2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: transmission slipping

Filed Jun 21, 2025 · Transmission · IA

The automatic transmission in my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 4.3L V6 has experienced repeated failures and overheating events starting shortly after a scheduled dealer transmission flush at approximately 50,000 miles. Since then, the transmission has slipped under load, failed to shift properly, and routinely overheated—reaching over 270°F—without triggering a dashboard warning or entering limp mode. Multiple dealer visits confirmed internal transmission damage, including discolored fluid, metal shavings, and torque converter clutch failure. The entire transmission and torque converter were replaced under warranty, along with a redesigned bypass valve. Despite these efforts, the transmission failed again, showing further signs of overheating and debris in the fluid. The vehicle has been inspected and serviced multiple times by the dealership (Karl Chevrolet in Iowa) and GM warranty contractors. The issue persists even after complete transmission replacement. This condition poses a safety risk as loss of power and unexpected gear disengagement occurred during normal road use, including highway driving and towing. Transmission temperatures spiking well beyond GM’s Dexron VI fluid thermal limits raise further concerns about systemic cooling design flaws. Warning signs included high transmission fluid temperatures (over 270°F), RPM surging, harsh downshifts, slipping, poor throttle response, and delayed engagement from park to drive. The manufacturer has been notified, and the issue has been documented with the Attorney General of Iowa. A GM case number was also opened, but no permanent fix has been offered.

Filed Apr 17, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 170,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and was slow to respond as needed. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the exhaust. While driving, the rear end locked up. The contact stated that the vehicle was slipping, and the vehicle shut off while driving. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact replaced the spark plugs, coil pack, and spark plug wires with a misfire in cylinder #6. The contact stated that the fluids were replaced at an unknown local dealer prior to the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Filed Mar 21, 2025 · Transmission · IN

Bad torque converter cause transmission to totally fail. Had chevy do transmission flush,2 yrs ago. Back in Aug 2024, transmission started to slip,while driving,then totally failed,no forward or reverse gears,nothing, had truck towed into chevy dealer, almost $7000.00 later,transmission had to be replaced.

Filed Feb 14, 2025 · Transmission · IN

Transmission slipping and shuddering when fluid warms up. Dealership diagnosed torque converter/transmission failure. Stated it may cause transmission lockup while driving

Filed Dec 3, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · 92,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact stated that the vehicle felt like the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting abnormally. Additionally, while the vehicle was stopped and idling with the brake pedal depressed, the RPM was fluctuating, and the vehicle was moving unintendedly. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated that the check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer replaced the serpentine belt however, the failure persisted and became more persistent over time. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who retrieved a DTC code for engine failure. The mechanic referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.

Filed Sep 30, 2024 · Transmission · OH

The transmission has been slipping since the truck was brand new (<100 miles) and has always slipped but recently became worse and slips all of the time. This is a known issue with this transmission and should be included in the recall. The transmission slipped going around a curve and almost lost control of the vehicle.

Filed Jul 5, 2023 · Transmission · TX

I have a 2018 Chevy Silverado that has issues with the transmission slipping into different gears as well as hard violent jerking even on the freeway ,and I heard hard rumbling in my transmission burnt out with only 76,000 miles, it's like they're designed to go out.

Filed Jun 29, 2021 · Transmission · MN

The transmission clunks and slips a lot.

Filed Feb 2, 2021 · Transmission · 3,000 miles · CA

When I drive I get a hard shift/slipping when taking off and I get a hard downshift when slowing down or coming to a stop. I have taken it to the dealer and they say they fix it, return it, and same problem. When I come to a stop and am sitting for a while the vehicle begins to shake out of nowhere.

Filed Oct 13, 2020 · Transmission · 15,000 miles · CA

Transmission problems including slipping, shifting harshness, clunking, especially on downshifts and slipping when towing. Clunking noise/feel when slowing down/stopping. Especially noticeable on hills, but present on flat and downhill roads at surface streets as well as freeways and highways. Problem first brought to chevrolet's service dept at 7000 miles and told it's normal. Again brought to service dept attention at approximately 12000 miles and again told it's normal. Problem continued to worsen severely and again brought to service dept attention at approximately 15000 miles. Problem diagnosed as failing torque converter. This was replaced. Problem with transmission continues after replacement and at 16197 miles it is now back at the service dept.transmission is the 6 speed automatic.

Filed Dec 19, 2019 · Transmission · 15,000 miles · TN

Transmission slips, transmission downshifts hard, transmission will have a loud thud when reengaging after taking foot off gas pedal in stop and go traffic, especially on the expressway. Thud can be felt in the cab of the truck. Electronic 4 wheel drive grinds when engaged in motion. 4 wheel drive grinds when turning even the slightest bit. Upon first starting vehicle transmission hesitates until temp reaches 125 degrees at least.

Filed Apr 24, 2019 · Transmission · 13,504 miles · FL

Transmission slips, knocks, and grinds in some instances. No check engine light from these issues but spent 30k + and I having these issues at 13,500 miles.