My 2020 Chevy Silverado Is On Its 6th Torque Converter, I’m Shopping For a New Truck, But I Don’t Think Anything Manufactured Now Is Trustworthy Anymore

When an owner says his 2020 Chevy Silverado's torque converter replacement schedule was about the same as his oil change schedule, you know he has a horror story to tell—and he just won his case against GM.

While researching widespread issues with the 2020 Chevy Silverado, I stumbled upon a shocking account from owner Glenn McKinley on a dedicated 2019 - 2026 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra Owners Facebook page. McKinley detailed the failure of six different torque converters on his V6 Silverado, noting that replacement became as frequent as his oil changes. 

He states GM chose not to defend the resulting legal case against him, leading him to conclude that modern vehicle quality has dramatically declined since what he believes was a peak in 1995–2005. For a truck primarily used for a seven-mile commute and light errands, this extensive breakdown highlights a significant reliability concern.

Here is Glenn's unbelievable account,

"It looks like GM chose not to defend their case against me on my 2020 Chevy Silverado. I'll be shopping for another truck soon, and I'm not really looking forward to that. I don't feel like anything trustworthy is being manufactured anymore. I think they peaked somewhere between 1995 and 2005."

"I have a 2020 Silverado WT V6 with a 6-speed transmission, and replacing torque converters was on about the same schedule as oil changes. Torque converter number six is on its way out. I drive seven miles to work and take my trash to the dump on Saturday. Talk about an easy life for this truck, and it can't hold up? The heaviest haul was a lawn tractor, a couple of times a year." 

Unbelievable: Six Torque Converters on a 2020 Truck Used for Light Duty

For over a decade as a Senior Reporter at Torque News, I've had the opportunity to test and evaluate every major truck model on the market, from the workhorses to the luxury pickups. But beyond the showroom floor, my real expertise lies in listening to the people who own and rely on these machines—the readers who turn to me for honest, unbiased analysis. What I recently uncovered during my research on pervasive GM powertrain failures shook even my seasoned perspective.

Six torque converter fails on a truck used primarily for a seven-mile commute and the occasional dump run. 

He noted that replacing the torque converters was "on about the same schedule as oil changes." This isn't just a failure; it's a widespread breakdown, and unfortunately, it echoes the painful reports I track every day. The fact that the truck had an "easy life" makes the chronic mechanical failure even more alarming. 

If you're wondering, Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra transmission issues are not just limited to the 8-speed or 10-speed units—the older 6L80/6L90 family also has a known history of premature torque converter failure when mated to the new T1XX platform trucks. 

Just look at the pattern of recurring problems highlighted in my recent report: My 2020 Silverado Torque Converter Was Replaced At 49K Miles Due To a Severe Shudder, Now, at 70K Miles, the Shudder Has Returned. This confirms we are seeing a deep-seated issue that transcends a single transmission variant.

McKinley's frustration is understandable, leading him to say that nothing being manufactured today feels trustworthy, with reliability peaking somewhere between 1995 and 2005. This sentiment cuts to the core of the high cost of maintaining modern GM trucks. Owners are pouring money into specialized maintenance to prevent catastrophic failures. 

When the bill comes due for preventative services, the costs can be shocking. I previously documented this financial strain in my article, Chevy Dealer Quoted Me $799 For My Silverado Transmission Service, That's Outrageous, But I Bit the Bullet and Had Them Do It Anyway If It Craps Out Later, showing that while the price is high, paying it often becomes a necessary evil to keep the warranty intact.

So, why are these problems so frequent? 

It boils down to a fundamental design weakness, whether you have the 6-speed, 8-speed (8L90), or 10-speed (10L80). The common denominator is often the torque converter clutch (TCC). Why 2019-2026 Silverado torque converters keep failing is a question many are asking, and the answer involves contamination of the clutch material. 

The TCC locks up to improve efficiency, but when it slips, it sheds friction material that contaminates the entire transmission fluid system, leading to the infamous "shudder" (feeling like driving over rumble strips) and ultimately destroying the converter itself. McKinley's observation—that GM chose "not to defend their case against me"—is a strong indicator that the manufacturer recognizes the indefensible nature of this systemic defect. When a company with GM's legal resources concedes a case, it signals a known product liability issue.

