My 2022 Chevy Silverado Z71 10-Speed Trans Is Gone 33K In, It Already Has a New Rear Diff, and the Dealer Says At Least 5 Trucks Are Ahead of Me

Are there any good new trucks that are reliable and worth the money right now?

Another Chevrolet Silverado owner, Aaron, is in a predicament. His Z71 10-speed transmission has given out at a mere 33,000 miles, following a rear differential replacement. Other Silverado owners can feel his pain.

What's a Silverado Owner To Do?

Aaron Sullivan's story resonates with many other Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra Owners on the Facebook page. His transmission issues spark considerable interest.

Aaron says, "33,500 miles and the Z71 5.3 10-speed trans is gone. I'm off to the dealer for my transmission that left me stranded for three days. I got the "Transmission hot idle engine" code just before it died."

"This truck has already been at the dealer for a rear differential/suspension since I purchased it. And I had to wait for it because a new unit was backordered."

"Now it's the transmission. The Chevrolet dealer says they have at least five trucks like mine with transmission problems that are currently waiting to be seen by a mechanic." 

"The 10 speeds are falling apart," he says, shaking his head in disbelief. 

What is the Silverado problem with the 10-speed transmission? 

The primary concern with the Chevrolet and GM 10-speed transmission, found in Silverados and other vehicles, is the potential for the rear wheels to lock up due to a malfunctioning transmission control valve. 

This can lead to a loss of control and increase the risk of accidents. GM has issued a recall (N242454440) to address this issue, involving software updates that monitor valve performance and limit the transmission to fifth gear if excessive wear is detected. 

The Root Cause:

The issue stems from a combination of factors, including leaks in the valve body, which can cause the transmission to misapply a fourth clutch pack, leading to a bind-up and output shaft lockup, according to a YouTube video. 

Affected Models:

The recall affects certain Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade models from 2020 to 2022, and 2021 Escalade and Yukon models. 

Is Aaron Eligible for the Lemon Law?

Aaron says, "This is now a lemon law case." 

However, he has a ways to go before it could be considered for the Lemon Law. He needs GM to make "multiple" attempts to fix it. 

Knight Law Group says, "If multiple repair attempts have been made and your GM transmission problems still aren't resolved, your vehicle may be considered 'defective' under the California Lemon Law. In these cases, the owner of a 'lemon" may be eligible to have the vehicle replaced or repurchased by the auto manufacturer."

Another Chevrolet Silverado owner isn't replacing his transmission; he's getting a new 6.2-liter engine. 

Scott Dobbs says, "I was sitting at the light, and the engine just stopped working. No crank, but it tries to start and nothing."

"The dealer is going to fix it under warranty, but dealing with and waiting on GM and the Chevrolet dealership is a royal PITA."

"I always put in Mobile 1 synthetic and AC Delco filters every oil change at 7,500 miles or less on this one."

What is the Silverado problem with the 6.2-liter engine?

There is a known issue with the Chevrolet Silverado's 6.2-liter V8 engine, specifically the L87 engine, affecting certain model years. There are reports and recalls related to potential engine failures, including issues with the connecting rod and crankshaft. 

According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), General Motors (GM) issued a recall for vehicles equipped with these engines due to the potential for sudden engine failure. 

The NHTSA launched an investigation after receiving over 1,000 complaints about these engine failures. 

Affected Models:

The recall primarily involves 2021-2024 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500, along with other GM vehicles, such as the Cadillac Escalade and GMC Sierra, that use the 6.2-liter L87 engine. 

Aaron Sullivan poses a question:

My question is, where do I go now? The Ford F150 I had previously left me stranded with the 2.7-liter engine valve mess. Now, the Silverado has left me stranded due to the transmission issue.

I still need a truck. Is the choice now a 2019-2021 Toyota Tundra TRD?

It could be the best bet now for truck buyers. 

I reported that a Toyota Tundra buyer is undecided about whether to purchase a 2016 Tundra with 96,000 miles or a newer 2022 Tundra with 45,000 miles. He's seriously leaning towards the older truck even though it has double the miles, because he thinks it has more life left in it.

Tyler Delagardelle says, "I work for Toyota. My best advice would be to stick with one of the best engines ever made and buy the 2016 Tundra. The 2022 model would have had the engine replaced under the recall, and it's likely already been done. Regardless, it's not something I'd roll the dice on."

Due to the 2022 and 2023 Toyota Tundra engine recall, which affected over 100,000 engines, many Toyota Tundra truck buyers are hesitant to purchase the newer models.

What would you do if you were buying a truck now? What would be your answer for Aaron? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my 2025 Chevrolet Silverado story: I Bought a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss in March, and This Thing Is a Piece of Work. I’ve Never Had This Many Problems With a Truck in Such a Short Time

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Aaron Sullivan