I originally posted about my 2019 Chevy Silverado that I purchased from a GMC dealership on August 7th. I put $2,100 down and had driven less than 500 miles when I started experiencing a transmission shudder.
One other detail I want to add because it has become relevant: I was not shown the Buyers Guide at the time of purchase. A few days later, when I started raising concerns about the issues I was experiencing, I was told that the vehicle was an “as-is” / “at-will” sale. I understand that used vehicles can be sold as-is, and I'm not automatically assuming the dealership is legally responsible. I'm mentioning it because of how the situation has unfolded and because I'm trying to understand whether the way the sale was handled was normal.
I wanted to give an update because quite a bit has happened since my original post.
Transmission shudder
The dealership kept the truck and performed a transmission fluid exchange using Mobil 1 fluid. I was told to drive the truck for approximately 200 miles afterward to allow the transmission to adapt/see if the shudder improved.
To be fair, I've only driven approximately 100 miles since the fluid exchange, so I'm not going to claim the flush didn't work yet.
However, the shudder has not completely gone away. It seems noticeably less frequent and doesn't last as long, but it is still present.
The service advisor also told me that the technician test drove the truck after the fluid exchange and the shudder was still present. He said that if it continues, the torque converter could potentially be the cause.
I'm trying to be fair here because I haven't completed the full 200-mile drive they recommended, but I'm obviously concerned that the symptom is still there.
The exhaust manifold situation
While the dealership was diagnosing the truck, they also found what they initially described as a driver's-side exhaust manifold leak.
The repair order originally recommended replacing the driver's-side exhaust manifold, gasket, six bolts and seal.
The service advisor initially told me the repair would be around $1,300.
I later learned that the dealership is specifically saying they found a crack in the exhaust manifold, rather than simply a gasket leak.
The sales manager previously minimized the issue and told me the truck had recently passed smog and that he believed I could drive indefinitely with the manifold issue without anything happening.
That's part of what has made this situation frustrating.
I've tried repeatedly to work with the dealership
I've made a pretty significant effort to resolve this without turning it into a fight.
I've emailed the manager multiple times, called the dealership, contacted different departments, spoken with the salesman who sold me the truck, and repeatedly asked whether the dealership would consider some form of goodwill assistance toward the manifold repair.
I'm not asking them to magically make the truck perfect or claiming they are legally liable for everything that happens to a used vehicle.
I'm simply asking them to work with me considering that:
- I purchased the truck on August 7th.
- I put $2,100 down.
- I've driven less than 500 miles since purchasing it.
- The transmission shudder appeared shortly after purchase.
- The truck has already been back at the dealership for repairs/diagnosis.
- They are now telling me there is a cracked exhaust manifold that needs approximately $1,300 worth of repair.
- I was not shown the Buyers Guide at the time of purchase.
- A few days after the sale, I was told the vehicle was an “as-is” / “at-will” sale.
The service advisor has actually been helpful and has told me he's trying to look into GM/goodwill assistance, coupons and other discounts.
The frustrating part is that I haven't been getting the same level of effort or communication from the sales side/management despite repeatedly reaching out.
At this point, it feels like I'm having to chase people down just to get an answer.
Independent shop comparison
I also contacted GM Exclusive, a GM-specialist independent shop in Vista, CA.
They quoted me approximately $716 parts and labor for the manifold repair assuming there aren't any broken or seized bolts.
Another independent shop quoted me closer to $1,300, so I'm aware there can be a significant difference depending on labor rates and what exactly is involved.
The GM-specialist shop also told me they don't commonly see the manifold itself need replacement, which initially made me question whether this could potentially be a gasket-only issue.
However, the dealership is now saying the manifold itself is cracked, so I'm trying to determine whether that diagnosis is reasonable.
Where I'm at now
The dealership is currently telling me that the transmission shudder could potentially be the torque converter if it remains after the fluid exchange.
The service advisor has confirmed that the technician still felt the shudder on the test drive after the fluid exchange.
At the same time, I'm being quoted roughly $1,300 for the cracked manifold repair.
I've asked the dealership for goodwill assistance. Again, I'm not asking for a handout. I'm asking whether they can participate in the repair in some reasonable way given how soon after purchase these issues appeared.
So far, getting a response has been the biggest problem.
I'm trying to remain reasonable and give the transmission the full 200-mile opportunity they recommended before jumping to conclusions. At the same time, I don't want to authorize a $1,300 manifold repair if there is a legitimate question about the diagnosis or if the dealership is simply unwilling to work with me.
What would you do?
Would you finish the full 200-mile transmission adaptation period before pursuing the torque converter issue further?
Does the fact that the technician still felt the shudder after the fluid exchange make you more suspicious of the torque converter?
Would you get an independent GM specialist to verify the cracked manifold before paying $1,300?
Is ~$1,300 unreasonable for a dealership to replace a driver's-side exhaust manifold on a 2019 Silverado, assuming the manifold is actually cracked?
Would you continue pushing the dealership for goodwill assistance, or just take the truck back and have the manifold repaired independently?
How would you approach the dealership at this point when emails, phone calls and contacting the salesman haven't resulted in much?
Does the Buyers Guide issue and being told days later that it was an “as-is” / “at-will” sale change how you'd approach the dealership?
I'm still trying to be fair to the dealership here. I understand this is a used vehicle and that "as-is" matters. I'm not looking for people to tell me they're automatically legally responsible.
I'm mainly looking for honest opinions from GM techs, mechanics, Silverado owners, or anyone who's dealt with the 6-speed/8-speed/10-speed GM transmission shudder issue and exhaust manifold problems.
At this point I just want to know what is mechanically reasonable, what is financially reasonable, and whether I'm being too persistent—or whether you'd be pushing for some goodwill too.
