[neo85]

I'm looking to pull the trigger on a used 2017 A8 SS this weekend. It has around 30k miles and hoping to grab it between 27-30k. I see the horror stories about the a8 and the shudder, etc. Is this a small % of owners with the 8l90 transmission? I dont see a lot of higher mileage camaros being sold so im wondering if people are offloading these once they get to 40-50k miles because of the maintenance issues.

[Need4Camaro]

Originally Posted by neo85

I'm looking to pull the trigger on a used 2017 A8 SS this weekend. It has around 30k miles and hoping to grab it between 27-30k. I see the horror stories about the a8 and the shudder, etc. Is this a small % of owners with the 8l90 transmission? I dont see a lot of higher mileage camaros being sold so im wondering if people are offloading these once they get to 40-50k miles because of the maintenance issues.

For starters, test drive it. You will KNOW if it has the shudder or not. It feels like you're driving on rumble strips while lightly accelerating.

The Shudder issue applies to ALL ...not just some but ALL A8 cars, not just Camaros but ANY GM car with an A8. It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when. Some have gone much longer than others without experiencing it but everyone with an A8 WILL eventually experience it. Its plainly a design flaw and it's also inevitable. Mine didnt come on till about 35k miles to give an idea how long it can remain silent. Others have gone shorter and others went longer. The initial fix was to do a triple flush and replace the TC if that didnt work, although neither were permanent fixes. The new fix uses a new type of fluid / additive and it's still kind of in the incubation stages but so far it seems to be holding up.

Your 65k mile DRIVRTRAIN warranty will cover any issue such as the shuffer, TC or tranny failure.

If you're plainly interested in the 16 - 18 body style and it has to be an auto, change the TC, have the TCM tuned, flush the tranny and you'll probably be 'okay'. Note this will void the warranty however.

Otherwise go for a 2020.

[neo85]

I appreciate the input and yes i really like the 2016-2018 style (prefer it over the awful 19-20 facelift). I did a test drive and didn't feel anything at low/high speeds and I saw the display shifting from V8-V4. Its right around 30k so im wondering if the shudder is right around the corner.

Have most sources/owners verified an aftermarket torque converted + tune has essentialyl resolved this issue? If I can get this car for 27-28 k i can factor in another 2-3k for this inevitable repair =\

[mrgoodbytes]

Originally Posted by neo85

I appreciate the input and yes i really like the 2016-2018 style (prefer it over the awful 19-20 facelift). I did a test drive and didn't feel anything at low/high speeds and I saw the display shifting from V8-V4. Its right around 30k so im wondering if the shudder is right around the corner.

Have most sources/owners verified an aftermarket torque converted + tune has essentialyl resolved this issue? If I can get this car for 27-28 k i can factor in another 2-3k for this inevitable repair =\

I believe a lot of people have experienced this issue either early on at a relatively low mileage. If I recall correctly, GMs response was that water from humidity would form inside the transmission oil. Over time if the shudder is ignored, this would cause damage the torque converter. Their remedy was to flush the transmission with a new and revised oil, but if the torque converter was already damaged that would have to be replaced as well.


Most cases I've read about, the problem started long before 30k miles. But if I were you, I would ask the seller if the transmission has already been flushed before and ensure that it is still covered by the drivetrain warranty just to be sure. That way I don't see any risk.

[dpevans]

Buy a manual if you are concerned about the auto.

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by neo85

I appreciate the input and yes i really like the 2016-2018 style (prefer it over the awful 19-20 facelift). I did a test drive and didn't feel anything at low/high speeds and I saw the display shifting from V8-V4. Its right around 30k so im wondering if the shudder is right around the corner.

Have most sources/owners verified an aftermarket torque converted + tune has essentialyl resolved this issue? If I can get this car for 27-28 k i can factor in another 2-3k for this inevitable repair =\

I think the issue is completely contained by using the latest Jan 2019 fluid (part number 19417577) for the trans flush (TSB number 18-NA-355) and, if the torque converter already got damaged by long term shudder beforehand, a new torque converter, both of which should be covered by 60k mile powertrain warranty. Even if you have to pay for the TC replacement, the GM part itself costs about $400, not sure about labor (it'll be much more, but well within your 2-3k budget). Of course this shouldn't even be necessary, save the money for tires and mods instead, heh.

With a proper tune, the A8 is an awesome transmission. I understand you wouldn't want to lose the warranty right out of the gate, so I'd say don't be afraid to pull the trigger, just make sure the dealership helps you out properly with these fixes, and once you're out of warranty, let her rip with a tune.

