2,949 of the
23,432 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
are about the engine —
13% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
While traveling in bumper to bumper highway traffic in my 2022 Chevrolet Silverado RST, I attempted to accelerate and the vehicle suddenly malfunctioned. I experienced sever loss/restriction of propulsion and the vehicle would not respond normally to accelerator input. I was able to maneuver toward the shoulder of the road while avoiding a major multi-car pile up involving innocent motorists. When I attempted to stop, I did not have normal braking ability and was unable to stop in the manner I expected. I had to use the shoulder of the highway to slow the truck down until I could come to a complete stop. This created an immediate risk of serious or fatal collision on the highway, and as I maneuvered the truck out of traffic to the side of the road. Had I been unable to reach the shoulder of the road, I could have been struck by surrounding traffic. Had this failure occured un an urban area or at an intersection, near pedestrians, or at a school bus stop- I could have seriously injured or killed people or myself. After I was able to come to a complete stop. I shut it off and turned it back on, then the truck read there was no gas left (I had a 1/2 tank). This incident is not isolated electronic glitch, I have experienced electrical malfunctions including the truck failing to start, unlocking, responding at all. This all occured after an engine replacement due to a recall. I am concerned that there are unresolved electrical and power-distribution, communication-network, propulsion or braking issues that presents a serious safety risk to myself and others. My concern is that if this malfunction occurred on my drive to work in the city, around pedestrians- it could have resulted in multiple fatalities.
NHTSA complaint #11758426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Component/system failed: The 6.2L L87 engine. The engine ultimately seized and the vehicle became inoperable. The engine should be available for inspection because it is being replaced under GM Special Coverage N252494003. Safety risk: The engine unexpectedly shut off while driving at highway speeds. Loss of propulsion in traffic creates a significant collision risk. The inability to restart left the vehicle disabled. Confirmed: An independent repair facility confirmed that the engine was seized prior to towing it to the GM dealer. Yesterday the GM dealer confirmed i had a seized engine and it was going to be replacement under N252494003 special coverage entention. Inspections: My truck was inspected in October 25, for the recall. My truck passed this test, and was subsequently was told my oil spec has been revised. Warnings/symptoms: no warning was given
NHTSA complaint #11758561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On [XXX], my 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 (VIN: [XXX]) underwent GM's safety recall service for the 6.2L L87 V8 engine (Recall N252494000 / Special Coverage N252494003). The vehicle passed dealer inspection and received the prescribed higher-viscosity oil and calibration remedy. On [XXX], at 25,287 miles—less than five months and a few thousand miles after the recall was performed—the engine suffered a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, resulting in a sudden and complete loss of propulsion while I was getting off of the freeway. I had to coast to a stop on the side of the road. I had it towed to Murcock Chevrolet. The vehicle was serviced at Murdock Chevrolet (Woods Cross, UT), where technicians confirmed the internal failure and completed a full engine long-block replacement under GM Special Coverage warranty (Invoice total: $10,852.26). GM's initial recall remedy failed to prevent catastrophic failure, posing a serious safety hazard due to unexpected propulsion loss while operating the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11758516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle previously received the official GM Recall Campaign 25V-274 remedy/inspection, but suffered catastrophic engine failure and sudden loss of propulsion afterwards.
NHTSA complaint #11758156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
6.2 liter vehicle engine failure while moving on interstate April 1, 2026 … (I responded to first recall notice and Hendrick Chevrolet of Naples, Fl. completed inspection and oil replacement in 2025) … engine replaced by Estero Bay Chevrolet June 2026 at 72,495 miles on odometer … engine failure (76,004 miles on odometer) while moving August 6, 2026 towed to Hendrick Chevrolet (Naples, Fl.) … Hendrick Chevrolet refused to repair noting engine replacement required … vehicle towed to Estero Bay Chevrolet (Estero, Florida) and engine replacement confirmed again … my complaint includes Estero Bay ordered replacement engine and confirms same 6.2 liter engine to be installed in my truck (3rd engine for truck) suggesting same engine subject of recall to be installed will fail again while underway/moving endangering me and family … first incident April 1, 2026 second incident August 6, 2026
NHTSA complaint #11758282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The wiring harness failed causing erratic and unpredictable behavior at 65 MPH on this 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 77,500 miles on the odometer. General Motors no longer makes the wiring harness and there are none available in the market. This otherwise flawless truck (for which I paid $40,000 at a reseller in 2024) is essentially now totaled (undrivable) and GM will not take any responsibility or provide any other remedy beside $750 toward the purchase of a brand new truck.
