2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The automatic transmission in my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 4.3L V6 has experienced repeated failures and overheating events starting shortly after a scheduled dealer transmission flush at approximately 50,000 miles. Since then, the transmission has slipped under load, failed to shift properly, and routinely overheated—reaching over 270°F—without triggering a dashboard warning or entering limp mode. Multiple dealer visits confirmed internal transmission damage, including discolored fluid, metal shavings, and torque converter clutch failure. The entire transmission and torque converter were replaced under warranty, along with a redesigned bypass valve. Despite these efforts, the transmission failed again, showing further signs of overheating and debris in the fluid. The vehicle has been inspected and serviced multiple times by the dealership (Karl Chevrolet in Iowa) and GM warranty contractors. The issue persists even after complete transmission replacement. This condition poses a safety risk as loss of power and unexpected gear disengagement occurred during normal road use, including highway driving and towing. Transmission temperatures spiking well beyond GM’s Dexron VI fluid thermal limits raise further concerns about systemic cooling design flaws. Warning signs included high transmission fluid temperatures (over 270°F), RPM surging, harsh downshifts, slipping, poor throttle response, and delayed engagement from park to drive. The manufacturer has been notified, and the issue has been documented with the Attorney General of Iowa. A GM case number was also opened, but no permanent fix has been offered.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact approached the vehicle and observed that the passenger’s and driver’s side roof rail air bags had independently deployed. The contact stated that there were no passengers in the rear seats during the failure. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local auto body shop; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the Insurance provider declined to cover the repairs. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and offered to buy the vehicle back. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V756000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not inclued. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon running a diagnostic scan on the vehicle, DTC: P0301 was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the exhaust valve lifter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14,211.

TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING WEARD CONTACTED DEALERSHIP. THEY STATE THIS UNIT IS NOT UNDER RECALL BUT IT IS AN 6L80 AND IT IS ALL OVER YOU TUBE AND THE INTERNET ABOUT FAILURES THAT START WITH THE PM VALVE AND/OR THE TORQUE CONVERTER HOUSING THAT IS STAMPED BUT MOUNTING BRACKETS ARE WELDED TO IT CAUSING HARDED STEEL TO MEET STAMPED STEEL CAUSING FRICTION AND WEAR THAT POLUTES THE REMAINDER OF THE TRANSMISSION AND CAUSES FAILURE BEFORE 100000 MILES; USUALLY JUST AFTER 50000ISH. WHEN TRANSMISSION FAILS IT CAN CAUSE LOSS OF PROPULSION OR COLLION.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the engine sounded abnormally rough, with a knocking sound coming from the engine. In addition, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and was pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with failed lifters. The contact was informed that the lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Doors automatically lock with the keys in the ignition and running locking in anyone who is still in vehicle who cannot open to door physically. It will also prevent you from entering the vehicle without a second set of keys or other methods of unlocking the door (onstar, locksmith). This could put occupants in danger and exposed to the elements unexpectedly and also place inside children in danger. Diagnosis - Keyfob - If battery in keyfob is low, the programming of the vehicle is set to automatically lock even if vehicle is in the ignition and running. when unlocking vehicle with the defective fob, vehicle will unlock, then immediately lock preventing entry. Remedy - Replace battery in key fob and truck works as normal.

On 4/18/25 I was driving to work and was about 2 miles from work when I started to get all kinds of faults displaying on my screen. The engine started to run rough; it sounded like it was not running on all cylinders. After work I drove it straight to the maintenance shop I have been using. They informed me that a lifter failed and went into the cam shaft and created all kinds of metal. I was informed that this was the second Chevrolet Silverado they have had this problem and replaced the engine.