Check a VIN

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 harsh shifting problems

416 of the 18,180 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 describe harsh or hard shifting, most of them for the 2019 model year.

owner complaints
416
worst model year
2019
typical repair cost reported
$4,500
typical mileage
25,000
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Jerking 62Shudder 53Check engine light 42Hesitation 39Slipping 35Transmission failure 32Steering noise 31Won't shift 18

Trouble codes mentioned

P0700 5P0747 3P0722 2P2717 1P0970 1P0968 1P0711 1P0174 1P0171 1P0121 1

What owners say

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Engine · 139,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a loud clunking sound coming from the engine, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating and lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, where diagnostic testing determined that the engine failed and required replacement. The manufacturer was informed 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 139,000.

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · FL

Q1: While driving my vehicle it started shifting very violently kind-of out of nowhere, without notice and did not resolve. This and many other factors, such as the diagnostic data retrieved from a nearby auto-parts store, lead me to believe this is likely due to an unresolved re-call on the vehicle that I just started receiving in the mail, the TCM Valve/Sensor. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request, at George Nahas Chevrolet, located in Wildwood, FL. Q2: My safety and that of others was severely impacted as it was indeterminate when the vehicle would violently over-rev and up or down-shift, while also leaving the possibility for the vehicle to just stall completely or to potentially have a total "rear wheel brake lock-up" scenario, as mentioned in the federal safety agency Re-Call. (N242454440 | RIONL-24V797-0912) This issue left me stranded and the vehicle was towed to a nearby GM Dealership, noted above. Q3: This issue was noted in third-party/independent diagnostic data (available upon request), prior to delivery of the vehicle to the dealership. Additionally, the issue was noted at the GM Dealership after four (4) months of repair attempts. The issue was re-encountered during a test drive when the dealership tried to return the vehicle to me un-repaired, demanding payment w/o invoice. The GM Certified Diesel Technician and I test drove the vehicle and found the issue to be the same or even worse. During this test drive, the GM Diesel Tech noted that the TCM could likely be one of the primary issues causing or contributing to the harsh shifting. Q4: The component was supposedly inspected and replaced by the dealership. However, the federal safety agency Re-Call is still showing as INCOMPLETE and the dealership will not provide me with an invoice or any data regarding this matter. The manufacturer was notified months ago and asked to provide data in relation to this matter, but still no resolution. Please let me know if you can inspect and/or assist in any way. Q5: No

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · NJ

Follow-up to the federal safety agency complaint #11659972. My 2024 Silverado ZR2's 6.2L engine was replaced in May 2025 under recall 25V‑274. Around 13,800-14,000 miles the same symptoms returned: hard shifting, severe loss of fuel economy, sputtering, and the engine leaking oil every time I added more. The truck is unsafe to drive; an engine failure at highway speed could kill the driver, passengers and others. Service scheduled at Paramus Chevrolet for 12/10/2025.

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · NJ

Follow-up to the federal safety agency complaint #11659972. On 12/10/2025 at 14,808 miles, under warranty, I brought my 2024 Silverado ZR2 (engine replaced May 2025 under recall 25V‑274) to Paramus Chevrolet for hard shifting, sputtering, severe fuel economy loss and oil leaks. The dealer opened a case with GM, drove it about 214 miles logging data, and sent the data to GM. GM refused to repair it. The truck was returned 12/16/2025 at 15,022 miles unfixed and unsafe; an engine failure at highway speed could kill the driver, passengers and others.

