2014–2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 / GMC Sierra 1500 common problems and fixes

A hard brake pedal from a weak vacuum pump, A/C condensers that crack and leak, and electric power steering cutouts on 2014–2015 trucks are the big complaints; 8-speed trucks can shudder and V8 lifters can fail.

What owners should know

Covers 2014–2018 · 5.3L and 6.2L V8, 4.3L V6 · Updated 2026-10-06

The third-generation Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 are mechanically the same, so these notes cover both. Most have the 5.3L V8, with a 6.2L V8 or 4.3L V6 in some trucks. A 6-speed automatic was standard, with an 8-speed on 6.2L trucks from 2015 and on some 5.3L trucks in later years.

We counted 6,630 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2014–2018 Silverado 1500s and Sierra 1500s (retrieved October 5, 2026; each complaint counted once): 5,339 from 5.3L V8s, 508 from 4.3L V6s and 480 from 6.2L V8s, identified by VIN; the rest (303) couldn't be matched to an engine. We left out 63 whose VIN belongs to another vehicle (mostly Silverado and Sierra 2500/3500 heavy-duty trucks). We left out about 670 complaints that NHTSA labels only "Silverado", "Sierra" or "Denali", because the same complaints also appear under the heavy-duty trucks and we can't tell which truck they're about. 2014 and 2015 trucks have the most complaints. Complaint counts show what owners report most often, not how many trucks have a problem.

At a glance

Hard brake pedal from a weakening engine-driven vacuum pump, covered by a recall and a separate extended warranty program.
A/C condenser leaks, mostly on 2014–2015 trucks.
Electric power steering that cuts out on 2014–2015 trucks; certain trucks were recalled.
8-speed shudder and harsh shifts.
V8 lifter failures on trucks with cylinder deactivation.

Brakes

About 770 complaints describe a hard or stiff brake pedal, mention the vacuum pump or brake assist, or describe longer stopping. The engine-driven vacuum pump that powers the brake booster wears out. Two separate things cover it: a recall (19V645000; 20V603000 for some 2018 trucks) that updates the brake computer software to add hydraulic brake assist, and a special coverage program (an extended warranty, not a recall, N182202780) that pays for a new pump for 10 years or 150,000 miles from the date the truck was first placed in service.

Air conditioning

About 310 complaints mention the A/C condenser or describe the A/C leaking or failing, more than half (167) from 2014 trucks. The A/C condenser, built together with the transmission cooler, cracks and leaks refrigerant. Owners filed class action lawsuits over it.

Steering

About 720 complaints mention power steering or describe losing steering assist or heavy steering, about 550 of them from 2014–2015 trucks. A voltage problem can briefly shut off the electric power steering at low speed, often along with the radio and StabiliTrak. GM recalled certain 2014 trucks (17V414000) and certain 2015 trucks (18V586000) for software updates.

Transmissions and engines

About 250 complaints describe shudder, shaking or vibration linked to the transmission, shifting, acceleration or road speed. On 8-speed trucks, GM's bulletin 18-NA-355 changes the transmission fluid to an updated type; other causes (driveline, tires) need ruling out.
About 250 complaints mention lifters or cylinder deactivation (AFM/DFM) on 5.3L and 6.2L V8s. Have a tick or misfire diagnosed before replacing engine parts.

Before you buy

Check open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls with the VIN.
Press the brake pedal a few times with the engine running; it should stay easy.
Run the A/C on max and make sure it blows cold.
Listen for ticking at idle and feel for shudder at 25–50 mph.
Bring our used truck inspection checklist.

Researched from owner forums and NHTSA complaints and written by Know Your Truck. These are patterns in what owners report, not a guarantee about any particular truck.

Sources (13)

Common failures & how to fix them

Parts and video buttons search for your 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Always confirm a part fits using your VIN. Brakes, steering, fuel and airbag work affects your safety, so if you're not sure, have a qualified mechanic do it.

Hard brake pedal (vacuum pump)
Dealer job
Signs: The brake pedal gets hard to push and the truck takes longer to stop, often at startup or low speed.
Fix: GM's recalls (19V645000 for certain 2014–2018 trucks, 20V603000 for certain 2018 5.3L and 6.2L trucks) update the brake computer to add hydraulic assist. Separately, GM special coverage N182202780 pays for a new vacuum pump and belt if a dealer confirms this condition, for 10 years or 150,000 miles from the date the truck was first placed in service. Ask a dealer whether this VIN is still eligible.
May be covered free by recall 19V645000 / 20V603000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Shop: Silverado 5.3 brake vacuum pump
A/C blows warm (condenser leak)
Best left to a shop
Signs: The A/C slowly stops cooling; a recharge only lasts weeks or months.
Fix: Have the leak found first (dye or an electronic leak detector); hoses, fittings and the compressor can leak too. If the condenser (built together with the transmission cooler) is cracked or leaking, it's replaced and the system is evacuated and recharged.
Shop: Silverado A/C condenser ▶ How-to videos
Power steering cuts out (2014–2015)
Dealer job
Signs: Steering suddenly gets heavy at low speed, often with the radio, StabiliTrak or cruise control shutting off at the same time.
Fix: Covered by GM recalls that update the power steering software: 17V414000 for certain 2014 trucks and 18V586000 for certain 2015 trucks. If it still happens, have the battery, charging system and steering codes checked. Recalls cover only specific trucks, so check this VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if it's included and whether the repair was done.
May be covered free by recall 17V414000 / 18V586000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
8-speed shudder (2015–2018)
Best left to a shop
Signs: A shudder like driving over rumble strips at 25–50 mph.
Fix: Have it checked to rule out driveline or tire vibration. GM's bulletin 18-NA-355 covers torque converter clutch shudder on 2015–2018 trucks with the 8-speed (built before the end of production): the dealer exchanges the transmission fluid for an updated Mobil 1 fluid. If the shudder continues after that, the transmission needs further diagnosis.
Shop: Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP ▶ How-to videos
V8 lifter failure (cylinder deactivation)
Best left to a shop
Signs: A tick or tap from the engine, misfires and a check engine light.
Fix: Have it diagnosed before replacing engine parts: a tick can also come from an exhaust leak or injectors, and misfires from plugs and coils. If a shop confirms a collapsed lifter (misfire data, valve-train inspection), the failed lifters are replaced, usually with the camshaft if it's damaged. Changing the oil on time with the oil GM specifies is the part you can do. Some owners add a plug-in device that keeps the engine in V8 mode. It isn't a GM repair, there's no published evidence that it prevents lifter failure, and it won't fix a lifter that has already failed.
Shop: GM 5.3 AFM lifter kit ▶ How-to videos

Each year in this generation

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared with the typical truck of the same kind and model year. Open a year for its recalls and complaints.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

GMC Sierra 1500

Going to look at one?Bring our free inspection checklist, with these known problems added →