NHTSA complaint #11758051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Currently had my engine go into "limp mode" after checked engine light came on with code p1010. The coolant control valve is what is the problem, and GM/Chevy has issued a special coverage on this known part for my year make and model (Bulletin N252508341). However, according to the dealership, my VIN does not qualify for this known issue, regardless of my faulty part matching the special coverage for the year make and model of my vehicle. Now I'm stuck paying for the empty promise from Chevy.
NHTSA complaint #11757924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Had the Motor replaced under recall / warranty at a certified chevy dealer. ~41k miles. 6.2L L87. GRAFF chevy of Chesterton Indiana. After long lead times and getting the run around, the truck was "done". picked it up and many things were still wrong/incorrect. They were able to take care of it. A day later, the truck died in the road. towed to another GRAFF dealer. 2 days later it was found to be a bad ground. fixed. Fast forward ~3k miles later. the transmission went out and locked up on a main roadway. Towed to another dealer (West Herr chevy Orchard Park NY). They found the root cause was due to transmission cooler lines coming loose from faulty installation during motor swap. There were also many other items found that were broken or loose under the hood of the vehicle from faulty workmanship. I am being told it is not covered under warranty because of the previous dealer's workmanship (GRAFF Indiana) I was able to get the truck put of the roadway and to a safe place, but this very well could've caused an accident, and I would like to document it.
NHTSA complaint #11757909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the engine temperature increased while driving approximately 60 - 70 MPH. The message “Reduced Speed due to High Temperature” was displayed. The temperature gauge increased to high and then down to low. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was caused by the coolant control valve. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact was advised that an error message needed to be displayed before moving forward. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11757746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The check engine light indicate P0016 crankshaft camshaft position. It has been diagnosed by a mechanic that the timing belt is stretched. Chevrolet has redesigned these parts due to the premature failure but has not issued a recall to install the redesigned parts.
NHTSA complaint #11757522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a 2022 silverado ltd with the 6.2. I purchased the truck about a month and a half ago the previous owner had the 40 weight oil recall completed prior to my purchase. I had the oil changed when it said 45 percent life remaining far before it was due a certified chevy dealer completed the oil change with the 40 weight correct oil. Well about 8 days ago I went out and started the truck and heard a clunk sound like a failing starter would make. So later that day I notice a ticking noise as well as a chirping noise. Coming from engine bay. I made note of it. Ever since the noise began I have kept close eyes on it the ticking and chirping rise and fall when I give it gas. Yesterday when I started it the clunk noise happened but this time I felt a shudder or stutter I looked at the rpms and they didn't move at all with the shudder. I have an appointment Monday morning to take it to the dealer I looked into the recall for the thicker oil. And learned that this motor is pretty much junk and multiple issues I haven't driven it since yesterday because the issues I'm having correspond with complete engine failure at any point and I do not want to be on the highway and it happen that would put me and other motorist at risk injury. There has been no warning lights no engine light just the initial clunk the first time and since that it's just been getting worse
NHTSA complaint #11757236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle suddenly stalls and reduces speed at different times with no warning. At first it would show that message after car washes or rainy days but now randomly it’ll reduce speed in unexpected moments causing safety concerns. It reduces speed, stalls, drives forcefully, and shows a “reduced acceleration drive with care”. Sudden stalls have become a danger to my family and myself as we depend on this car to get to and from on a daily basis. Dealership states it’s the TCM but not covered under warranty. But the vehicle is new how is it that it already has defects
NHTSA complaint #11757318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated and independently turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure was not duplicated. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was turned off. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to an alternative local dealer. The vehicle was restarted and taken to the alternative dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased in 2019, several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer several times; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that at one point the vehicle was at the dealer for more than thirty-two days and the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
