I Am One Of Those Affected By The Silverado Recall, But GM's Software Fix Only Avoids The Huge Downshift, Limiting Its Liability and Making The Truck Basically Useless

Imagine buying a Silverado to tow your camper, only to have its transmission nearly send you into oncoming traffic - and GM's software 'fix' leaves you stuck in limp mode, passing the repair bill onto you, at least for the time being.

General Motors’ recent recall of Silverado and Sierra trucks due to potential transmission issues has sparked significant backlash from owners, with many questioning the adequacy of GM’s proposed fix. One such owner, Brad Nyenhuis, has brought forward a detailed and alarming firsthand account of his experience with his 2020 Silverado 2500HD, shedding light on why GM’s handling of this issue has left many feeling betrayed.

Brad shared his story with Torque News, under our previous article, titled "I Traded a 2018 GMC For My 2024 GMC Sierra And Despite All All This Bashing Against GMC Trucks I've Had Zero Trouble With My Truck:"

"I am one of those affected by the transmission recall. A couple months ago, I purchased a 2020 Silverado 2500HD to pull my camper. Three weeks later, my wife and I left for a camping trip. At 65mph, going up an incline, 'BANG,' the truck jumped as the rear axle seemed to momentarily lock up. A couple of miles later, it did the same thing. This time, the truck lurched about 2' over the center line. Had there been oncoming traffic, someone would have died. My wife was going hysterical. I turned around and nursed us back home with no further events. Literally, two days later, I received the recall email. Apparently, GM put defective Control Valve Bodies that are prone to excessive premature wear, potentially causing what I experienced, in all their 10sp transmissions, even the Allison. This wear can cause it to downshift from 8th gear down to 2nd.

Anyone can give 5-star service when things go as planned. It's when things go sideways that you see the true character of who you're dealing with. GM has failed miserably in this regard.

Armen, here is what you, and the rest of the automotive press, don't seem to be understanding.

GM's proposed 'fix' for this issue is nothing but software that will sense the wear and put the truck into limp mode, limiting it to 5th gear, and avoiding the huge downshift. Granted, no one will die (limiting GM's liability), but the truck is basically useless. As for actually fixing the defective transmission? Well, that's our problem.

In other words, GM will install software (at almost no cost to them) that will force us consumers to pay them for the actual transmission repair. GM will actually profit from this pseudo-recall.

The story gets even worse when you dig deeper. It turns out that GM started factory installing this software in these trucks in 2022. They knew about the problem back then but continued to sell them as is, rather than going to a different valve body. These kinds of 'screw-the-customer' decisions have nothing to do with Covid. Stop letting them hide behind those excuses."

Brad’s story reveals the frightening potential consequences of the defect, including erratic behavior from the transmission that could easily lead to accidents. Even more troubling, GM’s fix—a software update to monitor the transmission’s Control Valve Body and limit shifting to 5th gear when wear is detected—has left owners feeling that the solution is little more than a band-aid.

According to Automotive Dive, GM’s updated software “will more closely monitor the performance of the transmission control valve. If the software detects excess wear approximately 10,000 miles before a wheel lock-up condition may occur, the transmission’s shifting will be limited to fifth gear until the next key cycle.” While this measure aims to prevent catastrophic failures, the fact that it renders affected vehicles nearly unusable has sparked displeasure among affected Silverado owners. To compound matters, the same report states, “Once a sufficient quantity of replacement parts are available, the recall bulletin will be released and dealers can begin repairing the vehicles, according to the NHTSA report.” However, many owners feel GM’s delay in providing adequate replacement parts is unacceptable.

While the software update addresses some of the transmission issues, those looking for a Silverado model designed to handle rugged terrain might find the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 Crew ZR2 a more compelling choice due to its enhanced off-road features and specialized performance. Still, GM continues to innovate across its truck lineup, as seen in its GM Defense, the latest truck, based on the Chevy Silverado, and a brilliant combination of EV and diesel power. This new model reflects the diverse options available for those looking for more powertrain choices in their trucks.

Why These Silverado Owners Feel Let Down

At the core of the issue is GM’s perceived prioritization of corporate liability over customer satisfaction. The software fix shifts the burden of eventual repair costs to the owners. While GM has assured that repairs will eventually be available, the timeline remains unclear, leaving many customers to drive vehicles that are essentially in "limp mode."

The Broader Context of Silverado Reliability

The Chevrolet Silverado has historically been a reliable workhorse in GM’s lineup. Owners often praise its towing capability, performance, and comfort. According to J.D. Power’s 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study, Chevrolet ranks among the top brands for long-term reliability, and many Silverado owners report high satisfaction with their trucks. For example, Brad’s own experience before this issue was positive enough to lead him to purchase a 2020 Silverado. In fact, a V8 Chevy Silverado is another alternative option for those wanting a full-size truck that is reasonably reliable for the money.

However, the recall has cast a shadow over this reputation. Some owners, like Ronnie LiPuma, report zero issues with their newer models, while others, such as Michael Woods, feel that trucks manufactured in the past few years have been plagued by quality control problems related to pandemic-era supply chain disruptions.

Potential Solutions and Tips for Affected Owners

For those affected, here are some practical steps:

1. Stay Updated: Monitor GM’s announcements about replacement part availability and ensure your vehicle is serviced promptly when parts become available.
2. Extended Warranty: If you haven’t already, consider purchasing an extended warranty to help cover potential future repairs.
3. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of any issues, service appointments, and communication with GM or your dealership. This documentation can be vital if you need to escalate your concerns or seek legal recourse.
4. Seek Counsel: If you feel GM’s actions have caused undue hardship, address it with GM and see what the company says about how it handles this recall.

While the current recall highlights serious concerns, it’s worth noting that many Silverado owners continue to have positive experiences. Stories like Brad’s underscore the importance of manufacturers addressing defects in a way that restores customer trust rather than eroding it.

What Do You Think?

This situation raises several questions. Should automakers be allowed to implement temporary software fixes without providing immediate long-term solutions? How can companies like GM regain the trust of their loyal customer base after issues like this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. In the meantime, the 2025 Chevrolet Silverados are on their way to dealers now and they focus on capability and affordability.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.