Know Your Truck

2019–2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 / GMC Sierra 1500 common problems and fixes

Certain 2021–2024 6.2L V8s were recalled for engine failures, V8s with cylinder deactivation are known for lifter failures, and transmissions shudder or shift harshly; certain diesel trucks were recalled for a valve body that can lock the rear wheels.

What owners should know

Covers 2019–2026 · 5.3L and 6.2L V8, 3.0L Duramax diesel, 2.7L turbo four, 4.3L V6 · Updated 2026-10-07

The fourth-generation Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 are mechanically the same, so these notes cover both. Engines include the 5.3L and 6.2L V8s (most with cylinder deactivation), a 3.0L Duramax six-cylinder diesel, a 2.7L turbo four and, early on, a 4.3L V6. Transmissions are 6-, 8- and 10-speed automatics.

We counted 7,438 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2019–2026 Silverado 1500s and Sierra 1500s (retrieved October 5, 2026; each complaint counted once): 2,863 from 5.3L V8s, 2,790 from 6.2L V8s, 951 from diesels, 571 from 2.7L turbos and 142 from 4.3L V6s, identified by VIN; the rest (121) couldn't be matched to a 1500 engine. We left out 36 whose VIN belongs to another vehicle (mostly Silverado and Sierra 2500/3500 heavy-duty trucks, plus 4 electric Silverados). Complaint counts show what owners report most often, not how many trucks have a problem.

At a glance

  • 6.2L V8s were recalled for engine failures on certain 2021–2024 trucks.
  • 5.3L and 6.2L V8 lifters fail on trucks with cylinder deactivation, mostly 2019–2021.
  • Transmissions shudder or shift harshly; certain diesel trucks were recalled for a valve body problem.
  • Tailgates can open on their own (about 240 complaints describe it); the tailgate recalls cover heavy-duty trucks, not the 1500.

6.2L V8 engine failures

About 1,000 complaints from 2021–2024 6.2L trucks mention engine failure, seizing or knocking, connecting rods, bearings, the crankshaft or code P0016. GM recalled certain 2021–2024 trucks (and SUVs) with the 6.2L because of manufacturing defects in the crankshaft and connecting rods (recall 25V274000). What the dealer does depends on the truck. Under GM's bulletin N252494000 (revision 13, May 2026, the latest on NHTSA), trucks with code P0016 or an engine that won't run get a new engine. Trucks whose engine was already replaced are checked first: a replacement or remanufactured engine built after June 1, 2024 needs no further work, while an earlier one is tested like the rest. The rest get an electronic engine test: trucks that pass get 0W-40 oil, a new oil filter and fill cap and an owner's manual insert; trucks that fail get a new engine. A separate bulletin (N252494002) replaces the engine on certain VINs, and a special coverage (N252494003) covers engine failure from this condition for 10 years or 150,000 miles. Some owners report failures even after the recall work.

When buying: confirm the recall was done and ask for records. Listen for knocking.

Lifters

About 710 complaints mention lifters or cylinder deactivation (AFM/DFM): 361 from 5.3L and 321 from 6.2L V8s, and about 600 from 2019–2021 trucks. A lifter collapses, causing a tick and misfires, and can damage the camshaft. On forums, some owners keep the engine in V8 mode with a plug-in device and change oil more often. That device isn't a GM repair, and there's no published evidence it prevents lifter failure. Have a tick or misfire diagnosed before replacing engine parts.

Transmissions

About 1,270 complaints mention the transmission.

  • Shudder: about 230 complaints mention a shudder. Causes range from the torque converter to the driveline, so have it diagnosed; ask the dealer which bulletins or software updates apply to the VIN.
  • Harsh shifts: about 420 complaints describe hard, harsh or clunky shifts on 8- and 10-speed transmissions.
  • Diesel valve body: GM recalled certain 2020–2022 diesel trucks because the transmission control valve can fail and lock the rear wheels (24V797000), then recalled trucks repaired incorrectly (26V083000).

Recalls to check

  • Brake control software that can disable brake assist on certain 2019 trucks (20V055000)
  • Brake caliper bolts on certain 2020 trucks (20V116000)
  • Driveshaft joints on certain 2019–2020 trucks (20V650000)
  • Seat belt pretensioners that can ignite the carpet on certain 2019–2020 trucks with carpet floors (19V814000)
  • Brake fluid warning that may not light on certain 2023 trucks (24V674000)

Before you buy

  • Check open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls with the VIN, especially the 6.2L engine recall.
  • Listen for ticking at idle and knocking under load.
  • Drive at 25–50 mph with light throttle and feel for shudder.
  • 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 (21)

Common failures & how to fix them

Parts and video buttons search for your 2019-2026 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.

  • 6.2L V8 engine failure (2021–2024)

    Dealer job

    Signs: Knocking, a check engine light, rough running or loss of power, sometimes followed by the engine seizing.

    Fix: Recall 25V274000 covers certain 2021–2024 trucks with the 6.2L V8 (L87). Under GM's latest bulletin on NHTSA (N252494000, revision 13, May 2026), a truck with code P0016 or an engine that won't run gets a new engine. If the truck already had its engine replaced, the dealer checks the replacement's build date: a replacement or remanufactured engine built after June 1, 2024 needs only that inspection; an earlier one goes through the test like the rest. Other trucks get an electronic engine test: those that pass get 0W-40 oil, a new oil filter and oil fill cap, and an owner's manual insert; those that fail get a new engine. A separate GM special coverage (N252494003) replaces the engine if it fails from this condition within 10 years or 150,000 miles of the in-service date. The 0W-40 change is part of this recall for trucks that pass, not general advice for every 6.2L. Check the VIN and ask for the recall paperwork.

    May be covered free by recall 25V274000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

  • V8 lifter failure (cylinder deactivation)

    Best left to a shop

    Signs: A tick or tap from the engine, misfires and a check engine light, often on one cylinder.

    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, 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

  • 8-speed shudder or harsh shifts

    Dealer job

    Signs: A shudder like driving over rumble strips at 25–50 mph, or hard, clunky shifts.

    Fix: Have a dealer diagnose it first: read the transmission codes, check the fluid and software, and rule out driveline or tire vibration. GM's 2019 fluid-exchange bulletin for 8-speed shudder (18-NA-355) covers 2015–2018 trucks; these trucks were built with the updated fluid, so ask the dealer which bulletins or software updates apply to this VIN. Don't replace the torque converter or transmission until diagnosis confirms it.

  • Diesel transmission valve body (2020–2022)

    Dealer job

    Signs: Harsh downshifts or the rear wheels locking up while driving.

    Fix: Covered by GM recall 24V797000 for certain 2020–2022 diesel trucks: new transmission software that can detect a failing control valve, with a GM special coverage paying to repair transmissions the software flags. Recall 26V083000 covers certain trucks repaired incorrectly the first time. 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 24V797000 / 26V083000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

  • Tailgate opens by itself

    Moderate DIY

    Signs: A power-release or MultiPro tailgate unlatches on its own, often after rain or a car wash.

    Fix: Owners report water getting into the tailgate release switch. GM's tailgate recalls for this (24V060000, 24V894000) cover only certain 2020–2024 Silverado and Sierra 2500/3500 heavy-duty trucks, not the 1500. On a 1500, have a dealer diagnose the switch, latch and wiring and check for any bulletin that applies to this VIN. Until it's fixed, check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving.

    Shop: Silverado tailgate release switch

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

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