NHTSA complaint #11757005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
* Engine/ Yes available for inspection. * Has not happened yet, however the risk exists. * Yes, oil consumption and has been confirmed by dealer and monitored every 1,000 miles. * Been inspected by local dealer only. * Yes, low oil pressure light came on. I was 2 qtrs. LOW, XXX My vehicle was inspected and according to them "passed". 0W-40 was introduced and a new oil cap indicates the change. GM explains that it is acceptable to burn up to 2 qtrs. of oil between oil changes. They have me come to the dealer every 1,000 miles to check the oil level. I came back from a work-related function, putting approx. 220 miles. It was time for oil level inspection, and my engine was found to be 1/2qtr. LOW. I ask them to top it off and I was told; “we do not stock this oil in bulk; you have to buy a qt. and we'll put it in." I have been a car owner since I was [XXX], now [XXX] and have never heard such nonsense in my life. In fact, in my lifetime, I have NOT experienced engine burning oil. This is a 6.2 liter with 57,700 and my fear is that something catoptric will happen to the motor resulting in no recourse. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11756893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH uphill with a boat hitched on a trailer, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine overheated and the vehicle was pulled over and the idol warning message was displayed. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, however the vehicle lost power with the boat trailer wheel still on the highway. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 21,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving my 2019 Chevy Silverado TrailBoss with 81,000 miles at 65MPH on I-80 East in Omaha, NE, when 3 warning lights came on. The first was the Service Parking Brake. The second was Service ESC. The final was a flashing Check Engine light. My truck started backfiring/misfiring, making a loud ticking noise, and running extremely rough. I was trying to merge off the interstate, but it was running so rough that it made it very difficult to do so safely. Eventually, I just had to finish going where I was headed and park it in the lot. I did some research and called my local shop. They said to stop driving immediately and have it towed to them for inspection. They used a diagnostic tool and diagnosed the issue as a DFM lifter failure. But they could not fix it there and recommended I take it to a different shop. I had it towed again, and they did their own diagnostics and have the same idea, but without taking the engine completely apart, they can't tell for sure. They want to charge me $1,250.00 to inspect it further. I called the dealer where I purchased the truck back in 2019 and am working with them on next steps. The last shop quoted me $7,800 repair if it is indeed the DFM lifters. Based on what I know, this is a known issue with these trucks. GM has an "Out of Warranty Policy Assistance" in place just for these know lifter issues. This is very concerning that GM hasn't done a recall on these parts as it has shown to be a safety issue when driving the vehicle in traffic on the interstate. I just hope that GM assists me with the repair costs because it is not guaranteed and I cannot afford $7,800 right now.
NHTSA complaint #11756456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was running rough and the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the transmission made an abnormal sound while starting the vehicle and while driving, and the torque converter was shuddering. The contact and his father diagnosed the vehicle as having a cylinder misfire and performed a compression test on the engine. The contact replaced the lifter and push rods, deactivated and removed the Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), modified the engine, replaced transmission fluid, and used Lube Gard Instant Shudder Fixx for the torque converter shudder. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving down the road and all of a sudden the check engine light came on, the check the parking brake light came on, and the service electronic stability control system light came on. The engine then started making a knocking sound. These trucks have a known lifter issue. I had a 2021 that had the same problem. It was still under warranty so I was able to get out from under it. This one isn’t and they want $9,000 to replace the engine. There is a recall on the 6.2 liter but not for the 5.3 liter for some reason. These engines have an issue
NHTSA complaint #11756437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.