Chevrolet Silverado Engine Problems
Owners have filed 141 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Chevrolet Silverado across 19 model years. The 2014 model year has the most (16). The words owners use most often: “manifold bolts” (6% of reports).
- 141engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 7mention a crash
- 5mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 47%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Manifold bolts: mentioned in 9 of 141 complaints (6%)
- Stalled without: mentioned in 8 of 141 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 126 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 141 complaints, 7 mention a crash, 11 a fire, 5 an injury.
Chevrolet Silverado engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Silverado | 16 | 13% | 17,000 |
| 2015 Silverado | 15 | 20% | 9,595 |
| 2014 Silverado | 16 | 13% | 2,000 |
| 2013 Silverado | 7 | 11% | 17,770 |
| 2012 Silverado | 6 | 9% | 7,748 |
| 2011 Silverado | 7 | 9% | 83,918 |
| 2010 Silverado | 10 | 16% | 49,958 |
| 2009 Silverado | 6 | 8% | 68,144 |
| 2008 Silverado | 11 | 7% | 106,500 |
| 2007 Silverado | 12 | 7% | 52,500 |
| 2006 Silverado | 3 | 2% | 90,000 |
| 2005 Silverado | 4 | 1% | 120,100 |
| 2004 Silverado | 7 | 1% | 113,250 |
| 2003 Silverado | 7 | 1% | 99,500 |
| 2002 Silverado | 4 | 1% | 80,000 |
| 2001 Silverado | 4 | 0% | 137,000 |
| 2000 Silverado | 3 | 0% | 117,400 |
| 1999 Silverado | 2 | 0% | 161,000 |
| 1997 Silverado | 1 | 0% | 89,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system
Model years: 2014, 2015
Problem: 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.
Risk: The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire.
Fix: 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. General Motors' number for this recall is 14008.
Engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2001
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the sensor becomes completely inoperative, the engine will quit running and will not re-start. Either of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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
Model years: 2004, 2005, 2006
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
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…
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a loud abnormal tapping sound at the hood of the vehicle. The contact then stated that upon inspection, she noticed that the tapping sound was coming from the lifter and lifter arm…
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…
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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Chevrolet Silverados have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 141 owner complaints about engine for the Chevrolet Silverado. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Chevrolet Silverado engine?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about engine problems on the Chevrolet Silverado?
The most frequent phrase is “manifold bolts”, in 9 of 141 complaints, followed by “stalled without” (8).
Other Chevrolet Silverado problems
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (2,302)
- Power Train problems (743)
- Electrical System problems (711)
- Service Brakes problems (706)
- Steering problems (533)
- Structure problems (490)
- Visibility problems (486)
- Air Bags problems (478)
See all Chevrolet Silverado problems.