Man Buys a 2024 Chevy Silverado. After 13,000 Miles, the ‘Transmission’s Gone.’ Should You Avoid New Silverados?

"Don't buy anything after 2021."

Photo by: jnorris1203 & Giorgio Trovato

Stacy Fernandez

By: Stacy Fernandez

Aug 22, 2025 at 9:00pm ET

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A video is fueling fresh worries about Chevrolet’s newest lineup of trucks and SUVs.

It’s got people wondering whether buyers should think twice before investing in Chevy’s latest models.

A viral video with more than 5.6 million views posted by Jamie Norris (@jnorris1203), shows the dramatic turn that two brand-new GM vehicles took after putting just a few miles on them.

In the video, you see a pickup truck being hauled away on a tow truck.

“Husband’s 2024 Silverado transmission gone at 13k miles…” the text overlay reads.

The disappointment doesn’t stop there. The video then cuts to another clip of a different tow truck, this time carrying the wife’s SUV.

“Wife’s 2025 Tahoe ECM went out at 221 miles,” the caption reads.

In follow-up videos, Norris shares that both vehicles were bought new, so she’s deeply disappointed to be dealing with these issues at all.

Chevy got dragged in the comments.

“Test drove a 2025 Chevy Tahoe last week. Transmission went out on the test drive,” one said.

“I’ll stick to my Toyotas lol,” another said.

“Word of advice….don’t buy anything after 2021,” a third wrote.

Reliability Concerns

The Chevy Silverado is one of the best-selling trucks in America, competing directly with the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, according to data pulled by CarBuzz. But its reputation for reliability has taken hits in recent years.

The 2024 Silverado launched with updates to its powertrain options and tech features, yet some owners have already reported issues ranging from transmission failures to electrical malfunctions in online forums.

Redditors in one forum say that certain model years have long been notorious for transmission problems, especially trucks with 6-speed automatics. Rough shifting, slipping gears, and early transmission failures have been recurring complaints. Some users note that the newer 10-speed transmission is generally more reliable, but experiences still vary.

Consumer Reports’ reliability ranking places Chevys in the middle or back of the pack, behind Toyota and Ford.

And while catastrophic breakdowns like the ones in the TikTok aren’t the norm, they highlight the risk of buying a first-model-year vehicle—when automakers often face bugs that haven’t yet been worked out.

Recall After Recall

The vehicle has already been recalled multiple times by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), CBS News reports.

In May, the NHTSA announced a recall of nearly 600,000 GM trucks and SUVs—including the Silverado 1500—after reports of sudden engine failure in models equipped with the L87 V8 engine. The agency had already received 39 complaints of engines seizing up before launching the recall.

This wasn’t the first recall to hit the Silverado. In late 2024, GM recalled over 460,000 trucks and SUVs with faulty transmission control valves that could cause the rear wheels to lock up.

Common Chevy Silverado Transmission Issues

Recognizing early warning signs and staying on top of service can save you from expensive repairs. Here are common Chevy Silverado transmission issues according to Applegate Chevrolet and Transmission Trouble Hub:

Hard or jerky shifting – Rough or uncomfortable gear changes that may signal worn components or fluid problems.
Slipping gears – The truck unexpectedly changes gears or fails to stay in gear, often feeling like the engine revs without speed.
Delayed engagement – A lag when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, which can indicate underlying transmission issues.
Overheating transmission – Can cause poor performance, slipping, or damage if fluid isn’t cooling properly.
Torque converter failure – Symptoms include shuddering, slipping, delayed acceleration, or unusual noises like grinding or whining.
Leaking transmission fluid – Visible red or brown fluid under the truck that can lead to major damage if not addressed.
Limp mode – The truck limits power to protect the transmission, often triggered by low fluid, overheating, or sensor problems.
Warning lights – Check engine or transmission lights signal that your truck should be inspected promptly.
To prevent these issues, Silverado owners should change transmission fluid every 45,000–60,000 miles (always using GM-approved fluid), schedule routine inspections, and avoid aggressive driving or overloading. Installing a cooler can help when towing heavy loads. Paying attention to smells, noises, leaks, and warning lights is also key to catching problems early.

On average, Transmission Trouble Hub reports that 15–20% of Silverado owners report transmission problems, with repairs ranging from $1,500–$4,000.

What do you think?

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Silverado loyalists may argue that every brand has lemons. But some experts, including Consumer Reports, predict that newer models will be “less reliable than the average new car.”

Motor1 reached out to Norris for comment via TikTok direct message and comment. We'll update this if she responds.