2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Gets Transmission Downgrade: Exclusive
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Back in July, GM Authority brought you exclusive coverage of a transmission downgrade for the 2020 Silverado 1500 High Country 4WD Short Bed, with that particular model mating the 5.3L V8 L84 engine to the older, problem-prone eight-speed automatic transmission, as opposed to the newer ten-speed automatic transmission. Now, we’re here to report on a similar downgrade for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500.
Like the Silverado, certain 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 models will now come equipped with the eight-speed automatic, rather than the ten-speed unit.
To be more specific, this downgrade applies to 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD models in all trims available with the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84 gasoline engine with DFM.
The base model Sierra trim with 4WD is equipped with the non-DFM V8 engine (L82) and a six-speed automatic transmission. Two-wheel-drive models that offer the L84 engine were already equipped with the eight-speed automatic transmission.
This change appears to be reflected at GMC’s website. Using the online configurator, 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD models are now listed with the 5.3L V8 L84 with DFM and include both the eight-speed transmission and the ten-speed transmission. Selecting the eight-speed unit includes a $200 package discount in the summary.
In reality, though, General Motors will only produce trucks with the V8 L84 engine and eight-speed combo for the rest of the 2020 model year.
It’s currently unclear how (or if) this will change for the 2021 model year.
| Sierra | SLE | Elevation | SLT | AT4 | Denali | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Cab, Long Box | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Double Cab, Standard Box | n/a | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | n/a |
| Crew Cab, Short Box | n/a | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Crew Cab, Standard Box | n/a | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
As GM Authority has covered in the past, the GM Hydra-Matic eight-speed automatic transmission has been the subject of numerous complaints from owners, many of whom cite a lackluster feel and abnormal shifting behavior. We even wrote an op-ed that it needs to go away as soon as possible, and should be replaced with the ten-speed unit instead. General Motors issued a Technical Service Bulletin to address the customer issues, but based on comments made by owners, the fix is not guaranteed to solve the problems. A class-action lawsuit was filed over the transmission issues last year.
We’ll post any further developments with this story as we receive them. In the meantime, subscribe to GM Authority for more GMC Sierra news, GMC news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
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As a whole the new fluid has resolved the issues. The 8 speed shudder was a heavy topic on forms but today is is a issue that is becoming rate.
The issues were due to the fluid absorbing moisture.. the new Mobil 1 fluid has resolved this.
In some rare cases the converter clutch was glazed and if the fluid is unable to recover it GM has directed the dealers to replace the converter.
Now there is the new fluid the 8 speeds are now very viable transmissions.
You probably will see the 8 speed offered on special deal models that will be offered at lower prices and discounts.
With the flush on my transmission I have no worries and have been very pleased with how it drives. I am not the only one, visit a forum and read the results.
FYI, GM is not the only one with sudder issues. Google it and just see how many automakers have been dealing with this.
It fixes some but not all. GM is still buying some of these trucks back.
How about the 6 speeds that fail a month out of warranty like mine because of their sucky fluid? $ 4700 for a tranny on a truck with 80,000 miles is ridiculous . Read the forums , a very common issue. GM,s response is lower the mileage on the warranty to 60k miles. Ford is getting a used Chevy very soon.
C8.R,
————————— LIAR ——————————
After having your whole GM 8 speed junk transmission replaced, then you had your new GM 8 speed junk transmission flushed and NOW have no worries and are pleased !!
And IF the rest of the GM 8 speed junk transmission owners were treated just like you problem solved !
But as you can read if you would Google GM 8 speed junk transmission, you and everyone else here would see that there are ALOT of real people who GM has NOT helped resolve the ” Known Faulty junk ” !
Again
—————————– LIAR ————————
People, fellow customers, Do not buy this ” known faulty ” transmission !
Do your research !!
You WILL regret it and GM will NOT help you !!!!
I had the 8 speed shutter in my ZR2 and the dealer replaced the transmission fluid under warranty. The shutter is gone now.
