This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician of an engine power reduced message on the driver information center after performing the Canada Onstar® 4G upgrade. If the concern is present park the vehicle outside and call General Motors Technical Assistance Center.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Chevrolet Silverado powertrain problems
moderate 29 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
29
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1fire
What stands out
Owners have filed 29 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a groan, growl, or moan coming from the vehicle when operating the vehicle in four wheel drive. Driving on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel Drive High or Four-Wheel Drive Low for an extended period of time may cause premature wear on your vehicle?s power train. Dealer should advise the customer not drive on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel Drive High or Four-Wheel Drive Low for extended periods of time.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a groan, growl, or moan coming from the vehicle when operating the vehicle in four wheel drive. Driving on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel Drive High or Four-Wheel Drive Low for an extended period of time may cause premature wear on your vehicle's power train. Dealer should advise the customer not drive on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel Drive High or Four-Wheel Drive Low for extended periods of time.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on, engine misfire, and/or engine noise. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0300-P0308. If published Service Information diagnostics does not isolate the cause of this concern technician should check for a worn camshaft lobe and/or lifter roller, a sticking valve, valve leakage, a broken valve spring, and a collapsed active fuel management lifter.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that has a squawk or grunt type noise when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. Technician should replace the 3-4 clutch Friction and Steel Clutch Plates along with the Apply Plate and Selective Backing Plate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2010 Silverado powertrain is plagued by multiple failure patterns. Transmission slipping, clunking, and harsh downshifting start early and persist for the vehicle's life—owners report GM issuing an internal memo claiming this is normal behavior and refusing warranty repair. The 6-speed transmission cooling lines leak at crimp connections, spraying fluid onto roads and creating fire hazard near the exhaust; dealers say it's common but won't cover it under warranty.
Complete engine shutdowns without warning are the most serious concern: the engine dies while driving at highway speed, killing power steering and brakes with no dashboard warning before failure. Owners also report unintended acceleration—the truck accelerates on its own, sometimes from a stop, with stuck throttle requiring the key to be cycled off to regain control.
Electrical faults are endemic: gauges go dark simultaneously, shift selectors stop registering, and warning lights (Service Engine, ABS, StabiliTrak) illuminate unpredictably. The Transmission Control Module (TCM, part 24256861) in Duramax engines overheats and fails; GM acknowledged the defect via service bulletin but won't recall it, leaving owners waiting months for unavailable parts. Oil pressure drops critically, and transmission fluid lines rupture causing fires. One owner's truck locked into Reverse gear only at 64,000 miles.
Same Chevrolet Silverado powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission slipping, harsh downshifting, and gear engagement issues
Transmission disengages and slams into gear with loud clunking noise and jerking; occurs at intersections, stops, starts, and during movement. Vehicle may roll backward on inclines. Tow/Haul mode exacerbates the problem, causing dramatic downshifts from 5th to 2nd gear in under 10 seconds with tachometer pegging and rear tire slide.
When: At various mileages; reported at 51,000 miles, 140,000 miles, and ongoing from early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slipping in and out of gear at random; Loud clunking noise when shifting; Jerking action during gear changes; Vehicle rolling backward on inclines; Harsh downshifting in Tow/Haul mode; Tachometer pegging to max; Rear tires sliding during aggressive downshift; Transmission hesitation at highway speed
Repairs/costs cited: GM issued internal memo stating this is normal transmission behavior; dealers refuse repair. One owner had transmission replaced at 140,000 miles after failure. Another transmission completely failed after engine shut-off event, repair quoted at approximately $2,000 at independent shop.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued internal memo stating the harsh downshifting is normal for the transmission; dealers advised not to use Tow/Haul mode. Claimed that if transmission fails it would be covered under warranty.
Transmission fluid leaks from cooler lines
Transmission cooling lines leak at rubber hose crimped connections or flex hose connections (GM part #25999419). Fluid drips from vehicle and can spray onto roadways and following vehicles' windshields. Leaking fluid coats transmission lines near exhaust manifold, creating fire hazard.
When: Under 4 years ownership with under 120,000 miles; one case at 46,075 miles, another at 47,000 miles (within 3 years/36,000 mile warranty period)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leaking under vehicle; Red dots in snow indicating fresh leaks; Fluid spraying on road and windshields of following vehicles; Transmission fluid coating lines near exhaust; Oil all over wheel wells
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers identified cooler line leaks requiring line replacement. Rubber connectors fail in cold weather. One owner paid $300 out of pocket; another had transmission rebuilt under warranty but cooler lines excluded from coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge the issue is very common but refuse repair under warranty. GM issued Customer Care Bulletin in 2012 but did not recall; owners received no notification letters.
Complete engine and electrical shutdown while driving
Engine shuts off without warning while vehicle is in motion at highway speeds. Steering wheel locks, power brakes fail, and door locks engage. No warning lights illuminate before shutdown. In one case towing downhill at 45 mph, vehicle accelerated down a cliff when put in Neutral.
When: Reported at various mileages and speeds; one case at approximately 6 years of ownership (51,000 miles initially, but shutdown occurred later)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off completely with no warning lights before failure; Door locks click and engage; Steering wheel locks; Power brakes fail; Engine unable to restart immediately; Check Engine light comes on after shutdown; StabiliTrak warning light (in later instances)
Codes mentioned: P0305 (misfire cylinder 5, in post-repair event)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission was completely blown in at least one case; dealership quoted $2,000 more than independent shop for repair. After non-dealership transmission rebuild, engine power loss issue reappeared with P0305 code. Customers limited to 40 mph uphill. One owner reported losing power and shaking multiple times during ownership, resulting in vehicle seizure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership told owner to 'pay better attention to temperature' despite no overheating. Chevy offered no relief or assistance. TSB for StabiliTrak was previously completed but issue recurred.
