What is the recall on the 2021 Silverado transmission?
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado has faced a recall related to its transmission. According to the information available, the recall affects certain Silverado models equipped with the 8L90 and 8L45 transmissions. The recall was issued to address a potential issue that could lead to the transmission unexpectedly shifting into neutral, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details of the Recall
The recall was initiated by General Motors (GM), the manufacturer of the Chevrolet Silverado, in March 2021. The affected vehicles were produced between August 2020 and February 2021. The recall covers approximately 410,000 Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 models equipped with the 8L90 and 8L45 transmissions.
The issue stems from a problem with the transmission oil pump. In some cases, the oil pump may not provide sufficient lubrication, leading to premature wear and the potential for the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral. This could occur while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of a crash and loss of vehicle control.
Affected Models and Remedy
The recall affects the following Chevrolet Silverado models from the 2021 model year:
- Silverado 1500
- Silverado 2500HD
- Silverado 3500HD
To address the issue, GM dealers will reprogram the transmission control module to improve the oil pump operation and provide enhanced transmission monitoring. This software update is provided free of charge to affected vehicle owners.
Owners of the affected Silverado models are advised to contact their local Chevrolet dealer to schedule the recall repair. Customers can also check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website for the latest information on the recall and to determine if their specific vehicle is included.
Which Silverado transmission had 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.
What transmission is in the GM transmission lawsuit?
The GM 8-speed transmission class action litigation (under Shelton v. General Motors LLC and related claims) has generally required: Ownership or lease of a GM vehicle from specific manufacturers and model years equipped with the Hydra-Matic 8L45 or 8L90 eight-speed transmissions.
Does GM have a recall on transmissions?
GM issued a recall for over 460,000 diesel trucks and SUVs from model years 2020-2022 due to a transmission defect that could cause the rear wheels to lock up unexpectedly while driving. The fix involves a free software update from the dealer and, if needed, replacement parts for the faulty transmission control valve, which may not be immediately available.
Affected vehicles
- 2020-2022: Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 (with Duramax diesel engine)
- 2020-2022: GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500 (with Duramax diesel engine)
- 2021: Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban
- 2021: Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
- 2021: GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
The problem
- A faulty transmission control valve can wear out over time, leading to a sudden and dangerous rear wheel lock-up.
- This can occur during high-stress situations, such as towing, and may result in a loss of control.
- Drivers may also experience harsh shifting before a complete failure.
What to do
- Check your VIN: You can use your vehicle's VIN to check for any outstanding recalls on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
- Schedule a dealer visit: A dealer will perform a free software update for the transmission control module.
- Be aware of part availability: Parts for the physical repair may not be immediately available. GM and dealers are working to get them as quickly as possible.
- Follow dealer instructions: The dealer will provide specific instructions on the repairs and warranty coverage for any future issues.
Has GM fixed the 8-speed transmission problems?
No, GM has not completely fixed the 8-speed transmission problems, although they have implemented fixes that work for some issues, and the company has moved to newer transmissions for newer models. The issues have been addressed with multiple service bulletins, a new fluid, and hardware updates, but complaints persist, and new lawsuits have been filed over the ongoing problems, such as lurching and shuddering. For the 2024 model year, GM introduced a revised 8-speed (the 8L80) and also uses a 10-speed transmission in many of its other vehicles.
Problems and fixes
- Original 8-speed transmission problems: The initial 8-speed transmission (8L90) was associated with complaints of lurching, shuddering, and delays.
- Fixes attempted:
- Fluid flush: One common fix is a transmission fluid flush using a new, more synthetic fluid.
- Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs): GM issued many TSBs to address the issues, but owners report they were not always permanent solutions.
- Hardware updates: Some solutions involved updates to the transmission's thermostat and wiring harness.
- Newer transmissions:
- Revised 8-speed (8L80): For the 2024 model year, GM introduced a revised 8-speed transmission in models like the Silverado.
- 10-speed transmission: In many cases, GM has replaced the 8-speed transmission with a 10-speed, which is considered more robust by some, particularly for high-torque applications.
Ongoing issues
- Continued complaints: Despite the updates, owners still report experiencing problems with the 8-speed transmission.
- Class action lawsuits: Lawsuits have continued to be filed, with some alleging GM knew about the problems but failed to adequately inform customers.
- Warranty extensions: GM has extended the warranty on certain transmission parts, but it's unclear if this covers the entire transmission or just specific components.
