Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 16 | 13% | 17,000 miles |
| 2015 | 16 | 21% | 10,000 miles |
| 2014 | 17 | 14% | 2,000 miles |
| 2013 | 8 | 13% | 18,000 miles |
| 2012 | 6 | 9% | 8,000 miles |
| 2011 | 8 | 11% | 84,000 miles |
| 2010 | 13 | 21% | 50,000 miles |
| 2009 | 10 | 13% | 54,000 miles |
| 2008 | 15 | 9% | 102,000 miles |
| 2007 | 18 | 10% | 54,000 miles |
| 2006 | 10 | 5% | 90,000 miles |
| 2005 | 24 | 8% | 20,000 miles |
| 2004 | 31 | 5% | 38,000 miles |
| 2003 | 33 | 5% | 32,000 miles |
| 2002 | 62 | 9% | 34,000 miles |
| 2001 | 95 | 11% | 46,000 miles |
| 2000 | 91 | 7% | 70,000 miles |
| 1999 | 63 | 4% | 61,000 miles |
| 1998 | 15 | 5% | 77,000 miles |
| 1997 | 21 | 8% | 69,000 miles |
| 1996 | 13 | 7% | 62,000 miles |
| 1995 | 15 | 6% | 143,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off and the entire instrument panel started flickering. In addition, the wheel would independently turn itself. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a lot. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, and the gear shifter became inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,564.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost electrical power inadvertently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to an independently certified GMC service center where it was diagnosed but no issues were found. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated. In addition, the vehicle momentarily lost control, however, the contact's son depressed the brakes and was able to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed lifter valve and the lifter valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. While driving at approximately 5 MPH, the engine stalled and caused the vehicle to crash into a fire hydrant. The vehicle was able to restart. No police report was filed. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Purchased a new 1500 in May of 2014 and a few months later noticed the engine has a random miss both while driving as well as at idle. Will experience a significant jerk and will also hesitate to pick up speed shortly after experiencing the jerk. I have reported this problem to Chevrolet on numerous occasions, but only have 4 invoices (from 11/20/14-8/26/15) with the complaint listed. Each time Chevrolet stated no problem found or present except for the most recent invoice dated aug. 26, 2015 in which after Chevrolet service manager became involved because I complained about an unresolved issue, he did state that the problem was noticed by a "senior service technician" and since no code was present to diagnose or correct the problem, GM was contacted. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado. After the ignition key was turned to the on position, the vehicle failed to start without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the air intake hose needed to be tightened. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure occurred several times. The service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel sensor needed to be reset. On another occasion, the cam shaft position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired both times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,000.
I have now had my Chevy 2013 Silverado in for oil consumption tests for the last 3 months and it has failed them. When I first brought it in I was told that they would replace the piston rings. When it finally failed they are now saying the are only replacing the head gasket and the rocker arms. Neither one of these have anything to do with my truck burning oil. This is the second vehicle I have owned that has has issues burning oil the first one they told me that it was normal for it to burn oil. They need to do what they originally told me and replace the piston rings. What happens if this engine goes while I am going down the highway
Related recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
General Motors is recalling certain 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, and 2015 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV; Chevrolet Silverado HD; and GMC Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL, equipped with a 4.3L engine or 5.3L engine.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control module, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC at 1-800-462-8782.
Engine and engine cooling
On certain pickup trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 engine, the crankshaft position can operate intermittently or fail completely. If the sensor operates intermittently, the ses light May illuminate and the vehicle May run rough. The engine May stall, and if so, May re-start immediately or after a cool down period.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2007. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Engine and engine cooling
On certain trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 (rpo l8-VIN g) engine have a condition in which the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip May fracture resulting in inadequate retention of the damper.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2006. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC trucks at 1-866-996-9463.
NHTSA investigations
Crank position sensor failure - stall
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe06-016) on May 4, 2006 based on eleven vehicle owner questionnaires (voqs) and early warning (ewr) data alleging sudden engine shutdown while driving as a result of crank position sensor failures in my 2001-2002 general motors c/k platform vehicles equipped with 8.1l engines.in response to an information request letter sent by odi, general…
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Silverado years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (95), 2000 (91), 1999 (63), 2002 (62) and 2003 (33) model years. Engine complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Silverado engine problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 14V-007 (exhaust system, Jan 13, 2014); 07V-521 (engine and engine cooling, Nov 7, 2007); 06V-289 (engine and engine cooling, Aug 3, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Silverado engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles; 55% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline (139 mentions), followed by the engine (123).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.