Is there a recall on Silverado transmissions?

Yes. There have been recall campaigns affecting Silverado transmissions at various times; whether your truck is affected depends on its model year and VIN. Confirm status through official sources and act promptly if a recall is active.

This article examines the recall landscape for Silverado transmissions, explains how to verify if a specific vehicle is affected, and outlines what owners should expect and do if a recall applies. We’ll outline verification steps, what kinds of issues have prompted recalls, and how repairs are handled.

Understanding the recall landscape for Silverado transmissions

Over the years, multiple recall campaigns have targeted Silverado trucks’ automatic transmissions. The issues cited range from transmission slipping or failing to engage gears to unintended shifts or fluid-leak-related concerns. The model years and transmission types involved vary by campaign, and not every Silverado is affected. The only reliable way to know for a given vehicle is to check the VIN against official recall databases.

Typical issues cited in recalls

Recall notices have described a variety of transmission-related problems that prompted action, including shifting malfunctions, unexpected gear changes, and performance anomalies. The exact symptom set depends on the campaign and generation of the Silverado in question.

How to check if your Silverado is affected

Before taking action, verify recall status using official channels. The following steps help you determine whether a recall applies to your vehicle:

• Visit the NHTSA recall database and search by your vehicle identification number (VIN) or recall number to view active or completed campaigns.


• Use Chevrolet/GM’s official recall lookup by VIN for vehicle-specific information and status updates.


• Contact your local Chevrolet dealership or GM customer service with your VIN to confirm recall status and arrange repairs if needed.


• Consider signing up for recall notifications if you’re shopping for a used Silverado, so you’re alerted to any campaigns on the vehicle you’re evaluating.

Recalls are performed at no charge by the manufacturer and are required to be completed, regardless of whether the vehicle’s warranty has expired. If a recall is identified, schedule the service promptly to ensure the proper fix is applied and to avoid potential safety or drivability issues.

What owners should expect if a recall is active

When a Silverado transmission recall is active, the dealer will typically inspect the vehicle and perform the required repair or part replacement free of charge. Depending on the campaign, fixes may involve software updates, reprogramming the transmission control module, or replacing components such as valve bodies, solenoids, or other transmission hardware. Some recalls can be completed in a few hours, while others may require more extensive service.

If you find a recall for your VIN but the dealer cannot access the information, ask the dealership to contact GM support for clarification or request a second opinion from a GM service center. Staying proactive helps ensure safety and reliability.

Summary

There have been multiple Silverado transmission recalls across different generations and configurations. The only reliable way to confirm whether a particular truck is affected is to check the VIN against official recall databases and to contact a dealership for next steps. For any active recall, repairs are provided at no cost to the vehicle owner, and prompt action can prevent further issues and keep the vehicle safe on the road.

How do I know if my Silverado has a recall?

To check for a Silverado recall, use your vehicle's 17-digit VIN on the Chevrolet recall site, the NHTSA recall lookup tool, or the My Chevrolet app. You can also call your local dealership and provide the VIN to inquire about any open recalls.
 
Method 1: Use the Chevrolet recall website 

1. Go to the Chevrolet Recall and Warranty Center page.
2. Enter your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the search box.
3. Click "Search" to see if your vehicle has any open recalls. 

Method 2: Use the NHTSA recall lookup tool 

1. Visit the NHTSA recall search page. 
2. Enter your 17-digit VIN in the search box. 
3. The tool will show if your specific vehicle needs to be repaired as part of a safety recall. 

Method 3: Use the My Chevrolet app 

1. Open the My Chevrolet or My GMC app.
2. Navigate to the recall and warranty information section. 

Method 4: Contact a local dealership

1. Call a local dealership.
2. Provide them with your vehicle's VIN.
3. They can look up your vehicle for any open recalls and help you schedule a service appointment. 

Which Silverados have transmission issues?

5. Are certain model years of Silverado more prone to transmission issues? Some Silverado model years, particularly 2015–2019, have been reported to experience shuddering, slipping, or hard shifting due to transmission problems.

How do I know if my transmission has been recalled?

The National Highway Transportation Administration has an individual vehicle identification number (VIN) look up tool. Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your vehicle has an open recall. Many of the vehicle manufacturers also offer tools to look up if a vehicle has a recall.

Has GM fixed the 8-speed transmission problems?

The GM 8-speed automatic transmission from those models years has been a black-eye for the company with numerous complaints, recalls and TSBs to try to fix the numerous issues. GM has since redone the transmission completely and even moved forward with a new 10-speed transmission to leave that issue behind them.