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 Oct 12, 2026 · Transmission · MI

My 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 has only 61k miles on it. While driving at expressway speed I can feel a vibration, when at a stop and slowly accelerating it feels like driving on a rubble strip and then while going through the gears it has hard/harsh shifting! I have taken it to my local GM dealership in [XXX] and they are going to do a transmission flush and new fluid but I am worried that the problem may be worse than just bad fluid at this point, more like worn clutch plates, etc.? If this does not fix the problem my extended warranty end at 80k miles and I will be stuck with a truck that has a major transmission problem! No trans should go at 60k miles! Why isn't there a recall on the 1500 8 speed transmission for these chevy Trucks? I understand there are many Technical Service Bulletins issued by GM for the transmission issues but no recall. This should be looked into with all the complaints filed for their transmission issues! Hopefully GM will be forced to do the right thing and issue a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Transmission · KY

2021 Silverado with 5.3 engine/8spd transmission/38,000 miles just outside of the 5-year powertrain warranty *No current recalls under this VIN as of 10/07/2026* Undiagnosed issues with symptoms similar to transmission or rear end slippage, torque converter or clutch pack problems. No warning lights or messages have appeared 1) Vehicle seems to hunt for proper gearing between 30-40 mph (3rd to 4th gear) with light shuddering before shifting gears. Occurred 20+ times 2) Sudden jerk when taking off from dead stop. Feels like being lightly bumped from behind then drives normally. Occurred 4 times 3) Only noticed when towing appx 6,000lb trailer descending down a hill - A one-time loud clunk when easing off throttle and coasting downhill. The sound is similar to hitting a metal desk with a fist. Occurred 7 times. Spoke with local Chevrolet dealer who informed me the powertrain warranty has recently expired, and no repair cost would be covered. Recommended dealer service would be to replace the transmission fluid and filter with Mobil 1, potentially reprogram the transmission, and replace the torque converter. All on a vehicle with only 38,000 miles

Filed Sep 26, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

Vehicle is hard shifting and has the following error codes. Engine P0700 Transmission Control Moduel Requested, test not passed Transmission P0747 Transmission control solenoid Valve 1 stuck on- Test failed. Warning indicator requested. Very concerned to be driving this vehicle.

Filed Sep 19, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MI

My head, my transmission in my Silverado 1500 6 speed has had rough shifting since I bought it had 29,000 miles on it. It also has been looked at for the rough and they said it was normal now at 100,000 miles by train ships out of gear while driving and coming to an idle at random spots, took it into a train shop Westland transmission. They said I need all new transmission which I think this should've been fixed a long time ago with the rough shifting the recall and lawsuit needs to add the six speed trans to the eight speed intense speed that GM is officially getting served on.

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Transmission · NJ

Came off the parkway and came to a stop at a stop sign. As I attempted to accelerate forward the truck shuttered violently, did not move forward and then slammed into gear. As it slammed into gear it jerked forward. The force of the jerk pushed me back in the seat and caused the steering wheel to turn. About 100 yards later I came to a stop in traffic. As I attempted to accelerate the same incident occurred again. After the second incident anytime I same to a stop and attempted to accelerate forward the shutter was no longer present but the truck would not move at first and would then slam into gear and jerk violently. This would occur in drive and reverse. I brought it to the dealership and they diagnosed that it needed a transmission. The service writer even told me it bucked so hard while the technician was moving it that it almost put him through the steering wheel. The truck is currently having the transmission replaced at Greenbrook GMC. Estimated repair cost is $9400 plus taxes and fees. Can provide invoice and bill once repair is completed.

Related recalls

Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)Reported May 7, 2026 · 66 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
Risk
Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4223. GM's number for this recall is N262557620. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on May 7, 2026.

Recall number 26V289000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve bodyReported February 12, 2026 · 1,055 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
Risk
Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on February 12, 2026.

Recall number 26V083000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve bodyReported October 24, 2024 · 463,295 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Risk
Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1‑800‑462‑8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.

Recall number 24V797000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported October 22, 2020 · 42 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 and 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 trucks. One of the driveshaft joints may not have been properly welded, causing the driveshaft to separate while the vehicle is moving.
Risk
If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267. GM's number for this recall is N202314870.

Recall number 20V650000 · Recall details

Questions about the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 harsh shifting

Which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years have harsh or hard shifting problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2019 (65 complaints), 2017 (34 complaints) and 2021 (33 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix harsh or hard shifting on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $4,500 (median of 20 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history