GM Transmission Recalls and Issues: What Drivers Need to Know

When your car’s transmission starts acting up, it’s more than just inconvenient; it’s potentially dangerous. 

Over the past few years, numerous General Motors (GM) vehicles, including popular models from Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC, have been plagued with reports of transmission problems. From shuddering and vibration to sudden jerking and gear lockups, these issues have led to widespread complaints, recalls, and even class action lawsuits.

Are you affected by these recalls? Here’s what you need to know about which models are recalled, what causes these issues, and what you can do if your vehicle is showing signs of transmission failure.

If a vehicle malfunction or defect caused you to suffer an accident or injury, contact Morgan & Morgan, America’s largest personal injury law firm, for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.

Which GM Models Are Experiencing Transmission Issues?

GM’s transmission troubles affect a wide range of vehicles across several model years. Some of the most commonly reported models include:

• 2016–2024 Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra – Drivers have reported shuddering, jerking, slipping, and vibration, especially at low speeds or while accelerating.
• 2019–2021 Cadillac CT4, CT5, and CT6 – Recalled due to premature wear in the transmission’s control valve, which can cause harsh shifting and even momentary wheel lockup.
• 2020–2022 Chevrolet Camaro – Included in GM’s recall over transmission valve wear that may lead to wheel lockup.
• 2020–2022 Diesel Models of the GMC Yukon & Chevrolet Tahoe – Recalled due to a faulty transmission control valve that can cause rear wheel lockup or loss of power while driving.

A recent class action lawsuit also alleges that GM’s 8-speed automatic transmissions (8L45 and 8L90), used in many 2015–2019 vehicles, were defective, causing shaking, hesitation, and violent shifting.

What Is the “Shudder” or Vibration?

When GM owners describe a “shudder,” they’re typically referring to a deep vibration or shaking that occurs when the transmission shifts gears or when accelerating. This is often caused by torque converter clutch (TCC) shudder, a condition where the transmission’s internal clutch slips or engages inconsistently.

This can happen due to:

• Faulty or worn torque converter components
• Degraded or contaminated transmission fluid
• Defective control valves that mismanage hydraulic pressure
  Software calibration issues in the transmission control module

Essentially, the transmission can’t maintain a stable connection between the engine and the wheels, resulting in a pulsing or vibrating sensation, often between 25–65 mph.

What Do Drivers Experience Behind the Wheel?

Drivers of affected GM vehicles report a range of unsettling symptoms, including:

• Vibration or shuddering during light acceleration or cruising
• Jerking or hard shifts when accelerating or slowing down
• Hesitation when switching from reverse to drive
• Grinding or slipping gears
• Sudden downshifts or lurching while driving at steady speeds
• Warning lights related to the transmission or drivetrain

Some owners have described the issue as their truck “bucking” or “lunging” unexpectedly, while others experience a noticeable shake between 35–55 mph that feels like driving over rumble strips.

In severe cases, a temporary transmission lockup can cause the vehicle to stall on the highway, creating a significant risk of collision.  

What’s Causing GM’s Transmission Problems?

GM’s transmission issues appear to stem from a combination of design flaws, worn internal parts, and software errors. Below are some of the most common causes identified in recalls and technical bulletins:

1. Control Valve Wear

The 10-speed transmission used in several GM models can suffer premature valve wear, disrupting pressure regulation. This may cause harsh shifts or, in extreme cases, wheel lockup.

2. Torque Converter Failure

A worn or defective torque converter can cause clutch slippage, leading to shuddering and erratic gear engagement.

3. Contaminated or Degraded Transmission Fluid

Some GM service bulletins recommend replacing the factory fluid with Mobil 1 LV ATF HP to address friction instability that leads to shudder.

4. Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM) Software

Improper calibration can cause the transmission to shift too aggressively or indecisively. GM has issued software updates for several models, including the 2022 GMC Sierra, to correct “poor shift quality.”

5. Design Defects in 8-Speed Units

The class action lawsuit alleges that GM’s 8L45 and 8L90 transmissions were inherently flawed, leading to chronic shuddering, hesitation, and lurching, even after multiple repairs.

Model-Specific Transmission Issues

Chevrolet

• Silverado and Silverado HD – Known for shuddering, slipping, and harsh shifting between gears.
• Camaro – Part of the recall for transmission valve wear that can lead to sudden gear lockup.
  
   

Cadillac

• CT4, CT5, and CT6 – Recalled for transmission valve defects that can cause hard shifts and wheel lockup.
• Escalade – Included in the 2020–2022 diesel recall over rear wheel lockup risks.
  
   

GMC

• Sierra and Sierra HD – Reports of vibration, jerking, and poor shift quality; GM issued software updates to address these problems.
• Yukon – Shares the same transmission components and recall risks as the Silverado and Tahoe.
  
   

What Should GM Drivers Do?

If your Chevrolet, Cadillac, or GMC vehicle is showing signs of transmission trouble, here’s what you can do:

1. Check for Active Recalls: Visit the NHTSA recall lookup tool or GM’s website to see if your VIN is part of a recall.
2. Document the Symptoms: Keep notes or videos showing when the issue happens — such as speed, temperature, or whether the car is accelerating or coasting.
3. Bring It to the Dealership: Request a full diagnostic scan, and ask if there are any transmission-related Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or software updates for your model.
4. Keep Records of All Repairs: Save every invoice and repair order. These documents can be essential evidence if you decide to pursue a claim.
5. Consult an Attorney if Repairs Fail: If your vehicle has been repeatedly serviced for the same issue or poses a safety risk, you may be entitled to compensation under lemon law or other consumer protection statutes.
   
    

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

At Morgan & Morgan, we’re already investigating claims involving GM’s defective transmissions. When major automakers put profits before safety, they must be held accountable.

If you’ve experienced shuddering, jerking, or sudden lockup in your Chevrolet, Cadillac, or GMC vehicle and the dealer hasn’t been able to fix it, you may be eligible for compensation.

Our attorneys can review your case at no cost and help determine whether you’re part of an existing class action or have an individual claim.

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.