The study addresses 2D and 3D turbulent transonic flows in divergent channels with a bend, where a shock wave is formed upstream of the sonic line/surface arisen over an expansion corner of the lower wall. Solutions of the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations are obtained with a finite-volume solver of the second-order accuracy on fine meshes. Numerical simulations reveal a considerable hysteresis in the shock wave position versus the supersonic Mach number given at the inlet. A dependence of the hysteresis on the slopes of walls and length of channel is analyzed. The bifurcation band persists when unsteady perturbations are imposed at the inlet. A physical interpretation of the shock wave instability is suggested.