Engine
5.3L 8-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 178 of 178 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 84 of 178 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
58 complaint records2 fire reports1 crash report
"when starting the truck the ignition sticks in the start position making the starter motor run while the engine is running sometimes slips from run position into start while driving..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Brakes
37 complaint records1 crash report
"THE TRAILER BRAKE IT BEEN MISS UP AND EVER BODY I TALK THAT HAS THE SAME YEAR MODEL AND EVERYTHING LIKE MY TRUCK HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM IT KEEP MY LOG DOWN IT THINK IT HAS A TRAILER ON IT AT ALL TIME..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Power train
20 complaint records1 crash report
"Fuel pump cracked under normal wear and tear under 60,000 miles leaving me stranded for a week and costing $1600 to replace. Transmission is very unresponsive and soupy, sometimes it kicks in late, other times not at all. Ive read this is a known issue with my vehicle...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA21002 opened Sep 2021 | OPEN | Air Bags | Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21V504000 | Air Bags | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. | Normally free |
| 20V736000 | Air Bags | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 trucks. | Normally free |
| 18V578000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, 1500 Crew Cab Special Service, Tahoe Police Pursuit/Special Service, GMC Sierra 2500, and 3500 vehicles. | Normally free |
| 17V437000 | Seat Belts | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500... | Normally free |
| 16V651000 | Seat Belts | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade... | Normally free |
| 16V069000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 1, 2013, to February 1, 2016, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024294 2024-05-24 | Electrical | 4,699 | Issue: On certain trucks, the repairs completed by a General Motors dealer during recall N192220470 (Transport Canada recall no. 2019-325) or customer satisfaction program no. N192270330 may not have been completed properly. |
| 2021410 2021-07-01 | Airbag | 34,366 | Issue: On certain trucks, the side curtain airbag inflators could be defective. As a result, the driver and/or passenger side curtain airbag inflator(s) could fail. |
| 2021212 2021-04-09 | Seats And Restraints | 249 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the outboard side of the driver's seat may have been replaced with an incorrect part during a previous repair. |
| 2020576 2020-11-25 | Airbag | 767 | This recall was replaced by Transport Canada Recall No. 2021-410. Issue: On certain trucks, the side curtain airbag inflators could be defective. As a result, the driver and/or passenger side curtain airbag inflator(s) could fail. |
| 2019533 2019-10-24 | Brakes | 37,378 | Issue: On certain vehicles, there may be an error in the electronic-brake control module software. This could cause the driveline-protection system to activate when a wheel-speed sensor fails. |
Show 23 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019420 2019-08-21 | Other | 5,327 | Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. |
| 2019324 2019-06-28 | Brakes | 310,121 | Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a reduction in power brake assist due to a decrease in output from the vacuum pump. This could cause a hard brake pedal and an increase in brake pedal effort to stop the vehicle. |
| 2019325 2019-06-28 | Electrical | 159,474 | Issue: On certain trucks equipped with a power sliding rear window, the rear defroster circuit could overheat. This could cause melting, smoke or, in rare instances, a fire. Safety Risk: A fire could create a risk of injury. |
| 2018482 2018-09-07 | Steering | 95,832 | Certain vehicles may experience a temporary loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist followed by a sudden return of EPS assist, particularly during low-speed turning manoeuvres due to an electrical/software issue. |
| 2018464 2018-08-31 | Brakes | 3,348 | Certain Heavy Duty and Police/Special Service vehicles may not have been repaired properly under Recall 2016-053 (GM #20760). The brake pedal pivot nut may become loose, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative. |
| 2018233 2018-05-04 | Seats And Restraints | 1,232 | On certain Police and Special Service vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the driver's seat belt to the vehicle structure at the outboard position can fatigue over time and could separate, increasing the risk of injury in a... |
| 2017511 2017-10-20 | Fuel System | 1,908 | On certain vehicles equipped with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks, the fuel level sensor in the front tank could become stuck in the low level position, causing the rear tank to overfill the front tank. |
| 2017342 2017-07-10 | Airbag | 152 | On certain vehicles, the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), which controls airbag and pretensioner deployment, contains a software defect which may prevent the deployment of frontal airbags and pretensioners in certain circumstances. |
