic qualities today and many can absorb moisture.
Audi had issues just like this and in their case it was traced back to transmission coolers leaking in the radiator. Where the moisture from the GM issue is coming from is unknown. But also why are only some having the issue while others are just fine?
“The real question is why are only some having this issue?” No idea. I have a 2019 Canyon V6 4×4 (8-speed) and I have some rough shifting at times at very low speeds (think parking lot speeds or stop sign to stop sign on short streets). I don’t notice it at higher speeds (normal 30 mph city or highway speeds).
The low speed hard shift is normal. If the driveline is under a load it is not there. Also cold effects it. While a nuance it is not the problem.
The issue is the shudder and it will shake a vehicle hard at 40-45 mph. If you have it you will not miss it.
My hard first to second gear is not like it was when new and warm fluid makes it go away. I know what you mean for sure though.
Good to know. I am just shy of 1800 miles on my Canyon after a month and a half of ownership.
I am 3 years in and mine is not like it was new. I suspect the programming int he transmission has adjusted to it. The transmission has a learn feature and it takes time to adjust.
I still get a firm shift after sitting out all day at work in 20 degree or colder temps but in 3 miles it goes away.
It often is worse if you lift on the gas before it shifts. If it is under load it is smooth.
If you have the shudder issue it is mostly 40-45 mph and often going up a grade. it is like a slipping clutch. It can be mild or it can shake like a mother. If you feel anything like this take it to the dealer and they will flush it out. That should fix it.
scott3, I took my Silverado in for the fluid change (and they said they had a program update for hard shifts). They had a technician go out on a test drive with me, and we felt the hard shift, but not the shutter. They kept it a week and when I got back they said they didn’t change anything because they didn’t duplicate the problem. Any magic phrase they need to hear? Any voodoo dance I can do to get these TSBs completed? Thank you.
No magic. If it is doing the hard shift take them for a drive to show them.
To be honest the hard shift that is the problem is mostly 1-2 gears. I have noted like I stated it got better after driving it more. Today I have little feel of the shift between those gears. Now it did not start out like that. Also will it remain that way by next winter?
Even then it is not any worse than the shift in my old Turbo 350 or 400.
You may also try another dealer as not all service departments bare the same.
I think he key was my service manager keeping my truck several day setting the shift point was a help.
scot3, thank you for your input. They had my truck for a week, which would have been OK if the outcome was favorable. I’m at 1900 miles and the shift are starting to smooth out. I’m still planning on taking it to the dealership in the next town however.
Our 2019 Canyon Denali 4×4 started getting the vibration/shudder at 5200 miles…I think we caught it early, because it’s still at the random “feels like driving over rumble strips” phase. Took it back to the dealership, and they knew exactly the symptoms I was talking about, and said it needs the flush and fill with the new fluid (per the TSB). Big issue right now is that they’ve had the truck for a week and a half, because their one technician that knows how to do it is out sick…
Jeremy did you get the problem solved i have a 2018 colorado with the exact same problem at less than 15000 km dealer swapped out fluid now truck vibrates between 90 and 110 kmh waiting to hear from gm canada for a fix myself
scott3,
Could you start by saying,
#1 I scott3 know first hand what is going on do to the FACT that I own one of these transmissions.
#2 I scott3, after COMPLAINING about my GM vehicle with a KNOWN FAULTY part, was taken care of by GM.
Because if ALL the GM CUSTOMERS with KNOWN FAULTY PARTS were taken care of JUST LIKE YOU, there would not be a lawsuit.
The average CUSTOMER does NOT CARE, how, why, who is to blame.
The average CUSTOMER bought a GM product, and it is FAULTY.
FIX THEM !!!!!!!
I have a recall notice now on my 17 Duramax block heater, its summer so I wont need it, however I paid $70,000.00 for a GM vehicle WITH A BLOCK HEATER.
O we don’t have the parts to fix it, WHAT, FIX IT !!!!!
Don’t use the heat seat it will burn your car up, don’t use the block heater it will burn your car up, you are just complaining about the transmission its normal.
Get it, NOT COMPLAINING,———- FAULTY PARTS ———- FIX THEM ———–
Here is the reality of life. Things can go bad or be faulty. Be it a cheap watch or a $400K Rolls Royce. If it is made by man it can fail.
In fact todays automobiles are much more complex than many of the first space craft that took man to space. The computers alone on the shuttle were less than the Chevy Sonic.
