What year Silverado has transmission problems?

The Chevrolet Silverado, a popular full-size pickup truck, has faced transmission issues in certain model years, causing frustration for owners and prompting recalls from the manufacturer. While the Silverado is generally known for its reliability, some model years have been more prone to transmission problems than others.

Affected Silverado Model Years

According to the information gathered from various sources, the Chevrolet Silverado models that have experienced the most significant transmission problems include the 2015, 2016, and 2017 model years.

Transmission Issues Reported

The transmission problems reported by Silverado owners have ranged from delayed gear shifts, harsh shifting, and even complete transmission failure. These issues can be both inconvenient and potentially dangerous, as they can affect the vehicle's drivability and responsiveness.

Causes and Recalls

The transmission issues in the affected Silverado models have been attributed to a variety of factors, including design flaws, faulty components, and software glitches. In response to these problems, Chevrolet has issued several recalls to address the transmission issues, including:

• Recall for 2015-2016 Silverado models to update the transmission control module software


• Recall for 2017 Silverado models to replace the torque converter


• Ongoing monitoring and investigation by Chevrolet to identify and address any additional transmission-related issues

While Chevrolet has taken steps to address the transmission problems, some owners have continued to experience issues even after the recalls, highlighting the need for ongoing attention and improvement in the Silverado's transmission design and manufacturing.

What year did the Chevy Silverado have problems?

Years to generally avoid for the Chevy Silverado 1500 include the early GMT900 models (2007–2011) due to engine issues like oil consumption and lifter failure, and the early K2XX generation (2014–2016) known for frequent A/C leaks and transmission problems. Other problematic years include 2012–2013, with complaints about engines and transmissions, and 2017, which had widespread transmission issues. 
This video discusses the best and worst model years for Chevy Silverado 1500 trucks: 59sCar Lensy YouTube · Sep 11, 2025
Problematic years

• 2007–2011: These models had engine problems, most notably excessive oil consumption and lifter noise, often due to the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system. 
• 2012–2013: These years saw reports of engine and transmission problems. 
• 2014: This model year is frequently cited as one of the worst, with numerous complaints about A/C system failures, electrical issues like dead infotainment screens, and engine stalling. 
• 2015: Similar to the 2014 model, this year had high complaint and recall numbers, with common issues including transmission problems and suspension issues. 
• 2016: While having fewer recalls than 2014 and 2015, this year still experienced issues with the brakes and engine. 
• 2017: This year is known for significant transmission problems, including hard shifting and shuddering, according to owner reports and reliability ratings. 
• 2019–2023: Some models from these years, especially those with the 8-speed automatic transmission, have reported issues with transmission shifting, and the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines may experience lifter failures. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the potential problems with Chevy Silverado trucks from 2019 to 2025: 1mSimpleCarGuyYouTube · Apr 19, 2025
Why these years are problematic

• Engine and mechanical issues: Years with the early Active Fuel Management (AFM) system (like 2007–2013) are prone to excessive oil consumption and lifter failure. 
• Transmission problems: Years like 2014–2017 and 2019–2023 have been reported to have issues with transmission shuddering, hard shifting, and other malfunctions. 
• Electrical and A/C faults: The first generation of the K2XX platform, particularly the 2014 model, was plagued by numerous electrical glitches and recurring air conditioning failures. 

Do Silverados still have transmission problems?

Silverado often faces transmission slipping and delayed shifting in models from 2018 to 2023.

What year 5.3 to stay away from Chevy?

You should avoid GM 5.3L engines from the 2007-2010 model years, particularly 2007 and 2008, due to common issues like excessive oil consumption from the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system, and other problems like transmission and 4-wheel-drive issues. The 2014-2016 models are also problematic, with frequent issues related to the A/C, transmission, and steering. 
Years to avoid

• 2007-2010: Early versions of the second-generation GMT900 platform are known for problems with the Active Fuel Management system, leading to excessive oil consumption. 
• 2007: Besides AFM oil consumption, this year also saw engine problems and transmission issues. 
• 2008: This model is frequently cited as one of the worst due to oil consumption and faulty Takata airbags, which posed a serious safety risk. 
• 2014-2016: This range had frequent issues with A/C, transmissions, steering, and other electrical systems. 

Years to consider

• 1999-2006: Generally considered reliable, with later models (2004-2006) being particularly solid. 
• 2011-2013: These years within the GMT900 generation saw reliability improvements. 
• 2018: This model year is often cited as being more reliable compared to other years in the K2XX generation. 

What Silverado years to stay away from?

2011 and 2014 Models
Both the 2011 and 2014 model years had several issues, but the 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 is the worst model year. Transmission failures, engine problems, cooling issues, stalling, and a noisy engine plague both model years, but the 2014 earned far more complaints from owners.