McKinley is now in the unenviable position of having to shop for a new truck, feeling burned by the brand he trusted. This is a common consequence of chronic reliability issues: a complete loss of brand loyalty.

It leads GM truck owners to ask: How do I avoid buying another lemon?

As I explored in a previous story: As a GMC Sierra Guy, It Hurts to Say It, But I'm Done with GM, and Now I'm Conflicted Between the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra, the process of switching brands is emotionally and financially taxing. But the primary focus for current owners must be protecting their investment against GM transmission failure.

My recommendation, developed from years of tracking these failures, is rooted in proactive, often aggressive, maintenance that goes beyond the owner's manual. The best preventative maintenance for 6L80/8L90 transmissions involves ignoring the lengthy fluid change intervals and swapping out the fluid every 40,000 to 50,000 miles, using the specialized, low-viscosity Mobil 1 LV ATF HP fluid mandated by GM's Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). 

If your truck shows early signs of shudder, do not accept a simple fluid flush; insist on updated fluid and a thorough inspection of the torque converter itself. This proactive stance is the key to longevity, as detailed in my report on warranty management: I Had My 2019 Chevy Silverado Trans Flushed & New Filter at 72K For Harsh Shifting, Now at 99K It's Doing It Again, and My Warranty Is Up at 100K.

A Question Truck Buyers Are Asking

Is it safe to buy a used Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra from the 2019–2026 generation?

The answer is yes, but only with full awareness and a concrete plan to address these known vulnerabilities. While GM continues to refine these components, the core technologies that are prone to failure—the complex TCC lock-up mechanism and fluid degradation—mean owners must take ownership of their maintenance schedule. This is the only way to effectively fix the infamous GM transmission shudder and ensure your truck delivers the reliability you expect from a full-size pickup.

What Silverado Owners Are Saying

Direct owner quotes confirm that Glenn McKinley's experience is part of a much larger, painful pattern:

Reddit (u/spock1117): "I had a 2020 custom 4.3 with a six-speed tranny. The torque converter went bad at 28,000 miles. GM replaced it, and 5000 miles later, they had to replace the whole transmission, which was under warranty. I recently traded the truck in; it was a lemon. I had all kinds of problems with it."

Reddit (u/robbobster): "My Suburban started to act up recently. Still under warranty, I took it to the dealer, who said 'No codes, no problem. So I kept driving it, the converter soon failed, and I took the tranny out with it. Had it replaced under warranty. Never did throw a code, even with complete failure and a pan full of metal."

YouTube (user-wh5iz5if1u): "The problem stems from the torque converter clutch constantly engaging, leading to slippage and premature wear on the transmission components... The solution involves disabling the Displacement on Demand (DoD) feature and modifying the torque converter clutch engagement parameters."

Key Takeaways

• The Problem is Systemic: Torque converter failures affect both the 6-speed and newer 8-speed/10-speed transmissions in the 2019–2026 GM trucks.
• Contamination is the Culprit: The TCC's clutch material shedding contaminates the fluid, leading to the shudder and total failure.
• Proactive Maintenance is Crucial: Change the transmission fluid (using Mobil 1 LV ATF HP) at 40k–50k miles, regardless of the longer factory intervals.
• Don't Settle: If shuddering occurs, insist on the proper TSB service, including converter inspection, to prevent complete transmission replacement.
• Legal Precedent: GM's decision not to defend the owner's case underscores the validity of the defect claims.

In The End

Glenn McKinley's victory against GM and subsequent decision to exit the brand should serve as a wake-up call to both the manufacturer and prospective buyers. The expectation of reliability in a modern, expensive truck is fundamental. When a vehicle fails this spectacularly under minimal stress, it fractures the essential bond of trust between owner and automaker. As a prospective or current owner, your power lies in education, demanding the correct service, and taking proactive steps to fortify the weak links in the T1XX platform's powertrain.

It's Your Turn 

If you own a 2019-2026 Silverado or Sierra, have you experienced the dreaded transmission shudder, and if so, what solution finally worked for you? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I'm Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012, bringing over 30 years of automotive expertise to every story. My career began with a consulting role for every major car brand, followed by years as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles—equipping me with a wealth of insider knowledge. I specialize in delivering the latest auto news, sharing compelling owner stories, and providing expert, up-to-date analysis to keep you fully informed.

Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Photo credit: Denis Flierl