Editorial perspective by Mark Driver · Founder, ProblemsByVin
I've had plenty of Chevrolet in the bay over the years, and the transmission and driveline complaints on these don't surprise me. 10,254 on the NHTSA record across 268 model-year entries (2005–2025) is not a fluke. The complaints are spread across the lineup — no single model is doing all the work. That tells you it's an engineering or supplier pattern, not a one-off bad year. 5 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Chevrolet vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Repair exposure averages $2,500, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Across the 5,192 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 60,432 miles. Pull a transmission fluid sample if you can. Color and smell tell you more than mileage alone. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, walk.
Worst-affected Chevrolet model-years for powertrain Top 25 by complaint volume
How many Chevrolet powertrain complaints are on file with NHTSA?
10,254 complaints across 268 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for Chevrolet.
Which Chevrolet model has the most powertrain complaints?
The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado leads with 301 complaints in this category. Next: 2021 Silverado (220) and 2017 Volt (217).
What does it cost to fix Chevrolet powertrain problems?
Independent shops average $2,500 for powertrain repairs across the Chevrolet lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Chevrolet powertrain recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover powertrain issues on Chevrolet vehicles. The complaints are owner-reported and have not risen to a manufacturer recall.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Chevrolet.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.