Chevrolet Silverado sales during 2020 in the USA alone almost broke 600,000 units. GMC Sierras hit an additional 250,000 units. What does that have to do with GM transmission problems?
GM uses the Allison 10-speed 10L1000 in both the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 10-speed models from 2020 onward. Many owners are having problems between 10,000 and 20,000 miles on the vehicles.
That’s potentially more than 800,000 vehicles that could have a transmission that doesn’t work as intended or meet the warranty.
Keep reading if you need help with GM transmission problems or are concerned it could happen to you.
What Is a 10-Speed Transmission?
The transmission connects the power the engine produces to the wheels. If you have transmission problems like slippage, that means that you aren’t getting the power you need at the right time, or at all.
The claim with the Allison 10-Speed 10L1000 that was released during GM’s 2020 model year is that in first gear you can access all 910 lb-ft of torque in first gear. A 10-speed transmission has 11 gears, including reverse.
Causes of Transmission Problems In the Allison 10-Speed 10L1000
The Allison 10-Speed 10L1000 tends to have a faulty torque converter lockup mechanism. The issue with this lockup mechanism happens when people either:
- Increase tire size without a regear
- Exceed 500HP often
- Tow extremely heavy loads
The stator inside the torque converter and helps to control stall speeds is far too delicate.
The “E” clutch hub inside the transmission gets used the most. It’s actively engaged in the gears you’ll be in most often. Uneven wearing means this clutch hub goes first, potentially breaking other components as it fails ahead of schedule.
This “E” clutch hub is made of aluminum for its lightweight properties. Being made of aluminum means it will barely make it through the warranty under normal conditions.
The oil pan is too thin and off-roaders or agricultural workers can easily destroy it. It also doesn’t hold enough oil for the cooling and lubrication needs of the assembly. Being too small, it has a reduced surface area, not allowing heat buildup to exhaust fast enough.
Lastly, the high-pressure oil pump and valve body get subjected to particulates by design, with added galvanic reactions.
This transmission is almost a twin of the Ford TorqShift 10-Speed 10R140. Both share similar issues.
Signs of GM Transmission Problems
Worn or slipping transmissions have many warning signs. A damaged transmission creates a dangerous situation for you and for other drivers. Be aware of these signs:
- Slow or no response
- Leaks and puddles under your car
- Warning lights on your dash
- Grinding or clunking noises
- Shuddering
GM uses this transmission in millions of its vehicles. If you’re in a vehicle using this transmission, you’ll have to keep an eye and ear out for these issues ahead of the warranty.
If that happens, you should make sure you understand your lemon law rights and what you should do if you have a lemon.
Solve GM Transmission Problems Today
If you want to solve your GM transmission problems you could try a few solutions. You could replace the transmission and hope it doesn’t happen again, get a custom transmission repair or regear, or buy a different truck.
None of these are great solutions. If GM took responsibility, they could provide a recall and redesign to fix the issues.
If you’re driving a lemon, let David J. Gorberg & Associates help you. We’re PA Lemon Law and NJ Lemon Law experts. You don’t need to take GM on by yourself, let us do it for you!
Contact us today and tell us about your lemon!
