The 10L80 10-speed automatic was co-developed with Ford and powers many GM trucks and SUVs from 2017 onward. It is mostly well-behaved, but harsh cold-weather shifts and fluid sensitivity are the most-reported complaints.
Mostly reliable. Harsh shifts and shudder are most common in the first 30,000 miles or in cold weather. Regular fluid changes are critical.
In sub-40F temperatures, the 10L80 can slam from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd. Often improves after warm-up. A TCM reflash and fluid change usually resolves it.
View P0700 Diagnosis →Similar pattern to the 8L90 - chuggy feel between 35-55 mph. Fluid swap to Mobil 1 LV ATF HP often clears it.
View P0741 Diagnosis →Multiple TSBs have been issued for shift quality. A current TCM reflash at the dealer is free for many owners.
View P0700 Diagnosis →Plastic cooler-line connectors at the radiator can crack with age. Watch for red ATF on the driveway.
Run free diagnosis →1-2 second delay shifting from Park to Drive after sitting overnight. Mostly harmless on healthy units.
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2017-2018 first-year 10L80 builds had the most shift complaints. 2020+ are noticeably better with software updates.
2020+ trucks with current TCM software, or a 2018+ unit with documented TCM reflash and fluid service.
Plan on a $300-$500 fluid + filter service every 50K-60K miles. TCM reflashes are free at the dealer. Major work is rare in the first 150K miles.
If your 10L80 is throwing a check engine light, these are the codes most often associated with the problems above. Click any code for full diagnosis steps and typical repair costs.
Mostly yes. Most complaints are about shift quality (harsh cold shifts, light shudder) rather than mechanical failures. Major rebuilds in the first 150K miles are rare.
GM Dexron ULV (or Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP as an aftermarket equivalent). Use only the spec'd fluid - the 10L80 is sensitive.
GM's long-life schedule is much longer, but most experienced techs recommend a fluid + filter every 45,000-60,000 miles, especially with towing.
Cold-weather harsh shifts are the most common 10L80 complaint. Start with a current TCM reflash at the dealer (often free) and a fluid change. Most cases resolve there.
2017+ Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500, Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban, Escalade, Camaro SS/ZL1, and CT6.