Unintended acceleration and throttle sensor faults
Vehicle accelerates on its own from dead stop or at set speed without driver pressing accelerator. Occurs intermittently at various speeds. In some cases, throttle sticks to floor and will only release when key is turned off. Forceful brake pressure required to slow vehicle. Issue caused by water ingress into unsealed antenna area, damaging wires and sensors.
When: Intermittent; one documented case with 16+ occurrences recorded; reported at highway and intersection speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended acceleration from dead stop; Acceleration at set speed without driver input; Throttle stuck to floor; Requires forceful brake pressure to slow down; Check Engine light illuminates during events; Service Traction Control warning; Service StabiliTrak warning; Engine power reduced message
Codes mentioned: P2138 (Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report multiple dealer visits with no successful repairs. Water-damaged sensors and wiring require replacement; defect traced to improper antenna sealing by manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer has never contacted owners despite multiple complaints. Dealers unable to resolve issue despite multiple visits.
Transmission Control Module (TCM) overheating and failure
TCM (part 24256861) used in 2008-25 Chevrolet and GMC trucks with 6.6L Duramax engine and Allison 1000 transmission has experienced very high failure rate. Overheating causes transmission system failure. GM issued Service Bulletins acknowledging the issue but has not recalled the defective part.
When: TCM failure reported in 2010 Duramax; failure occurred July 16, 2022; parts unavailable from GM for 14+ months
Symptoms owners cite: TCM overheating; Transmission system overheating; Extended vehicle downtime
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement TCM not available from GM; parts not being manufactured in 2022. Vehicle out of service for 14+ months waiting for replacement part. Independent repair shops and Chevrolet dealers both confirmed TCM failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Service Bulletins acknowledging the long-standing TCM issue but has not issued a recall despite the high failure rate and safety concerns.
Transmission dipstick tube fracture
Transmission dipstick tube fractures during normal operation. Fracture allows water, dirt, and contaminants to enter transmission fluid, potentially causing transmission failure and safety hazards.
When: Within vehicle ownership; reported at pull-away from establishment
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking noise from under hood; Fractured dipstick tube
Repairs/costs cited: Fractured tube needs replacement but owner was refused coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Customer Care Bulletin in 2012 about this issue but refused to repair under the bulletin despite acknowledging the problem.
Electrical gauge and drivetrain control failures
Electrical system malfunctions cause tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, and other dashboard gauges to go out while driving at highway speeds. Transmission downshifts and will not shift back up after complete stop. Shift selector buttons do not register but vehicle still shifts. Service Engine, ABS, and StabiliTrak warning lights illuminate. Odometer and speedometer stop registering miles.
When: Occurs at various speeds on highways and at stops; reported multiple times on separate occasions
Symptoms owners cite: Tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge all go out simultaneously; Transmission downshifts and sticks; Shift selector not registering input; Service Engine light on; ABS light on; StabiliTrak off light on; Service Traction Control warning; Service StabiliTrak warning; Odometer stops registering; 4WD will not engage intermittently, then will not disengage
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle driven home without functioning speedometer; no mileage recorded.
Transmission makes clunking noises when shifting
Transmission produces loud clunking noises specifically at certain speeds (25, 33, and 46 mph) when upshifting or downshifting. Noise present from 24,000 miles onward and persists beyond 59,000 miles. Dealers could not verify the noise. Even after TCM and torque converter replacement, identical clunking recurs within one week.
When: Starting at 24,000 miles; continues beyond 59,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking noise during gear shifts; Noise occurs at specific speeds (25, 33, 46 mph); Persistent despite parts replacement
Repairs/costs cited: TCM and torque converter replaced by dealer at owner cost, but identical problem reappeared within one week of repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claimed this is normal wear and tear despite occurrence at very low mileage (800 miles reported as failure point in one case).
Engine overheating and sensor failures
Engine runs very hot, causing popping sound as metal cools. GM 3.0 Diesel engine coolant control valve failures put vehicle into reduced power mode with significantly reduced acceleration and full-speed engine fan. Faulty engine and sensors cause vehicle seizure. Engine seized under 120,000 miles with no warning from pressure monitoring systems.
When: Reported starting in 2021 for 3.0 Duramax; 2010 Silverado seized under 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine running very hot; Popping from metal as engine cools; Reduced power mode activation; Significantly reduced acceleration; Engine fan running at full speed constantly; Engine seizure; Vehicle shaking uncontrollably; Loss of power while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant control valve part 40009158 replaced by 40009452. Part on nationwide backorder with hundreds waiting with no clear timeline for availability. Owner incurred thousands in repair costs for engine seizure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Service Bulletin for coolant control valve issue but parts are critically backordered.
Transmission fluid line rupture causing fire hazard
Transmission fluid line ruptures while driving, causing transmission fluid to leak and catch fire. Flames visible under hood; smell of abnormal odor precedes failure. Transmission gear slipping from each gear after line failure.
When: At 51,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal odor from under vehicle; Flames visible under hood; Transmission fluid leaking; Transmission gear slipping from each gear; Vehicle becomes inoperable
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission line needed replacement; vehicle not repaired.
Transmission will only shift into Reverse
Transmission fails to engage forward gears and will only shift into Reverse. Vehicle becomes essentially immobile for forward driving.
When: At 64,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not go forward; Only Reverse gear engages
Engine oil pressure critically low
Engine oil pressure drops to critically low levels, making vehicle undriveable until repaired.
Symptoms owners cite: Critically low oil pressure
Repairs/costs cited: Repair required before vehicle could be driven.
Synthesized from 29 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2010 Chevrolet Silverado?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 29 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 20,757 and 64,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,757; a quarter make it past 64,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Chevrolet/Silverado.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.