2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 · symptom sheet
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard
- 92owner reports
- 64,900median miles
- $800median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Aug 18, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
232 of the 809 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 92 of those describe transmission shudder.
Tick what matches of 92 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the torque converter (10 reports), the valve body (9 reports) and the transmission (8 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the transmission and drivetrain cover the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 12, 2026.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
What owners paid
5 of the 92 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $699 to $1,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 30,000 and 95,000 miles, from the 39 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“The truck started backfiring and shuddering. Took it to the mechanic and with only 112000 miles I am being told it needs a new engine. It is the 6.2l motor.”
Filed Jun 11, 2026 · 112,000 miles
“The transmission shudders during light throttle at cruising speeds and low rpms, tachometer show continuous jumps in rpm and vehicle loosing power. No check engine lights. Concerned that transmission behavior can make the vehicle a hazard on highyways. Shuddering and hesitation on acceleration. Transmission fluid was changed at 70k miles and symptoms still persist. Current mileage 71k.”
Filed Aug 29, 2025 · 70,000 miles
“While driving about 75 miles an hour, when the gear was shifting back-and-forth between about seven and eight, there was a loud bang. It happened again with a bang that was not as loud. Something with the transmission. Only have 36k miles on it.”
Filed May 2, 2025 · 36,000 miles
“Power hesitation, along with loud knocking sounds coming from the engine. Cause truck to completely shut off while driving 35mph. No warning lights or anything came on until complete failure”
Filed Oct 10, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 92 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 168 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 163 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 117 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 44 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 27 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 26 reports