| 2016502 2016-10-12 | Tires | 1,435 | On certain vehicles equipped with Continental P275/55R20 CrossContact LX20 tires, a manufacturing defect could cause a lack of adhesion between belts in the tire. |
| 2016439 2016-09-09 | Airbag | 362,263 | On certain vehicles, the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), which controls airbag and pretensioner deployment, contains a software defect which may prevent the deployment of frontal airbags and pretensioners in certain circumstances. |
| 2016153 2016-04-11 | Seats And Restraints | 108,604 | On certain Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the driver's seat belt to the vehicle structure at the outboard position can fatigue over time and could separate, increasing the risk of injury in... |
| 2016053 2016-02-04 | Brakes | 47,148 | On certain Heavy Duty and Police Pursuit vehicles, the brake pedal pivot nut may become loose, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative. |
| 2015458 2015-10-08 | Electrical | 138 | On certain vehicles, a defect in the ignition lock actuator may make turning the ignition key difficult or cause the key to get stuck in the “start” position. This may be more likely to occur at higher interior ambient temperatures. |
| 2014588 2014-12-22 | Fuel System | 11 | On certain vehicles equipped with diesel engines, a hose clamp for the fuel tank vent line may not have been sufficiently tightened at assembly. |
| 2014589 2014-12-22 | Powertrain | 15 | On certain vehicles, rear axle shafts may not have been properly heat treated. An improperly heat-treated axle shaft could fracture without warning near the hub flange resulting in separation of a rear wheel from the axle shaft, increasing... |
| 2014577 2014-12-18 | Engine | 10 | On certain vehicles, exhaust components may overheat while the vehicle is idling in cold temperatures. This could cause nearby plastic components to overheat and melt, possibly resulting in smoke and/or fire and increasing the risk of... |
| 2014509 2014-11-07 | Steering | 112 | Certain vehicles may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while driving. |
| 2014443 2014-10-07 | Steering | 8,778 | On certain model 2500/3500 HD vehicles, power steering hose clamps may not have been properly attached. This could allow the hose to disconnect from the power steering pump or steering gear, causing a power steering fluid leak. |
| 2014254 2014-06-27 | Powertrain | 53,607 | Certain vehicles equipped with an Automatic Transfer Case may have a condition in which an electric signal short may cause the transfer case to switch to neutral without operator input. |
| 2014241 2014-06-19 | Steering | 6,778 | On certain model 2500/3500 HD vehicles, power steering hose clamps may not have been properly attached. This could allow the hose to disconnect from the power steering pump or steering gear, causing a power steering fluid leak. |
| 2014216 2014-06-06 | Accessories | 5,439 | Certain vehicles equipped with a base radio and internal amplifier may fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 114 - Theft Protection and Rollaway Protection, and CMVSS 208 - Occupant Crash Protection. |
| 2014206 2014-06-04 | Airbag | 9 | On certain vehicles, an internal fault in the Sensing and Diagnostic Module may set a diagnostic trouble code, illuminating the airbag warning lamp and disabling the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners for the duration of the drive cycle. |
| 2014153 2014-04-25 | Fuel System | 8 | On certain HD vehicles equipped with a diesel engine and dual fuel tanks, the fuel pipe tube nuts on each side of the diesel fuel transfer pump may not have been properly torqued. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIT5698F Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it. | |
| PIP4902W Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. | |
| PIT5509N Jul 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues. | |
| PIT5099J Jul 2026 | Unknown Or Other | PI to help diagnose A/C concern | |
| PIT5509M May 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIT3271Q Apr 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available. | |
| PIP4902V Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. | |
| PIP6104 Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect. | |
| PIT4506J Feb 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that some owners of Heavy Duty Trucks and Utilities may ask if they can lower their tire pressures. | |
| PIT6483 Feb 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning messages and MIL along with several low speed lan DTCs. | |
| PIT6400A Jan 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin. | |
| PIP4902U Jan 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. | |
| PIT5214G Nov 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical... | |
| 13598 Sep 2025 | Unknown Or Other | New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH | |
| PIT5479H Sep 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about fluid leaking from the brake caliper piston area found during a service of the vehicle. The substance is actually excess assembly grease from the caliper boot and piston. | |
