2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: shudder or vibration when accelerating

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 May 21, 2026 · Transmission · NY

Transmission started shifting hard, shuddering in torque converter, and long time shifting into 1st gear. Took it to a Transmission guy and he said it needs a full rebuild and is very common with this Transmission in this truck.

Filed Jan 11, 2026 · Transmission · AL

2016 Silverado z71 with 6L80 transmission started slipping gears and shudders when accelerating. Vehicle was looked at by a mechanic who drove it and confirmed that the transmission is the issue and said a rebuild is needed.

Filed Sep 7, 2025 · Transmission · FL

This vehicle has experienced repeated and ongoing serious defects with the 8L90 Transmission Torque Converter. I took delivery of this vehicle on 17SEP2016 and since it has required multiple service appointments to address the issue. To date it has not been satisfactorily repaired. Despite repeated failed repair attempts the vehicle exhibits erratic transmission slipping, jerking, hesitation and surging under acceleration. These symptoms persist even after a most recent torque converter replacement (and subsequent re-replacement as outlined below). This creates a serious safety concern particularly when accelerating into traffic, merging and driving uphill, but also in low speed maneuvers such as navigating a parking lot. The vehicle often feels like it is misfiring under acceleration when trying to merge, then surges forward erratically. In parking lots at low speeds, the downshift of this transmission is so abrupt that it often causes the driver and passengers alike to believe that the vehicle has been hit from behind. The repair history started within 2 years/24K miles as follows: - 01FEB2018 @ 28140 - Drain flush and fill transmission for Shudder/Hard Down Shift - Diagnosed as Torque converter issue. This helped for a short period of time - 26JUN2019 @ 53445 Miles - Same issue - same diagnosis - same repair attempt - this was unsuccessful in anyway. - 12NOV2019 @ 60653 Miles - Same issue and diagnosis - Torque converter replaced - 31JUL2024 @134218 Miles - Same issue and diagnosis - Flush and fill recommended since extended warranty had expired - paid $300 for transmission fluid flush and fill - 15APR2025@145963 Miles - Same issue and diagnosis - Torque converter replaced for $2956 - there was no appreciable improvement - 08AUG2025@151182 Miles - Torque Converter replaced under warranty from 15APR2025 work - No appreciable improvement - 20AUG2025@151500 Miles - Same issue - Advised to replace entire transmission

Filed Feb 18, 2025 · Brakes · AL

While tapping brakes to park in tight spaces or inching up in a drive thru, the brake pedal shudders and gets stiff. It's extremely hard to stop the truck.

Filed Dec 30, 2024 · Transmission · CA

Common issue with these trucks shudders while driving on highway Current lawsuit for same problem

Filed Nov 4, 2024 · Transmission · CA

Transmission has the shudder caused by a faulty torque converter currently under a lawsuit for same problem

Filed Jul 1, 2024 · Transmission · CA

Shudder torque converter problems

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 Sep 6, 2023 · Transmission · FL

My truck started shuddering and having shifting issues. Took to Chevrolet dealership and was told that this has become a common issue with this type of transmission. We ended up having to replace the transmission.

Filed Jul 19, 2023 · Transmission · GA

Transmission bumping or shuddering in 1st-4th gear

Filed Jun 15, 2023 · Transmission · MA

Transmission would shudder when driving. Sometimes loud bang when shifting from first to second gear. Torque converter ultimately failed while crossing traffic. Truck would not move. No gears. Only 58,000 miles on transmission. Never used for hauling. Torque converter had broken metal parts that caused the fluid to become blocked so it could not drive. A rebuilt transmission needed to be installed at my cost.