My experience is I have had few problems over the years with a great number of cars. I did have a problem on my transmission but I just took it to the dealer they gave me a new Denali Acadia and then proceeded to take a couple days to replace the transmission and tune it. It takes 8 hours between tunes on the transmission to make it so I do not have to experience the the learning period that would have been activating.
There is not a model out there without a TSB or Recall. If I have a problem and the dealer fixes it we are all good.
$hit happens and if it does as long as they fix it fast and correctly I have no beef.
Sorry if I am not in the sky is falling mode like you but it is more about how things are dealt with.
If I had a bad experience I would say so but I am not going to make up some beef of something that did not happen or did not effect me just to fit your view.
Reality of life by scott3,
“$hit happens and as long as they fix it fast and correctly he has no beef.”
I too AGREE with everything you said above and this statement !!!!!!!!
WE are NOT talking about this trouble and all the other GM lawsuits because it or they were FIXED, FAST or CORRECTLY.
NONE of these GM issues would even be issues if they were FIXED, FAST, and CORRECTLY.
And what do you mean, lawyers representing owners who did not ask for help ??
Are you saying the owners of GM transmissions that do not work to spec did not ask to have them fixed before they spent the time to start or join a lawsuit ?
Again you blame the CUSTOMER for a problem you yourself said you would have a beef with if yours was not FIXED, FAST and CORRECTLY !!!
And AGAIN I say good for you and all the others out there who have had this and other FAULTY KNOWN PARTS, fixed, fast, and correctly !!!
But there are still so, so, so many CUSTOMERS out there WHO HAVE NOT, had there KNOWN FAULTY PARTS fixed, fast and correctly.
You do understand these are class action lawsuits and how they really Work? Or should I say not work?
Ok take a problem like this transmission shudder. Yes there is a problem a small number of owners have been experiencing the issue but more than normal.
GM has been and is still trying to resolve this. As of now it appears they may have found a solution but it will take more time to make sure the flush is going to resolve this.
Then enter 5he opportunist lawyers who take out a class action suit for all the owners of the trucks. They generally as of one person to start it then they solicit more to join them saying they will represent you and help you out.
These law firms move on these cases because they know large companies will settle with them to go away because it is cheaper to pay out $20 million vs fighting to win at $10” million.
Once these settlements are reached the owners of these trucks can expect some kind of token from GM like free oil changes or $500 off the next vehicle. While the law firm takes a majority of the settlement in legal fees it is charging in the case.
In the end you the owner gets a token deal while the law firm makes millions off of your issue. You still have the truck and you have nothing to show for this accept some worthless certificates.
The reality is most owners can easily take their vehicle to the dealer with the TSB number that is on the web and have the service done with no drama and no need to line the pockets of s siren chasing lawyer. The fix is clearly defined.
As for if this does not fix it the lemon laws are in place and if you visit the forums you will find GM has easily bought back a number of vehicles over the last 3 years.
Now you can play the victim all you like but you can not fool those who know the truth. This is something I have watched for the last 3-4 years. You can place al, the BS here you like but it does not change the truth.
In your world the sky is continually falling. Any one here can read you post and see it is the same thing different part or car every time.
I am not sure if you are a paid troll or just squirrel bait. I wager the latter. You would present a better argument if you were a paid troll.
Check out Bobs experience below. He confirms what I stated.
If you have a dealer not willing to do the right thing go elsewhere. GM has too many dealers as it is and too often idiots just keep going back expecting better results. Only patronize the better dealers and the poor ones will fail.
Again scott3, preaching how things work.
In my world the sky is not always falling, I am a very happy person.
And yes anyone can read what I post and yes it is a different FAULTY PART on a different vehicle every time.
That’s the kicker YOU can not get !!!
This is a GM CUSTOMER SERVICE PROBLEM !!!!!!
It is NOT one FAULTY PART or one vehicle !!!!!
It is ALL the FAULTY PARTS on ALL the GM vehicles !!!!
The Corvette wheels !
The Cadillac SRX headlights !
The 8 speed transmissions !!
The 3.6 timing chain at 70,000 miles !!
The head gaskets on the NorthStar !!!
The gas tank vent solenoid on the Canyon !!
The manual automatic switch on the ATS !!
The steering rack at low rpm on the Enclave !!
And so, so many more the CUSTOMER is just left paying for but you get a GM letter saying they might fail because GM knows there is a problem !!
