Chevy Silverado Transmission Problems


in Problems
Purple Chevy Silverado

Source: Pixabay

The Chevy Silverado is a mainstay in the truck world, offering four generations of powerhouses for interested drivers. It’s undergone many changes and upgrades over the years, working to appeal to its audience. If you want a Silverado, it’s critical to consider potential issues. You might wonder - are there common transmission problems in the truck?

If you’re interested in learning more about the various Chevy Silverado transmission problems, you’ve come to the right place. It’s critical to know about the good and bad with any car before investing to determine if it’s the right choice for your life. Read on to learn more about the worst transmission years for the Silverado and other critical information. 

Quick Answer: Avoid 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 Chevy Silverados

The most Chevy Silverado transmission problems appear in the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 versions. The other years and generations have a better track record with this component.

If you see these models and don’t care about the issues with the transmission, you can use the Copilot app to locate your ideal vehicle. It will help you easily search listings in your area to note when prices drop or your various leverage points with a local dealership go up.


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Which Years of Chevy Silverados Have the Most Transmission Problems?

According to lenferauto.com, the 2012-2019 versions of the Chevy Silverado easily have the greatest transmission issues reported by customers. These troubles typically impact the drivability of the vehicle and could lead to expensive repairs, even after a short time as an owner of the car.

Of course, some years are better than others. Still, you might want to go with an older or newer iteration for better results with the transmission system. 

Chevy Silverado Year Models With the Least Reliable Transmissions

Overall, the 2015, 2016, and 2017 versions are the worst for transmission troubles. They are known to have transmissions that surge throughout their lifespan or even just fail outright and without warning. None of these are ideal and could put a severe damper in your day if you need a sudden expensive trip to the repair shop.

The other years mentioned have transmission troubles, but they aren’t as severe as these three selections. If you must purchase one of the years with poor transmissions, ensure you avoid these three if possible. They will cost you much more than they are worth on the road and could even prove dangerous if given enough exposure on the road. 


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Do Chevy Silverados Have More Transmission Problems Than Similar Models?

Unfortunately, Chevy Silverado transmission problems are not a rarity for the Chevy Silverado. This complaint has been subject to many lawsuits and recalls over the years for a variety of models produced.

According to motorbiscuit.com, there was a lawsuit in 2023 against the Chevy Silverado. This lawsuit reported that Chevy Silverados from 2015-2019 had transmission troubles that were never repaired and thus made the vehicles unsafe to drive. They supposedly never received an ideal solution for this severe trouble spot.

Similar vehicle models don’t have as many transmission issues as the Chevy Silverado, especially in recent years. Although it tends to be a reliable truck, it is critical to note that the Silverado has struggled with its transmission in the past so it isn’t improbable it could show up again.

What Is The Average Cost to Repair the Most Common Chevy Silverado Transmission Problems?

If you want to invest in any vehicle, it’s helpful to consider the repair cost of various areas of the car. The more a car costs in repairs, the less practical it is for ownership. Since the transmission is one of the most critical areas in the car, it also happens to be one of the most expensive to fix.

According to repairsmith.com, here’s the cost to repair a transmission in the Silverado over several model years:

  • 1999: $5,073-$6,201
  • 2012: $4,902-$5,991
  • 2018: $5,467-$6,681

The generation in the middle costs the least, while the latest interaction is the priciest.

It’s critical to keep money set aside in case of emergencies. You never know when your transmission might give out in a Chevy Silverado.


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Signs Your Chevy Silverado Has Transmission Problems

It’s always a good idea to study up on what you might notice if your car has transmission troubles. The sooner you recognize them, the sooner you will get your vehicle the help it needs.

According to grangerchevrolet.com, here are some Silverado warning signs:

  • Leaking transmission fluid
  • Hard downshifts
  • Shift flares
  • Whining at the gear changes

These all indicate faults with the transmission.

If you notice these, take your car to a repair shop as soon as possible. They will easily diagnose the system and ensure your car is back to good as new in the blink of an eye. 

How To Avoid Purchasing a Chevy Silverado With Transmission Problems

The last thing you want to do is invest in a car, only to find it has transmission troubles hidden beneath the surface. It’s always a good idea to carefully inspect a vehicle for these serious faults before putting money down.

The best way to avoid purchasing a Silverado with transmission issues is to take it for a test drive before you do anything else. Watch out for hard downshifts, flares in whining, whining at the gear changes, and other items to see if it’s a vehicle to buy or pass on.

Final Thoughts

There are many Chevy Silverado transmission problems, especially in the 2014-2019 versions. These can be expensive, so it’s ideal to avoid these and to test drive your vehicle before making a final purchase. 

We hope this information was valuable! The more you know about the transmission issues associated with the Chevy Silverado, the easier it will be to make the right choice for your next vehicle. The Silverado has its issues with the transmission, but there’s also a reason it’s been one of the most popular trucks in the country for several decades.



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