What year did GM fix the 8 speed transmission?
General Motors (GM) has addressed the long-standing issues with its 8-speed automatic transmission in 2021, providing a solution for affected vehicle owners. The 8-speed transmission, which was introduced in various GM models starting in 2015, had been plagued by problems such as harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and unexpected acceleration.
The 8-Speed Transmission Problems
The 8-speed automatic transmission, developed by GM in partnership with Ford, was intended to improve fuel efficiency and performance in a wide range of GM vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Cadillac Escalade, and others. However, the transmission quickly gained a reputation for reliability issues, with many owners reporting problems such as:
- Harsh, jerky shifting
- Delayed or sluggish engagement when accelerating from a stop
- Unexpected surges of acceleration, often referred to as "torque converter shudder"
- Premature wear and failure of transmission components
These issues led to numerous customer complaints, warranty claims, and even lawsuits against GM, as the problems posed a safety risk and caused significant frustration for affected vehicle owners.
GM's Solution and Recall
In 2021, GM finally addressed the 8-speed transmission issues by issuing a recall and implementing a comprehensive solution. The automaker worked with its transmission supplier to develop a software update that addressed the root causes of the problems, including:
- Recalibrating the transmission control module to improve shift quality and responsiveness
- Updating the torque converter control logic to reduce shudder and vibration
- Implementing enhanced diagnostic capabilities to better detect and address potential issues
The software update was made available to all affected vehicle owners through GM dealerships, and the company also extended the warranty coverage for the 8-speed transmission to help address any lingering issues.
Improved Reliability and Customer Satisfaction
Since the implementation of the 8-speed transmission fix in 2021, GM has reported a significant reduction in customer complaints and warranty claims related to the problematic transmission. Owners of affected vehicles have also reported improved driving experiences, with smoother shifting, better responsiveness, and a reduction in the previously experienced issues.
The successful resolution of the 8-speed transmission problems has helped to restore customer confidence in GM's engineering and quality control, and the company has been able to move forward with the continued development and deployment of its advanced transmission technologies.