SAME problem, ONE thing in common, GM LACK OF CUSTOMER SERVICE !!!
You see when it happens to YOU and YOU don’t get YOUR vehicle ” Fixed, Fast, and Correctly. ” and you can’t do anything about it but a lawsuit, I don’t do lawsuits, I agree they do NOT work.
So all I can do is type, its FREE and might help ONE person not to go through the GM LACK of CUSTOMER SERVICE experience !!!
Lol!
Scott3, you certainly are a condescending, arrogant person. LifelongGMowner has a short list, or subset, if you will, of the myriad distressing GM failures. My issues with a 2009 GMC Sierra have been minor, but troubling nonetheless. I have not pursued going to another dealership, but I am troubled by your callous attitude.
2009 GMC Sierra:
1st – The Steering began making a disturbing whine, under warranty, and the dealer repaired it, supposedly be replacing the rack and pinion. Now I am out of warranty and the whine has returned. I’m told it is not a fail, just live with it. So far it still works, but the whining sound is disturbing… that is not right. GM doesn’t care.
2nd – I had two power door lock motors replaced, under warranty, when they stopped working. I was at 38,000 miles when a third door lock motor failed, but when I appealed to the dealership, they SAID they checked with GM and were denied warranty coverage for mileage. Yes, I was out of warranty, yes, a manufacturer can’t be expected to cover parts that wear out after a certain age or mileage. I get that. That said, there are two sides to that deal. When a manufacturer discovers that a given part is failing as a regular course of events, like 2 power door lock motors within 30,000 miles, and one more at 38,000 miles, it is NOT a “wear out” issue… It is a faulty part that just waited a little longer to break down. This SHOULD have been covered, based on historical warranty.
3rd – The power folding mirrors for GM vehicles have a spur gear made of cheap plastic. This gear is under high stress at the conclusion of each fold operation, and is easily broken if ever somebody manually folds the mirror in, or out, whether in a “bump” or intentional mischief. The original build is reasonably well thought out, but has been compromised by inferior parts quality.
4th – The transmission on my truck is now shifting hard, intermittantly, at just 80,000 miles. It seems to be something that only happens at low speed, when I go from gentle acceleration to coasting, such as stop and go traffic. I will take it in to the dealer soon, with the hope that there is some inexpensive cure, since I am rather skeptical that there will be any satisfaction from GM, judging from their past performance. I really hope they will surprise me with stellar attention and “as long as they fix it fast and correctly I have no beef.”
I won’t hold my breath until they do, although THEY might just be fine with that.
Yes, sometimes things go wrong, and a company has to gear up to deal with faulty parts. GM has a track record of LOTS of faulty parts (or just poor materials) and a lack of interest in correcting problems in a DURABLE fashion.
That is why the lawsuits. They reap what they sow.
I’ve had tires road force balanced, two replaced, trans flushed, violent shake occurred again, trans flushed triple with newer fluids, shudder now shows at slower speeds (20-35 mph), highway shudder is same, just slightly less but there at 55-70 mph, reset on transmission computer has no real effect after having driven an additional 300 plus miles. The drive train sucks. Something is not responding to the work that was done to alleviate the shake. Now a new shudder driving around the neighborhood has to be considered acceptable. BS! GM too cheap to take care of my truck. Service mgr and sales mgr says GM will not compensate for shaking considered acceptable. Willing to post sign on my truck outside the main driveway with a sign “Don’t buy Silver Vibrator” You’ll be screwed! No satisfaction in just over a year. Purchased used with 6800 miles and drove to FL twice from Boston area. Will not go on long trips again. It’s that annoying. Makes me sick to think I spent $40k for a vibrator that looks good but taking a ride in it sucks. I never heard of GM buying back any trucks with 8 speed issue. What is suggested to get them to offer that type of deal?
my truck has been at the dealer for 3 weeks they said it was a module and would cost $2800 to fix.
They said they were going to first try this??? Just spoke to them transmission failure on test drive I wonder what they will try now is it going to still going to cost $2800 to try something that didn’t work?? My truck is a 2016 with just over 100,000 miles oh by the way they just did a complete transmission drop the pan change filter service for $600.00 less than 20,000 miles ago.
I know people aren’t perfect but dang building automatic transmission isn’t anything new plus gm has been doing it for along time maybe gm need to hire some people from monster transmission all these millions of miles they supposed to be testing these vehicles you can’t make me believe no one experience these problems going on with these transmissions
Building today’s electronically controlled transmissions are light years different than the old time Turbo 350 and 400.
