I know there have been multiple posts on issues that people are having with the A8 transmission. I did a forum search but can't really find what the exact issues are. I see all kinds of posts on how bad they are and how the M7 is soooooo better but I'm not seeing the issues. I have a 2016 2LT Z51 with the A8 and am now hearing some whining noises at certain speeds and occasionally feel a rough shift at low speeds when the car is cold. I'm not sure if I am being paranoid or if these are some of the issues being complained about. If anyone can direct me to some informative posts or share what the issues are, it would be appreciated.

 

Did you read the warble thread? Someone posted a vid with the whining sound.

 

It's not that people are saying the manual is "soooooo better," just that it is trouble-free. Manuals, by nature, are lightyears more simple.

 

I didn't. Where do I find it?

 

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...asionally.html

 

Hard shifts, sloppy shifts, noises, all normal things with this A8, I wouldn't let anyone touch it, let it blow up on GM's watch and then worry about. I know my next Z will be a M7, I'm done till GM gets it right. I was out last weekend and the trans was banging so much it was like I was getting hit in the rear, then I absolutely beat the living crap out of the car, and it cleared up which doesn't make sence, since every time I'm in it the car I drive it how it was built. M7 here I come!!

 

Are you guys saying its not a matter of IF it fails, its WHEN ?

 

Found an interesting thread just thought I would share. A few quotes from the thread (a new owner) below. Very minor edits for brevity . . .

1) Is it normal in Manual mode to experience a slight "thunk" (both audible and palpable) when up and downshifting under moderate acceleration? I find there is no "thunk" if I let off the accelerator when shifting so should I do the obvious and treat manual gear shifts the same as I would the shifting of a traditional manual car and briefly release the accelerator? Do the "thunks" signify potential damage?
2) When ascending steep hills (I live in San Francisco) in auto mode do you let the transmission choose 2nd or 3rd gear (I am amazed it often does) or do you manually kick down to 1st? I have sensed the car shuddering slightly, as though the engine were lugging, when I allow it to remain in 2nd gear as I slowly ascend the steepest hills, then slow down near their peak. Or maybe I am imaging this?
3) In lower speed city driving which mode produces the least wear-and-tear on the vehicle, auto or manual? I have usually allowed the vehicle to remain in automatic mode but it seems very strange to me to have the car lope around in 7th gear at 30-40 mph.
Thanks everyone!

[a few reply quotes from the replies]
Under gentle acceleration, the car will get to 7th gear as quickly as it can to give you the full 17mpg you deserve!! My old corvette would insist that I change from 1st to 4th gear to achieve the same purpose.

The shifting is one aspect that has been a bit disappointing, in the city, the downshifts can be a bit jerky if not timed right and sometimes even the upshifts.

I own an Audi S4 with an S-tronic transmission and it shifts smooth as silk compared to the 7-speed.

I've been driving 99 % manual, sport mode. The car is boring if not using the paddles, reminds me of my old toyota camry


PS. the new owner purchased a Ferrari 458 . . .

Actually, I have an A8 and have had several manuals and one DCT. Autos are smart but not psychic. I like the option to go manual when I want or go auto when I want.

 

I've read that all the issues have been cured for any car after 5/16, on this forum.

 

I don't think so. There just arnt as many "My transmission is working perfectley" threads.

 

I have a idea why I don't hear any of those "warbles" "squeaks" "rattles" in my 2016 A8 Z51 Convertible. I'm OLD and DEAF..... To many shotgun shells and no ear protection. However, I can feel vibrations....and with only one exception....the dreaded waiting for it to go into gear after sitting all night....my A8 seems to perform as intended. And, it doesn't do it all the time. And, after seeing how they have to repair that problem....I'll wait till I absolutely, positively have to have it done. Which means sometime in the next 4 years while it is still under warranty.

 

I'm one of those with the warble problem my friend. This malady seems to be with the A8 base models only, and it's not what we consider a whine. The Z51 has different gearing, so I don't think you have this problem. Wish I could help you more with the whining in your car. Good luck.

BTW, this problem isn't associated with the A8. We're not sure at this time where it's coming from, but the A8 in mine works as designed.

 

While some have had legitimate issues with their A8s, when reviewing the issues that Corvette Forum members have discussed, keep in mind that the posts you find under the following usernames are all the same person (these are just the usernames that I have been able to attribute to this particular individual...there may be more):

ArcticC7
Black&White
OhMyC7
Team Player
UsaBest
GS17
Tow
Grand-C7
Corvette-Master
AllVelocity

For the record, my wife's 2015 A8 had absolutely no problems while we owned it.

 

My only issues currently are the V4 shudder and slight tach oscillation at highway cruise. I had the delayed engagement when cold about once every three months, but that hasn't happened since July. No hard shifts up or down. After a year or more reading about A8 issues I'm still trying to figure out how a shudder in V4 mode is linked to the tranny.

 

GM says's its the torque converter locking and unlocking. I'm not an automatic transmission expert, but I think its supposed to stay locked over a certain speed and remain locked unless engine load requires the AFM to go to into V8 mode.

 

I am having some of the same issues with my '16 Z51. Weather in sport or any of the other modes besides track I can watch my tach move up and down about 200 rpm's. I'm not all that crazy about having some tech at my local dealership rip half of my car apart just to replace the converter or transmission. With only 2400 miles i can sit on it until it gets worse. What I did find is that no matter what mode Im in if I put it in Manual mode everything smoothes out. Today I was on I95 down here in SC and decided to drop it in Manual while driving in Touring, whala no tach movement or feelings through the pedal. That tells me that there may be FMS issues as well as transmission/torque converter. First off I didn't buy a performance car to have it go into V4 mode at any time. I asked the Tech Nerd in Corvette Mag about it and he was vague. Had to laugh when he said that if I was worried about the transmission maybe I should sell the car and get something else. This is my 7th Vette and Id rather fight than switch...

 

I have a 2015 Z51 A8 and my brother has a 2016 Z51 A8 and we both love them and would choose them again. Between us we probably have 20,000 miles on our cars and I did eleven track days this year. It's awesome to feel that thing shift in track mode under full throttle! The only thing my 2015 lacks is the secondary cooler that your car has up front. I will definetly be adding that this winter.
Enjoy your car and its A8!

 

Over 7,000 miles on my base '16 A8 and not one transmission issue. After owning a dozen Corvettes C2-C6 with three pedals I would not go back to a manual again. My A8 is that good.

 

I have a 16 Z51 A8 with 3500 miles since May . No problems yet!! I don't miss treat it
but I do drive it . Hoping I have no concerns ,But reading on here sometimes I think I
brought a junk . LETs HOPE NOT I love it looks an how much fun its to drive

 

4800 miles on my A8 and no issues. Love it!