Transmission shudder - what about it?

Hey you · May 16, 2026

About 6 months ago I traded my 2015 LT for a 21 LT. About 150K miles were on the 15 model, and the 21 has about 92K now.
After about 1K miles I started to noticed some stuttering (washboard sound/feel) and took it to a shop. They determined a transmission fluid flush with filter, and
said if it comes back a replacement would be the next step. So far, the new fluid is very smooth, no stuttering.
Did I get lucky and catch this at the right time, or will this require a new or rebuilt tranny in the near future.
The dealer said I have a lifetime power train warranty thru a company called DGW. Any one dealt with them?
Thanks, I appreciate any feedback.

89Suburban · May 16, 2026

@NickTransmissions

Doubeleive · May 16, 2026

Hey you said:
About 6 months ago I traded my 2015 LT for a 21 LT. About 150K miles were on the 15 model, and the 21 has about 92K now.
After about 1K miles I started to noticed some stuttering (washboard sound/feel) and took it to a shop. They determined a transmission fluid flush with filter, and
said if it comes back a replacement would be the next step. So far, the new fluid is very smooth, no stuttering.
Did I get lucky and catch this at the right time, or will this require a new or rebuilt tranny in the near future.
The dealer said I have a lifetime power train warranty thru a company called DGW. Any one dealt with them?
Thanks, I appreciate any feedback.

It's anyone's guess how far it will go but sounds like your good on the warranty unless it breaks down 600 miles away and your warranty is only at the local dealer, then it's a "hassle" at best.

NickTransmissions · May 16, 2026

Hey you said:
About 6 months ago I traded my 2015 LT for a 21 LT. About 150K miles were on the 15 model, and the 21 has about 92K now.
After about 1K miles I started to noticed some stuttering (washboard sound/feel) and took it to a shop. They determined a transmission fluid flush with filter, and
said if it comes back a replacement would be the next step. So far, the new fluid is very smooth, no stuttering.
Did I get lucky and catch this at the right time, or will this require a new or rebuilt tranny in the near future.
The dealer said I have a lifetime power train warranty thru a company called DGW. Any one dealt with them?
Thanks, I appreciate any feedback.

What transmission do you have? An eight or ten speed?

I’d update your thread title with that info and maybe something a bit more specific instead of “what about it”

The eight speed units are known to have shuddering issues as a result of not having the most updated fluid in the unit so if yours is an 8L and updated fluid was added, it should be fine, assuming you don’t have a valve body issue…

WalleyeMikeIII · May 16, 2026

NickTransmissions said:
What transmission do you have? An eight or ten speed?

I’d update your thread title with that info and maybe something a bit more specific instead of “what about it”

The eight speed units are known to have shuddering issues as a result of not having the most updated fluid in the unit so if yours is an 8L and updated fluid was added, it should be fine, assuming you don’t have a valve body issue…

The only transmission offered in 2021+ GM Full Size SuV is the 10 speed

NickTransmissions · May 16, 2026

WalleyeMikeIII said:
The only transmission offered in 2021+ GM Full Size SuV is the 10 speed

I’m not up on what years/models have only the 10 speeds as I haven’t started building those transmissions.

That said, its impossible to tell whether or not you caught your problem in time apart from letting time pass and see what happens.

Worst case scenario, it needs to come out for replacement under warranty so nothing to really worry about beyond vehicle down time.

If you’re concerned, I’d put some more miles on it and check fluid condition to see if it’s still red/fresh or if it has started to darken and smell burnt. If the latter becomes the case, prepare to be without the vehicle for whatever period of time however you need to.

OR VietVet · May 17, 2026

Before you bought the 21, did you see ANY paperwork for maintenance and repairs?

Hey you · May 17, 2026

Hey Guys, Thanks for all the info, much appreciated. Yea, it is the 10 speed. No record of any previous issues. I think I will go with Nicks advice... drive it
and check the fluid condition after more miles. I am thinking 2K, and if no issue, go back to the shop and have them check it. Problem with this model, no
dip stick or filler to obtain sample.

TonyS1203 · May 19, 2026

Hey you said:
About 6 months ago I traded my 2015 LT for a 21 LT. About 150K miles were on the 15 model, and the 21 has about 92K now.
After about 1K miles I started to noticed some stuttering (washboard sound/feel) and took it to a shop. They determined a transmission fluid flush with filter, and
said if it comes back a replacement would be the next step. So far, the new fluid is very smooth, no stuttering.
Did I get lucky and catch this at the right time, or will this require a new or rebuilt tranny in the near future.
The dealer said I have a lifetime power train warranty thru a company called DGW. Any one dealt with them?
Thanks, I appreciate any feedback.

I had the same issue come up during a long road trip. I let things cool down and made it home without a repeat. I then changed the fluid and filter (not a flush), This was about 3 months ago and everything has been running fine since. I believe it was old fluid heating up and losing viscosity.

Hey you · May 19, 2026

Any idea what temperature it was up to? My previous car would run up to 180 or so, under normal driving on hot day. I did the
same as you and the temps came down to 150. The current car has yet to exceed 150, but I expect it will as summer comes.
I plan to do the fluid test in another 1K miles, to see if there is any metal etc...
I do not drive aggressively but will step on it occasionally and it seems to be doing great! Towing, not yet but since it was preowned
who knows what the previous owners did.

Hey you · May 29, 2026

Does anybody know of a company who can analyze a sample of my transmission fluid?
How do I get a sample from the car, is there a fill port on the pan?

Transmission shudder - what about it?

Hey you

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89Suburban

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Doubeleive

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OR VietVet

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Hey you

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