Oh, shut up already with your ridiculous accusations and ranting. People are tired with the same old man yelling at the clouds all the time around here. You are a broken record incarnated in human flesh, endlessly fascinated by the thrill sent up your leg while seeing your own comments hit the screen in front of you. “lifelongGMmoaner,” yup, that’s exactly right.
Waiting on your 15 page response with more ranting and raving.
Does it mean that all new orders will have the 8 speed? I ordered one on June 9th. Will that be 8 or 10 speed. The Chevy article that had the downgrade says orders after a date in July will be 8 speed.
John D Cook,
Good luck getting a answer on that from anyone at GM, they simply do not know !!
Please, do not accept the GM 8 speed junk transmission !!
Read the real people on other social sites, not a GM related site, but a real people site.
There IS a chance you could get a good GM 8 speed junk transmission, BUT if you do not !!
GM will make your life a living h3ll for months and money !!
Did you pay for the 10 speed? If you did and it shows up with the 8 then I’d recommend raising hell.
I had a new Silverado loaner with the 8 speed for a month…Didn’t notice a issue with the transmission
The problem is they’ve got a warehouse full of 8 spd transmissions they’ve got to get rid of and don’t want to dump them in Lake Michigan so the best way is to force them down the customers throat. So you can either settle for the 8 spd or wait until their all gone from the warehouse. Don’t worry there’ll be thousands of uneducated idiots that will unknowingly buy them and be happy
They really should only offer the 6 and 10 speeds. 6 speed is a great transmission and the overdrive ratio is pretty much the same. 8 speed has such a low first gear that you’re always revving out too.
My thoughts exactly. The 6 speed a proven commodity without any of the negative baggage hanging around the neck of the 8 speed which will have a bad reputation for years.
Ed and Ed, totally agree. I do think the fluid change solved the issue, but after all the headaches and nonsense with the 8er, just toss it into the trash bin of history and move on. The 10 speed is excellent.
Do some research on the 6 speeds. Maybe if they build them with the new fluid they will be fine. If you want a simple answer stop at your local tranny shop and ask how many 6 speeds they replace compared to … well any other tranny
6 speed issues small potatoes compared to the ones with the 8 speed. No product is without issues but GM let the ones with the 8 speed spiral out of control. That transmission needs to be purged from their lineup. You want a great 8 speed in a pickup? Get a Ram with the ZF, awesome transmission.
I bought myself a Chevy 2019, and I’ve been having a lot of problems with my Transmission eight speed automatic, and many other problems electronically,
I don’t tow although I have the package and the 8 speed transmission blew up going 60 mph in a straight line with no load and 6000 miles out of warranty. The truck is serviced regularity by the dealer and had the fluid and filter in the transmission changed at 100K. GM helped us on the repair. We had zero transmission issues up till the time it failed. I am always glad to upgrade to synthetic fluids at my cost when they are available due to their superior performance. I hope makes this the case with transmission fluid.
Our Silverado is a 2015 and other than a very expensive battery that failed after only 2 years the truck has been bullet proof. I expect this one to replace the 1999 that is my beater truck now.
From reading this, I feel that I made the right decision in buying the X31 with the ten speed transmission.
My question is, WHY is GM taking away this option? Cost? (Probably) Or, are they stuck with a high inventory of the eight speeds?
So instead of giving the trucks more options, we will just take options on certain trims and configurations. It just doesn’t surprise me anymore. Same bland interiors in the Silverado and Sierra. Even the Nissan Titan has passed the GM trucks. Sad, just sad
Nissan titan will never be the truck a gm is. The titan frames are junk. Very weak steel .Worked on a lifted titan the frame was bent and twisted. Japanese have inferior metals. Google search nissan titan frames twisted.