To me, the 2019-2020 design changes alone would be a deterrent, so I'm not even considering an upgrade, but of course everyone's view differs on that one.

[KMPrenger]

I think the answer is simple. If you like the 2017, get it.

Just be sure to have them do the TSB 18-NA-355 listed above. As the article states, the dealer doesn't even have to diagnose the car to do it...all they need is for the owner to claim concerns about the shudder, and they should do it. I have not seen a single story yet were shudder came back after that TSB, unless the torque converter was already damaged.

If I were you, I'd make this part of the deal with your sales guy. Tell them you want to be sure this TSB is done to the car when you buy. It costs them nothing.

[grampa_ss]

I have a 2016 SS, 51,000 miles. Procharged at 25K. No issues, no shudder, no rattles. Several times I've driven over 400 miles to the track, race the shit out it and drive it home. Absolutely love this car.

[TP2SS]

Originally Posted by KMPrenger

I think the answer is simple. If you like the 2017, get it.

Just be sure to have them do the TSB 18-NA-355 listed above. As the article states, the dealer doesn't even have to diagnose the car to do it...all they need is for the owner to claim concerns about the shudder, and they should do it. I have not seen a single story yet were shudder came back after that TSB, unless the torque converter was already damaged.

If I were you, I'd make this part of the deal with your sales guy. Tell them you want to be sure this TSB is done to the car when you buy. It costs them nothing.

^^^^^ THIS!

And if it's not a dealer sale, just take it in after you buy it from the private party and tell the dealer you have the issue (whether it has it or not). They don't have to diagnose it anymore, so they should do it just on your complaint. Additionally, if it DOES pop up later and before the 5/60 is up, there'll be a "history" that you took it in previously. That'll get the TC replaced under warranty, or at least another flush.

A buddy just bought a certified '16 CTS with the 3.6 and A8, and I had been telling him about the A8 issues. He told the dealer the TSB was a "must-do" to close the sale. Dealer didn't blink and did it for him prior to sale. Dealers just bill GM for it so they don't care, it's actually some cash flow for their service depts.!

[MackSteelPrivateEye]

Originally Posted by neo85

I'm looking to pull the trigger on a used 2017 A8 SS this weekend. It has around 30k miles and hoping to grab it between 27-30k. I see the horror stories about the a8 and the shudder, etc. Is this a small % of owners with the 8l90 transmission? I dont see a lot of higher mileage camaros being sold so im wondering if people are offloading these once they get to 40-50k miles because of the maintenance issues.

Mine is 17' SS stick with high mileage at 33k.

[PhantomV8]

I have 64,000 miles on my daily driven 2016 Camaro SS.

I have the A8 transmission and have experienced the hard shifts and shudder. The dealership changed out the fluid and there hasn't been an issue since.

At about 63,000 miles (1,000 miles after the warrante went out) the gasket went out on the oil pan and it is going to cost me about $2,000 to repair.

Still love the car, but it isn't without its issues.

[MarkSS1958]

Had the shudder with a 2017 Silverado .GM bought it back as I agreed to buy another GM .I specked out and ordered factory direct a Sierra it had the same problem. Did the Lemon Law process during mediation the GM rep stated that it was my imagination . Anyway I won and they bought the second one back as well. Have to say I did a LOT of soul searching before I bought another GM product . There were a lot of low mileage 2ss verts on the market but I was afraid this was the reason they were low mi. Ended up buying a ex rental 2019 w/ 30k mi and saved about 18k from new . A10spd runs great . Side note /// notice I drive a Ram now?

[init4fun]

Originally Posted by KMPrenger

I think the answer is simple. If you like the 2017, get it.

Just be sure to have them do the TSB 18-NA-355 listed above. As the article states, the dealer doesn't even have to diagnose the car to do it...all they need is for the owner to claim concerns about the shudder, and they should do it. I have not seen a single story yet were shudder came back after that TSB, unless the torque converter was already damaged.

If I were you, I'd make this part of the deal with your sales guy. Tell them you want to be sure this TSB is done to the car when you buy. It costs them nothing.

I'm an example of someone that had the the shudder return about 200 miles after TSB 18-NA-355 was done. TSB was applied in Aug 2019, I drove the car for a couple of days and the problem returned. Took it back and they replaced the transmission, converter and obviously new fluid. So far I only have about 400 miles since that was performed. Just took the car out of storage last Sunday. Will keep you posted.

[AD17SS1LE]

My wife daily drives her 17 Camaro 2SS auto, has 84,000 miles on it. Only issue was the transmission shutter which TSB 18-NA-355 solved the shutter. Very solid with no squeaks or rattles and she loves her car.