2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Transmission · IA

Vehicle: 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Component: Powertrain – Automatic Transmission (8L90) Manufacturer: General Motors (Chevrolet) I am submitting this complaint regarding recurring transmission problems with my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the GM 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission. I am concerned about the vehicle's inconsistent shifting behavior, the repeated failure to resolve these issues through service, and the potential safety implications of unpredictable transmission performance. My truck has been taken into the shop multiple times because of transmission-related concerns, including hard shifting, intermittent and inconsistent shifting, and transmission shudder. Despite these repeated service visits, the problems have continued. During one of the repair visits, the transmission wiring harness was replaced. However, the shifting concerns persisted. I was subsequently told by the service personnel that the hard shifting and intermittent shifting were “just how the transmissions on these are.” I do not consider this an acceptable resolution to a recurring mechanical and drivability concern. I was also informed that GM introduced updated transmission fluid intended to help address the transmission shudder, but that I would have to pay for the fluid service myself. I have been left facing additional expenses for the revised fluid, a potential torque converter replacement, and other transmission upgrades despite the repeated repair attempts and the continued existence of these problems. My primary concern is the transmission's inconsistent operation and the possibility that unexpected or severe shifting behavior could affect the driver's ability to control the vehicle safely in certain driving situations. Depending on the circumstances, unpredictable shifting, hesitation, or abrupt engagement could create a hazardous situation when accelerating, merging into traffic, navigating intersections, or driving in congested condition

Filed Nov 8, 2025 · Acceleration, Transmission · WI

While driving on the freeway accelerating the truck made a huge clunking noise and dropped speed instantly and I was unable to accelerate. The tow truck driver said it was a transmission problem.truck had to be towed and is at the mechanic awaiting an official diagnosis

Filed May 5, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · NC

2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71 Crew Cab Transmission (6 speed automatic) 97,000 miles - At 70 mph in traffic, the transmission decided to stop working with no warning, stranded on highway 800 miles from home at 7:15 pm on Saturday, June 28, 2024. - Got it to a Chevy dealership, they had to replace the transmission. - 4 days and $7,100 later I had transportation again. - Do not have the blown transmission, dealership kept it. Engine (5.3L V8 EcoTec3) 103,000 miles - At 35 mph in traffic, the engine lost all power and had a very loud clunking sound. Had to have it towed. December 7, 2024 - Had to have it rebuilt, 3 lifters were broken along with other things. - 3 weeks and $5,600 later I had transportation again. - I have the box of parts that had to be replaced.

Filed Apr 22, 2025 · Transmission · CA

Transmission problem. Harsh and clunk noise when shifting. Hesitation when accelerating and when shifting to reverse. It only has 70,000 miles the dealer wants 7 to 8 thousand to fix it.

Filed Mar 17, 2025 · Transmission · NY

I have had to replace the transmission in this vehicle 3 times within a year and half time frame. Initially experienced harsh shifting, significant hesitation in shifting and the transmission overheated whilst driving on the highway to the point where smoke was clearly visible. Each of the 3 failures stemmed from the torque converter. There were no warning lamps or messages present prior to the failures.

Filed Feb 11, 2024 · Transmission · MI

At 89,000 miles my transmission started to make a clunking noise took it in to a shop and transmission needed to be replace

Filed Jan 16, 2024 · Transmission · MN

My 2016 Chevy Silverado hit 100,000 and the transmission started to get clunky and finally went out a couple of days later. When the transmission went out we were stranded, had to call toe service. We had it toed to the closest service center and they said "this isn't the first one of these that they have seen, the transmissions should last way longer than 100k". Had them put a new transmission in the truck and that was about 8k that I wasn't ready to spend. There were not warning lights or anything on the dash stating there was anything wrong. I can't even tell you how disappointed I am, and I have owned chevy trucks my whole life.

Filed Oct 30, 2023 · Steering, Transmission · NC

My truck starts shaking when I attempt to speed up or slow down, and it hesitates, shudders, and engages in a hard shift when changing gears. My mechanic could not fix it. Has been happening since Dec. 2018. Why is there no recall on this major issue?

Filed Oct 2, 2023 · Transmission · 125,000 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission experienced rough shifting from first to second gear. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Filed May 10, 2023 · Transmission · KY

Vehicle takes 6 seconds before it does a hard shift into reverse. It also has hard jerks when switching gears. In April it was taken to Don Hall in which I was told that is how this model does and nothing could be done even though it was under a paid for extended warranty. The radio display also glitches out and is extremely faulty

Filed Apr 26, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · CA

My truck has a shudder/ shake while accelerating as well as rough shifts here and there. If certain speeds are maintained, the shudder is constant. This causes uneven speeds, noises, and distractions. I fear one day the transmission will fully give out while driving and I will crash. My vehicle is available for inspection. The problem is easily reproduced as it happens every time I drive. As well, the truck was recently at an independent service center and the problem was confirmed by an associate. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer as they told me it would cost me $180 just for a diagnostic which they will need my car for two days. There are no current dash lights on. This is a known issue and Chevrolet should be held accountable.

Filed Mar 24, 2023 · Transmission · PA

The vehicle only has 118,000 miles on it and the transmission cooler lines are leaking and now I have a hard shift from 1st to 2nd gear and the same when the vehicle is downshifting as well.