Well out of the millions of vehicles using these only a small percentage are suffering issues.
Again if your a percentage person.
I love percentages in dollars.
But percentages of people are REAL PEOPLE.
Example: illegal immigration is a small percentage but people seem to really worry about that.
I have a 2016 CTS and experience inconsistent shifts and flares, no shudder as of yet. When I get into any of my other cars, including an ’04 Saab 9-3 with a 6-speed and a ’12 Suzuki Kizash with a CVT, both cars shift smooth as butter. Why should anyone put up with this, especially in a $60k car?
scott3: “Well out of the millions of vehicles using these only a small percentage are suffering issues.”
How would you know how many are suffering issues?
Many drivers put up with the hard shifts, rather than face the out of pocket repair costs they anticipate, based on past experience with GM refusing to stand behind their products, and extend the warranty on defects that are clearly quality control related, or faulty parts that were never right to begin with.
Maybe there are MILLIONS of GM vehicle owners with frustrating transmission problems that really need to be fixed, but they can’t afford the time and money to get them straightened out, so they just plod along suffering, until the transmission gets so bad it breaks down completely. Then, because they are fed up with being treated so insensitively by a rogue manufacturer, they buy a new vehicle, from anyone OTHER than GM.
Has THAT ever occurred to you?
It is clear to me that GM really does not appreciate my loyalty, or my business.
The most reliable vehicle GM has ever made is the Pontiac Vibe, and they abandoned that product line when Pontiac was excised from their brand lineup.
Not true check your facts. Trucks to corvettes to caddy’s all suffering from same problem. If you owed one of these vehicles that were affected you would feel differently. The problem is not the issue it’s the fact that GM will not do the right thing. Why should a pay for a truck then pay to half way fix it and by the way temporarily?
Maybe too many H1B engineers; not enough who know what they are doing.
While I understand your point , I much like you kept up with TSB’s and I am a car nut. The issue is that my truck was not over mileage limits and they still wanted to charge me to perform the flush. Why should I pay for their mistakes and why should they even suggest a customer pays for the flush regardless of the miles on the vehicle. This goes back to doing the right thing.
There has been a problem with these transmissions since 2015 and the only action offered in 5 years is a change in transmission fluid ? There seems to be a recurring personification theme going on that a transmission is learning, but usually transmissions get worse over time not better. So if there is a problem when still relatively new what will it be like after 30 to 40 thousand miles ? The transmission should function properly from the start. I have a 1986 Chevy Wrangler with a bullet proof transmission, the eight speeds are far from that. GMC needs to identify the problems and fix them, rather than blowing smoke up everyone’s ass. When people spend their hard earned money on a product , in this
case 50 to 100 thousand dollars , they expect the product to last a reasonable length of time. It is not just about selling a vehicle, but also about winning a loyal customer base for the future. I have been a GM / Chevy customer for 40 years , but this ongoing GM transmission issue has really pissed me off. In the light of the GM eight speed a 15 year warranty would not be enough. If any of this new multi speed transmission stuff is for improved fuel economy, I say screw the mileage thing a build a strong transmission. I would rather pay 5 dollars a litre for fuel than have a crappy transmission in a new vehicle.
I got rid of my 2016 GMC Sierra Denali because of how bad the transmission was. It became such a burden to drive. It was way too jerky.
Hey James – what’d you end up replacing it with?? We bought a 2020 Silverado a few days ago and the shuddering is awful!! Even at low speeds and in stop & go traffic it’s really bad. I searched online and saw it could be the driveshaft, or the transmission/fluid, just to name a few. Also, the shifter is really hard to shift out of park – is this a common issue too? I’m taking it into the dealership this week to have them take a look at it. It’s crazy to me that this isn’t a recall but I guess it can’t be since they haven’t figured out a solution. We considered a Tundra but the low mpg scared us away. Now I wish we would have – I’d sacrifice a few miles for a smooth running truck
It isn’t a safety issue. The transmissions aren’t leaving the owners in the middle of traffic on a busy highway per what I’ve heard.
This is an issue with unmet expectations. Maybe in the future there will be higher failure rates on the transmission or other components, but only time will tell if they happen near or before warranty expiration.
To win a lawsuit, the plaintiffs will need one of two things to happen.
