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.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 hesitation problems
230 of the 18,180 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 describe hesitation when accelerating, most of them for the 2019 model year.
- owner complaints
- 230
- worst model year
- 2019
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,956
- typical mileage
- 61,000
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Jerking 51Check engine light 43Harsh shifting 39Shudder 34Loss of power 21Stalling 20Transmission failure 19Engine failure 12
Trouble codes mentioned
P0700 2U0100 1P2820 1P219B 1P0777 1P0722 1P0452 1P0420 1
What owners say
ruck hesitated when shifting at lower speeds and created a hazard while driving. Transmission isssues are known to Chevrolet and nothing is being done about it. My son’s Chevy Colorado did the same thing in 08/26 (got fixed at a Chevy dealer and was reported to the federal safety agency). This needs to stop and needs to be further looked into with Chevy! I have receipts and proof if needed (keeps giving me an error when I try to upload it)
My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss, equipped with the 5.3L V8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, intermittently experiences a complete engine stall while the vehicle is still moving. This condition typically occurs following an extended period of driving, during braking and deceleration at approximately 1 to 5 mph. The vehicle locks the emergency brake and the engine stops. This happened in stop/go traffic as well as in my neighborhood. As the vehicle approaches a complete stop, the engine begins to struggle, with noticeable hesitation and a reduction in engine RPM, before shutting off completely. When the engine stalls, the transmission automatically shifts into Neutral, requiring me to restart the engine before I can resume driving. This is not normal automatic engine start/stop operation. The issue occurs even when the automatic start/stop feature has been manually disabled. The engine shuts down unexpectedly without driver input or an intentional shutdown command. The intermittent nature of this malfunction makes it difficult to predict when the vehicle will stall. The unexpected loss of engine power while the vehicle is moving creates a significant safety concern, particularly when braking, turning, entering intersections, or maneuvering in traffic. The vehicle could become temporarily disabled in an active roadway, increasing the risk of a collision. I have identified reports from other owners of 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vehicles describing similar unexpected engine shutdowns during low-speed operation, including instances where the transmission shifts into Neutral and requires an engine restart. The cause of this malfunction has not been determined. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether this condition represents a broader safety defect affecting 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vehicles equipped with the 5.3L V8 engine. I am concerned this could happen on the highway or cause an accident. Dealer cannot replicate...
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
Statement for the federal safety agency Subject: Safety Complaint – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado Unexpected Jerking/Harsh Transmission Engagement I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2.7L Turbo with approximately 128,000 miles. My vehicle has developed a recurring problem involving harsh/jerking transmission engagement, hesitation, shuddering and abnormal shifting. The truck can jerk when engaging or changing gears and has also experienced a hard engagement when shifting from Reverse into Drive. During normal driving, the vehicle can hesitate or feel as though it is repeatedly fluttering/shifting instead of providing smooth and predictable acceleration. The vehicle has produced diagnostic trouble codes including P0700, U0100 and P0420. I am concerned that this condition could create a safety hazard, particularly if the vehicle unexpectedly jerks, hesitates or fails to respond normally when accelerating or changing gears in traffic. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document this complaint and review whether there is a pattern or potential safety-related defect involving transmission engagement, shifting or drivetrain control on 2021 Chevrolet Silverado vehicles. GM has published service information concerning delayed and harsh transmission engagement on certain Silverado applications, including 2019–2021 models, which makes me concerned that my vehicle may be experiencing a related issue. I am retaining my repair records, diagnostic information, receipts, videos and mileage/date information documenting when the problem occurs. I am willing to provide this information if requested. Please help me get my truck corrected, I love my Chevy Truck. Thanks Sincerely [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While Driving I feel shaking while accelerating between 25-40 mph, and its like I'm driving over rumble strips, plus when stopped and start to accelerate it hesitates and then surges forward.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine was idling rough and the vehicle vibrated violently. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle hesitate while responding. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the infotainment center intermittently went black, and there was water leaking into the vehicle through the top and lower center of the front windshield and the rear windshield. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the rear windshield was replaced without a diagnostic being performed; however, the failures persisted. Additionally, the side view mirrors intermittently failed to unfold when starting the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, white smoke emitted from the exhaust, the vehicle hesitated, and it lost power. The Check Engine warning light illuminated, along with "Service Electronic Stability Control", "Trailer Brake System", "Steering Assist Reduced", "Service Brake Assist", and "Brake System Failure" messages, and the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, Arcadia Chevrolet Buick (210 S Brevard Ave, Arcadia, FL 34266), where it was diagnosed that the lifter and torque converter had failed. The lifter and torque converter were replaced, and the system was flushed. Approximately 800 miles later, the engine failed again. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the torque converter and transmission had fractured. The torque converter and transmission were replaced; however, the warning lights and messages illuminated again, and the vehicle continued to hesitate when driven over 42 MPH. After being parked for a few days, the warning lights were no longer illuminated and the mirrors opened, but the engine hesitation persisted. The vehicle was not further diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
Description of the Problem: My 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a recurring transmission issue involving hard shifting and shuddering during normal driving. The transmission frequently hesitates, clunks, or jolts when changing gears, especially at low to moderate speeds. These symptoms occur consistently and have worsened over time. Safety Concerns: The harsh gear engagement and shuddering make the vehicle difficult to control smoothly. It feels like something will break while I'm driving. The unpredictable shifting behavior feels unsafe in traffic, during merging, and when accelerating from a stop, or driving on the freeway. I am concerned this may be related to widespread transmission complaints reported by other 2023 Silverado owners, including valve body and TCM failures. Service History: I have not contacted my dealership regarding the issue. Why I’m Reporting: I believe this transmission behavior presents a potential safety defect. I am submitting this complaint so the federal safety agency can review it as part of ongoing monitoring of similar issues reported for this model year.
Shuddering at 25 to 50 mph, harsh shifts, hesitation.
Related recalls
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)
- 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 body
- 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 body
- 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: driveshaft
- 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 hesitation
Which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years have hesitation when accelerating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2019 (36 complaints), 2021 (33 complaints) and 2017 (24 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix hesitation when accelerating on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,956 (median of 11 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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