How are your 10 speeds doing?

[optimusprime]

Hey guys. I’m all over the map looking for my next potential family wagon. Looking at the late 4th gen’s currently due to price range and budget. I’ve heard horror stories about the 10 speeds and even more about the 8’s. I’m probably leaning towards a 20’ Denali XL for reference. I’d like to know how your 10 speeds have faired if you have them and what if any issues you’ve had. Mileage is probably 80k+ for what I can find around here.

 

[MrMonte]

I'm at 133K miles on my 2018 Yukon Denali and no issues with the 10 speed transmission. I do a complete fluid & filter change every 50K miles or so. I don't do a flush, hear it's not good for the transmission.

 

[15burban]

I drove a relatives 23 yukon xl for roughly 4-5 hours. I like the 6 speed in our 15 suburban better. The 23 always wanted to be in the highest gear possible. Great for highways but "around town" 30-45 mph with stoplights not so much. To me it lugged (low rpm) the crap out of the motor. In the 23's defense the owner, an older guy, was riding shotgun while I was driving so I wasn't "giving her the beans" so to say either.

I was kind of looking at a 10 speed swap for when our 6 speed goes, but not after that drive.

 

[ReaperHWK]

2015 Tahoe at 170k torque converter failed. Trans shop said to replace the entire tranny for $4500 due to age.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

From what I've read from members of this Forum, they generally like the 10 speed. Not so, with the 8 speed.

 

[RST Dana]

2015 Tahoe at 170k torque converter failed. Trans shop said to replace the entire tranny for $4500 due to age.

But was it a 10 speed?

 

[RST Dana]

I put 90k miles on my 2020 with no issues. My 2021 has 110k miles and has had pump failure and replaced under warranty. I like the extra gears!

 

[optimusprime]

2015 Tahoe at 170k torque converter failed. Trans shop said to replace the entire tranny for $4500 due to age.

The shop I went to quoted me $7800 out the door the replace my tranny and motor mount. $7200 go the trans alone. It’s an 08 too.

 

[ReaperHWK]

But was it a 10 speed?

lol not sure. It was a 2015 LTZ with the 5.3L. Does that come with a 10 speed?

 

[RST Dana]

lol not sure. It was a 2015 LTZ with the 5.3L. Does that come with a 10 speed?

Nope

 

[MrMonte]

lol not sure. It was a 2015 LTZ with the 5.3L. Does that come with a 10 speed?

2018 was the 1st year the 10 speed was available in the Yukon or Tahoe. In 2021 GM did something to the 10 speed that made it unreliable as compared to the 2018-2020.

 

[optimusprime]

Are the 2020’s fairly reliable? How many miles can I expect out of a properly maintained 10l80 in that year? My 6l80e went 220k before dying.

 

[Big Mama]

Had one in a ‘23 Sierra and now in my ‘25 Sierra 2500. Love it.

 

[ReaperHWK]

2018 was the 1st year the 10 speed was available in the Yukon or Tahoe. In 2021 GM did something to the 10 speed that made it unreliable as compared to yhe 2018-2020.

I just bought a 2026 Tahoe RST. That one have the unreliable 10 speed?

 

[Doubeleive]

the 10 speeds did not become available on the suv's until 2018+, as such not all of them had them generally it was the (escalades and denali) but could be on others depending on trim
the 8 speed came along mid 2015 on the same (escalade?/for sure denali), but could be on others depending on trim
early 2015's (denali) had the 6 speed, not 100% sure on (escalades). I think it was around may 2016 when they made that change to 8 speed
you can tell by the RPO code on any, regardless
6L80=MYC
8L80=MFC
10L80=MQB

 

[MrMonte]

I just bought a 2026 Tahoe RST. That one have the unreliable 10 speed?

I don't know but time will tell. Sounds like engine failures are still an issue but I don't have any personal experience to back that up. I'm not a get a warranty person as I do my own maintenance but I would get one on a 2021 or newer.

 

[k_arnold72]

I've had my 2018 Tahoe Premier for 3 years now, from 114k miles to 187k currently. I've changed the fluid once, getting ready to change it again. No issues to report, and I beat this thing UP.

 

[Big Mama]

@Doubeleive I heard some problems with the 8 speed had to do with plastic internals but again that’s just general talk. Is that right? If so does the 10 speed have them?

All I’ve heard about the 10 speed is great. I can say that my ‘23 Sierra with the 10 speed made the 5.3 perform better than any other 5.3 I’ve had.

 

[Doubeleive]

@Doubeleive I heard some problems with the 8 speed had to do with plastic internals but again that’s just general talk. Is that right? If so does the 10 speed have them?

All I’ve heard about the 10 speed is great. I can say that my ‘23 Sierra with the 10 speed made the 5.3 perform better than any other 5.3 I’ve had.

all I have heard about the 8speed is the shudder and that the fluid change is a temporary fix
I guess the 10speed is slightly better reliability wise but doesn't have the same giddy up as the 6 speed, sure have not had one pass me up

 

[RST Dana]

all I have heard about the 8speed is the shudder and that the fluid change is a temporary fix
I guess the 10speed is slightly better reliability wise but doesn't have the same giddy up as the 6 speed, sure have not had one pass me up

I wish you weren’t on the west coast, my 10 speed is itching for a 6 speed to play with.