1) They will need to show that there is some sort of contractual breech on performance or the issue is so far out of normal expectations that it is grievous in nature. A small vibration at certain speeds and occasional rough shift may not be considered grievous. However, it will be up to a judge or jury to determine just how expensive is expensive enough to say that there shouldn’t be ANY issues in the operation of the transmission.
2) GM decides it is cheaper to buy back the vehicles or cash compensate than to fight a customer experience issue.
If you had one of these trucks you would know it is not a small vibration. It feels like you are running over rumble strips on the edge of the road. I love all of the people on hear speaking on something they know nothing about. It is an issue and it will eventually be a safety issue as the torque converter is slowly eroding inside the transmission. The vibration is the lockup converter slipping , the slipping causes wear which introduces metal shavings into the fluid and then through the rest of the transmission. So to answer your statement a transmission should not be doing this and it hurts the value of the vehicles.
Actually the lawsuits are generally only going to enrich the lawyers.
What will happen is GM will come up with some settlement just to save money and the lawyers will take most of the settlement as legal fees for representing the owners who never asked for help.
This will result in a free oil change or a $500 on the next vehicle you buy.
The real trouble is they can not prove GM is not or has not tried to solve this. The fact is GM has been working on this for a while now and the documents and dealer actions show it.
Now they have not solved it because it appears they have had a difficult time determining what was causing it. If they all were going bad it would have been much easier to resolve.
When they replaced transmissions with little effect it was a sign it was a deeper issue.
On the forum we have tried to find a similar issue with those who have the problem but there has not been any clear cut issue like regional conditions or use.
It appears to be in the converter and the fluid is playing a major part of it as it is not letting the clutch lock up.
Right now the new fluid is in play since Dec. It has been the best thing yet. How long will it work only time will tell and we are watching.
It used to be we had only two transmission fluid and today we have nearly a dozen. The things being asked of transmissions are more than ever in the history of the motor vehicle. It just makes more potential for more issue to happen.
Google shudder and you will find names like Audi, VW, Toyota, Mazda, Ford, Chrysler etc all have had cases of similar issues.
My previous car, a 2017 CT6 Platinum from new had the first to second shudder at low speeds. I just wrote it off as a typical GM issue that would not be addressed. Pleasantly, I now have an import with the ZF 8 speed that is becoming of a $90 k vehicle and operates flawlessly in all situations!
I own a Colorado and a Silverado, both with the mentioned transmission. I noticed the mentioned problem in the Colorado at about 500 miles. I took it to the local Chevy dealer and they said they had a fix. They changed the transmission fluid per a bulletin that GM had published. 6000 miles later the problem is still gone. I have not experienced the problem with the Silverado.
Thank you Bob maybe someone here will learn from your experience.
The funny thing is the same guy that rants and raves about GM customer service was just mentioning wanting to buy another GM product in an article a week or two ago, I believe it was the CT5-V.
Yep that is me lifelongGMowner,
I do not get the rant and rave comment though, I don’t think its ranting and raving just commenting.
I also talked to my dealer yesterday about ordering my next 2020HD Denali Duramax.
And hopefully a CT5 premium luxury with a 2.7T or a 3.0TT, but I would prefer the 2.7T but never a 2.0T in a Cadillac again.
So lifelongGMowner is what it is, that does NOT mean I am a BLIND LOYALIST !!!
I will follow GM into bankruptcy again but NOT quietly.
And if more GM CUSTOMERS commented we would not be stuck with a 2.0T in a 4000lb Cadillac and a HORRIBLE dash in a $70,000.00 + truck. (asked 7000 customers crap ). Those 7000 customers are probably driving RAM now.
Also the guy in the video called the local news and I somehow rant and rave, what ?
So ONE MORE TIME, I am just writing comments on a new product GM site to make new customers aware that GM has HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE !!
All my GM vehicles are fine, I have owned great ones and terrible ones, again the last three among the terrible ones, but its the change in GM customer service that has made the experience even worse, just horrible at times.
This is so sad this is just another reason why gm has a bad reputation you would have thought they would have got smarter since the bankruptcy why gm why must u make people ashamed to even brag about a gm vehicle any more they act like they just started building vehicles yesterday
So far the definitive champ of off-road is the Hummer that (then named: General Motors) made & branded!