I google it and this relates to 2007 and older Titans which had accidents and such, not acceptable but hopefully they improved in the last 13 years. I think JB is comparing 2020 interiors, not 2007 ones, although to be fair the 2020 GM interior looks like its out of 2007. Please state your source indicating Japanese car brands use inferior metals. I’m in the market for a new truck and this information would be helpful.
My source is experience in the automotive field working in dealerships, and independent shops for over 25 years. You are incorret anout the improvement over the last 13 years. There has been no improvment. I once had to beat out a crossmember to replace a transmission mount in a titan 2015 model cause the frame was twisted. People think they can handle the load like an american truck they cant. I also seen a jacked up 2019 pulling a camper that the frame bent on (truck was totaled). Stay away from them.
Wouldnt really call this a downgrade if its more relable
Funny how those 4 speed transmissions didnt have so many issues they worked just cant figure out why we cant stick to and effective methods
CAFE standards and fuel economy killed the 4 speed. So, in other words, governmental intervention.
Thank your representatives for intervening in the market, like they always do.
Yeah the 4 speed overdrive auto was a sweet spot for a lot of vehicles and for the most part most of them from all the Big 3 were pretty good transmissions as many of them based on tough 3 speed autos like the Turbo-Hydramatic and Chrysler Torqueflite. If they were strong enough for muscle cars they were tough enough for pick ups.
Im one of the lucky ones have a 2017 6.2 8 spd had the flush no issues plus I tow alot
so for me the 8 spd has been good
10 spd. My understanding is GM has a major shortage of some components to build the 10 spd. thats why the downgrade
I’ve already had the fluid changed, the program updated and the clutches changed. Mine recovered about 80 percent of normal operation after the service but continues to decline. Sometimes it shifts so hard into 2nd gear that I’ve thought I was rear ended pulling away from a traffic light.
I had the fluid replaced in my 2018 Sierra Denali 6.2 last week under warranty and so far it has made a huge difference. The shudders were progressively getting worse by the day before the flush. I took it on a 600 mile trip Saturday and it performed well. I have yet to pull the trailer, but that is coming.
I have a 2018 GMC SERRIA 1500 I only had the truck a little over a yr.n the transmission went over they put a new one in n it’s still doing the SAME THING..been in shop over 7 times n still dont know what the problem is n they still cant fix it.its getting worsen n can cause a lock up in the gears.so I contract B.B.B. Got a court hearing in April n still waiting. Schumacher on Okeechobee. Blvd.in W.P.B. FLA.refuse to help me in a trade or update my truck.NEVER BUY ANOTHER G.M.C.TRUCKS AGAIN..
Yeah I would not buy a GM product again had the same problem with my transmission went all the way to arbitration one arbitration and GM still comes out and says they can’t do anything about it that’s the way it supposed to be spent almost 60,000 for the truck it will be the last GM I ever buy.
I have a2004 Nissan Titan best truck I ever own turning almost 300000 bought it brand new best deer hunting rig just last week pulled out a guy a Chevy pu around 2017 2018 transmission went out my God what happened to good American trucks of passed
That $200 is not worth saving if you could opt for the 10-speed over the 8-speed
“Naturally aspirated”???
No, F.I.
Understood, I just didn’t realize that’s even a thing anymore.
I owned the 2016 gmc Sierra plus with the 5.3 and bad 8 speed. They flushed and reprogrammed and it somewhat better but still hard downshifting. I was told the new 2019 fixed the problem and so I bought a new slt premium plus Sierra. I will say it’s much much better. Wouldn’t u know, u can now get a 2020 with 5.3 and 10 speed. Not sure it would have been worth wait as the 8 speed works pretty well in the 2019 but not in the 2016-2018 model. Makes u wonder how long it will take them to fix all the issues with the 3.0 Duramax. .
My 5.3 2014 Sierra 1500 8 speed failed at 90k and GM only paid 1\2 due to the 5 year 100k warranty. I was 2 months past.
I tow a 8k lbs trailer for some local trips and definitely lost my confidence🤕