The current-generation Silverado 1500 includes several trim models, engine options, and the transmissions to go with them. There are 6-, 8- and 10-speed transmissions within the 2019-2026 model year range of the truck and it’s expected that at least two will continue with the next-generation Silverado coming in 2027.
None of these transmissions associated with the 1500 are without fault. Only the new 10-speed transmission, designed in partnership with Ford, has had a major federal recall. The 6- and 8-speed options have not, but have had a lot of service bulletins associated with them.
6-Speed MYC 6L80
Used for the 2019-2021 model years, the 6L80 transmission was a carryover from the previous generation Silverado. There are no recalls for the 2019+ model years with this transmission. There are, however, several technical service bulletins associated with it.
TSB 22-NA-182 (Updates through 2024): Addresses harsh shifting, shudder, stalling, and overheating. The cause is often a twisted cooler line or a faulty Thermal Bypass Valve (TBV). The fix involves checking the TBV opening temperature (which should be 158°F for the 6-speed) or installing an updated bypass kit.
Other known problems with this transmission include:
- Overheating, resulting in fluid breakdown, especially when under heavy load.
- Aluminum valve bodies are known to wear down and create hydraulic pressure leakage in the 6L80, often leading to a stuck TCC regulator valve and slipping shifts.
- The 3-5-R clutch drum is known to fail due to weld assemblies breaking in 3rd, 5th, and reverse gears.
- Cracking 1-2-3-4 apply piston cracking under high hydraulic pressure.
8-Speed 8L80 and 8L90
The 8L80 transmission was introduced to the Silverado in 2024 as a truck-specific version of the 8-speed. The 8L90 has been used in a variety of high-torque applications throughout GM’s lineup, including the Corvette and Camaro. Both continue to be used into 2026, though the 8L80 replaced the 8L90 in many of the Silverado’s configurations.
Neither of these transmissions have been the subject of a federal recall. There are, however, some technical service bulletins associated with them.
TSB 18-NA-355, TSB 20-NA-142, and variants: Torque converter shudder on 2015-2025 models with the 8L80 and 8L90. TSB dictates a transmission flush with a specific fluid to resolve moisture absorption issues.
N212328090: A limited internal “Customer Satisfaction Program” which explicitly targeted a catastrophic manufacturing defect in the 8L80 and 8L90 transmission reaction carrier. Less than 100 units were affected.
Other known problems for the 8L80 and 8L90 transmissions:
- Harsh, delayed, or erratic shifting caused by faulty solenoids or valve body wear creating pressure leaks.
- 2-3-4-6-8 drum failure caused by wear in the pressure regulator or boost valve circuit.
- Pump Stator can shift out of place or turn off-center, blocking cooler oil return lines and causing overheating.
- Overheating under load causing premature fluid breakdown.
The Speerly v. General Motors lawsuit concerns alleged defects in 8L45 and 8L90 eight-speed transmissions in certain 2015–2019 GM vehicles. On June 27, 2025, the Sixth Circuit vacated the class-certification order; that ruling was not a finding that the transmissions were defect-free.
10-speed Hydra-Matic 10L80 MF6
The 10L series Hydra-Matic was introduced in the Silverado in 2019. Designed in partnership with Ford, which called theirs the 10R, the 10L is the most prolific of the automatics found in today’s Silverado models.
The 10L80 has been the subject of one major recall involving the Silverado pickup.
Recall 24V-797: Affects roughly 461,839 vehicles, including select 2020–2022 full-size GM trucks and SUVs (like the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra). Valve body wear can cause a loss of hydraulic pressure and potential momentary rear-wheel lock-up. Dealers install updated Transmission Control Module (TCM) software to monitor wear and engage a limp mode if necessary.
Several technical service bulletins have been issued for the Silverado’s 10L80 transmission.
TSB 26-NA-037: Erratic shifting and hydraulic pressure due to misstamped spacer plates and worn internal check balls.
TSB 25-NA-334: Severe, harsh shifting or hydraulic leaks without internal debris. Requires updated Gen-3 valve body and spacer plate.
TSB 22-NA-232: Whine, growl, or grinding noise from transmission at idle which escalates with rising engine RPM. Caused by excessed or abnormal wear, tooth damage, or side-to-side play on the oil pump and/or idler gears.
TSB 22-NA-182: Transmission fluid consistently running hot, accompanied by harsh shifting or stalling. Misshaped or twisted external cooling lines or a faulty Internal Thermal bypass Valve (TBV).
Other known problems for the 10L80 transmission:
- Harsh shifting, especially in 1-2 and 2-3 shifts while cold, typically caused by a worn valve body bore or sticking solenoids, creating a tiny internal leak.
- Torque Converter Clutch shudder caused by friction material on the factory torque converter clutch lining degrading prematurely.
- CDF Drum bushing slip caused by the internal brass sleeve on the bushing migrating out of place and blocking oil passages. This problem is more common in Ford’s 10R.
Which Engine/Transmission Option Would We Buy?
Our favorite engine for reliability in the Silverado 1500 is the Duramax. That engine mates with the 10L80 Hydra-Matic transmission, which we also prefer out of those above. It’s had fewer problems associated with it beyond one major recall that’s largely resolved now.
The 10L80 is also, in our experience driving various versions of the Silverado 1500, the smoothest and easiest transmission to live with in day-to-day driving and while towing most loads.