I bought a 2019 1500 RST (my first brand new truck!) I drove it to work, it sat, at night, for 12 hours. I came back to my truck and started it, put it in drive and attempted to drive…. though it was in gear it didn’t move.. I turned it off and retried. My truck couldn’t engage any gear, 70 miles from the closest town. Has anyone else had an issue like this? A 30 day old truck with 3,000 miles and its undriveable. Thanks Chevy, should’ve kept my F150..
One commenter nailed it, GM has known about it for years. Toyota had a bulletproof 4.0l and 5 spd auto. Screwed it up with the 3.5l Atkinson-cycle and 6 spd auto. Hardcore Taco owners hate ‘em, the market for pre ‘16 Taco is hot. To Toyota credit they didn’t have a HW problem with the trans, like GM. Their 6 spd auto just doesn’t play well with the Atkinson cycle, and never will. Notice how many ‘16 and up Tacos for sale. Right now the Frontier 4.0 l and 5spd auto is probably the best buy, warts and all. It’ll go 200K miles with nary a problem. My local Chevy dealer is practically giving away Colorado V6 8L45, but I won’t touch one. GM should have evolved the 4L60 to a 5L60 then 6L60, just like Toyota, Honda and Nissan did.
GM used cheap substandard aluminum and plastic in it’s transmissions. Non-billet quality aluminum cracks under use demands and high heat, and plastic check valves shrink and leak, causing pressure drops which trigger sensors to react to pressure drops. I’ve had my transmission rebuilt twice so far
So from what I’ve been reading, it’s all the 8 speed, is that correct?
I’ve been on the fence about buying a Zr2 for the past few weeks, but I’ve been looking at the diesel with the 6 speed.
Is that transmission suffering the same issues?
Ours is 6 speed. Cannot seem to rebuild successfully, as the 2 rebuilds have failed within months.
I have a 2015 GMC sierra with the 6.2l and 8spd. it clunks and shifts terrible. I don’t think my dealer has done all the service bulletins on transmission yet but they can after I get rid off it. But I am GM all the way
and am going to trade it in for the 2019 Sierra with the 10 spd.
We owned a 2014 Chevy Silverado. Before 125,000 miles we needed two transmissions replaced. We sold it for a 2015 GMC Sierra. Have had it just over one year. Has 75,000 miles on it and the same issue has occurred.
My 3 week new 2019 Silverado died on vacation – the day we arrived (1,200 odometer miles). 3 replace weeks later – i’ve had it 3 days and the slip and jerk are present again. My 2000 Silverado has 189,000 miles, same transmission and still running…
2017 Colorado WT just the basics but with 8spd auto transmission that appears to be repetitively faulty. Triple Fluid flush with anticipated installation of 3rd torque converter this Friday. The dealer is working with me, have few complaint about the service department except that when I say the same thing is happening again, they still have to look at it before they order any parts and this is taking up my time and seems to say, we can’t trust you cause you’re an idiot customer. My other concern is …3 or 4 replacement torque converters on my service report probably isn’t going to up my trade-in value a whole lot. I would like some recompense for that.
I had these problems with my 2018 GMC with an eight speed.
The dealer recommended a trans flus and install the latest fluid’
WALA, it worked.
Not totally!
Update;
This did not work for long .Same o same o.
They reprogramed the shift points again, somewhat better, but not totally.
I finally sold my 2002 Silverado,180k mi,bad paint,no rust and everybody in town seems to have put a dent or scratch on it except me.Still gets 16-18 mpg(5,3l) and rides as good as my Traverse and ten times better than my 2 month old 2018 v6 Canyon.Several weeks ago started shuddering at steady speeds 40-70 mph.I’m po’d because if fluid was the problem then why was mine not changed before it left the dealership? This is an example of poor QC and customer service.
It does shudder in the lower gears but is hard to isolate it to a particular gear by holding it in gear and manually shifting and doesn’t shudder when cold.
It had the steering wheel buzz at 70-75 mph the first week I had it. The frequency seemed to be higher than tire balance more like driveline speed.The service rep said they load balanced the tires and matched the “high points on the rims(It has mag wheels! common with welded steel wheels) with the high points on the tires.The vibration went away but since the shudder arose and I started experimenting at different speeds I noticed it is back at 60mph.
So now I have an appointment on the 26 to fix the problem.
I would be quite happy with the 6 speed like my Traverse.I don’t mind feeling the trans shift rather than add all the complex mechanisms and added wear to make to make it silky smoothe.