It can be fixed with tuning but the factory does that to protect the transmission

 

If his problem is: "It won't downshift unless I really step deep into the throttle," then yes, it is probably normal (the shift pattern is calibrated for fuel economy, more than performance).

If his problem is: "It will not downshift at all, even at WOT, at low speeds," then he likely has a throttle signal problem.

The problem with no ERS downshift is likely just a bad switch or connection. I presume the dash display continues to show "D" when he tries to tap it down?

 

Thanks for your info guys. TransEngineer is there that much difference in programming in the 07's to the 16's?

 

I compared a few of the downshift points (2008 vs 2016 MY) and they are identical. Have you compared his truck directly to yours? Have you driven his truck, and is it noticeably different from yours? Does your truck have the stock programming? Are your axle ratios / tire size the same?

 

...
Oh, he also said he was not able to down shift with the manual switch.
Has anyone experienced this issue?

Not that.
Mine downshifts right away, as long as the resulting rpms are reasonable.
He should be able to take it to the dealer and demonstrate that problem at least.
And if they are competent enough to fix it, maybe that would fix his other issues.

 

When he brought this up a few weeks ago, I offered to let him drive mine, but we just didn't ever end up at the same place when I had my truck. I think his truck has 3.42 rear gear, mine is 3.73. That would make some difference.
Unfortunately, I won't have the opportunity to drive his truck. He went back to The Dark Side (chevy).
Thanks for all your input.