| PIP4902T Aug 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. | |
| PIC5650M Aug 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. | |
| PIT5161L Jul 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a bump feel or clunk noise at a stop or on launch. Dealer should communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic | |
| PIT6400 Jun 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin. | |
| PIP4902S Jun 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. | |
| 25-NA-156 Jun 2025 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities. | |
| 00-06-01-026R Jun 2025 | Engine | This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage. | |
| PIT5074R May 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. | |
| 23-NA-153 May 2025 | Engine | The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay. | |
| 15-NA-010 May 2025 | Engine | This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states. | |
| PI0281L Apr 2025 | Steering | This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. | |
| 13-02-32-001H Apr 2025 | Steering | This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low temperatures. | |
| 07-00-89-037W Apr 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs. | |
| 25-NA-087 Apr 2025 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs. | |
| 13-08-116-001K Mar 2025 | Electrical System | The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them. | |
| 25-NA-052 Mar 2025 | Engine | This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system. | |
| 25-NA-065 Mar 2025 | Steering | This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis. | |
| 24-NA-098 Mar 2025 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information. | |
| 08-03-10-006I Mar 2025 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides a procedure on how to clean and resurface aluminum wheel bead seats for vehicles that have the condition of Tire Slowly Goes Flat, Tire Air Loss, Low Tire Pressure Warning Light Illuminated, Aluminum Wheel Bead Seat Corrosion. | |
| 15-06-03-001F Mar 2025 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries. | |
| 17-NA-073 Mar 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| 05-03-07-009L Feb 2025 | Suspension | This service bulletin provides information on Wheel Alignment Specifications, Requirements and Recommendations for GM Vehicles. | |
| 11-00-89-005Y Feb 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on Dealer Empowerment for Goodwill, Customer Enthusiasm and Policy (U.S. Only). | |
| PIT4506H Feb 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that some owners of Heavy Duty Trucks and Utilities may ask if they can lower their tire pressures. | |
| PIP5358D Feb 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. | |
| 05-08-51-001L Feb 2025 | Structure | This informational bulletin provides a procedure on how to remove the paint stain that may present itself under the shipping film. | |
| 16-NA-109 Feb 2025 | Steering | This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear. | |
| 21-NA-138 Feb 2025 | Suspension | This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of a Squeak, Grind or Clunking Noise from Rear Leaf Springs. | |
| 07-00-89-037V Feb 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs. | |
| 10-08-110-001L Jan 2025 | Structure | This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats. | |
| 21-NA-043 Jan 2025 | Electrical System | This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer. | |
| 22-NA-074 Jan 2025 | Engine | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| 01-08-42-001Q Jan 2025 | Exterior Lighting | This service bulletin provides information on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leak Information and Replacement Guidelines. | |
| 09-06-04-026Z Jan 2025 | Power Train | This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2. | |
| 20-NA-132 Jan 2025 | Electrical System | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements. | |
| 07-00-89-037U Jan 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs. | |
| PIT5386K Dec 2024 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that are found to have a back-up alarm inoperative during the Pre-Delivery Inspection. | |
| 03-06-01-023I Dec 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil. | |
| 18-NA-263 Dec 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This warranty administration bulletin provide policy information for variable diagnostic time allowances on select labor operations (U.S. Only). | |
| PIT5074Q Dec 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. | |
| PIT5962B Dec 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses. | |
| PIT6261 Dec 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates to dealers GM is working on a solution for outdated Apps | |
| 08-07-30-035I Nov 2024 | Power Train | This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid. | |
| 19-NA-219 Nov 2024 | Engine | This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue. | |
| 12-08-51-002R Nov 2024 | Structure | This informational bulletin provides technicians and dealership personnel with spray-in bed liner general information and repair procedures. |
Showing 60 of 2209 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Chevrolet Silverado 2500 →