2007–2010 Chevy Silverado HD / GMC Sierra HD common problems and fixes

The Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD are mechanically the same trucks, so these notes cover both, in 2500HD and 3500HD. Engines are the 6.6L Duramax LMM diesel and the 6.0L V8 gas, with the Allison 6-speed automatic on diesels.

2007 was sold in two versions: the older-style "Classic" body and the new body style. These notes are about the new body. If you're looking at a 2007, check which one it is.

We counted 368 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2007, 2009 and 2010 (retrieved October 5, 2026; each complaint counted once): 181 from 6.6L Duramax diesels and 137 from 6.0L gas trucks, identified by VIN; the rest (50) couldn't be matched to an engine. We left out 24 whose VIN belongs to another vehicle (mostly half-ton Silverados and Sierras), and 91 from 2007 Classic-body trucks, identified by engines sold only in that body (LBZ Duramax, LQ4 6.0L, 8.1L). We left out complaints that NHTSA labels only "Silverado" or "Sierra", because the same complaints also appear under the half-ton trucks. For 2008, NHTSA files these trucks together with the half-ton Silverado and Sierra, so we can't separate their complaints and recalls. For a 2008, check recalls with the VIN at nhtsa.gov. Complaint counts show what owners report most often, not how many trucks have a problem.

At a glance

• Airbag recalls are the top complaint topic. Several passenger airbag recalls cover these years.
• Steering wear (idler arm, pitman arm, tie rods) is discussed by owners on a diesel forum, though few NHTSA complaints mention it.
• The Duramax LMM: DPF clogging, EGR and transmission cooler line leaks are the commonly reported repairs.
• Cracked dashboards are commonly reported (53 complaints).

Airbag recalls

Airbags come up in more than half of complaints (194 of 368 mention air bags, inflators or Takata), often from owners waiting on recall parts. GM recalled certain 2007–2008 trucks because the passenger airbag inflator can absorb moisture and rupture when it deploys (recalls 15V324000 and 20V011000), and certain 2009–2010 trucks under Takata inflator recalls split by model year and region (21V050000, 21V052000, 21V053000, 21V054000). These are serious. Check that every one shows as completed.

Steering and front end

These trucks use independent front suspension with torsion bars, not a solid axle, so "death wobble" is rarely reported. Only a couple of NHTSA complaints mention these parts, but owners in a Diesel Place forum thread report worn idler arms, pitman arms and tie rods, which show up as loose or wandering steering and clunks. Lifted trucks or trucks with the torsion bars cranked up wear them faster.

When buying: have a helper turn the steering wheel back and forth with the engine running while you watch the idler and pitman arms for play.

6.6L Duramax LMM

Repair sources commonly report DPF clogging, EGR carbon buildup, transmission cooler line leaks at the radiator connections, and glow plug problems. The Allison transmission has a strong reputation. Ask whether the emissions system has been removed ("deleted"), which can cause inspection and legal problems.

Other things to check

• Cracked dashboard, especially around the passenger airbag and gauges
• Certain trucks with an auxiliary battery were recalled for a fusible link that can melt (recall 14V407000)
• Rust on rocker panels, cab corners, wheel arches, frame and brake lines

Before you buy

• Check open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls with the VIN, especially the airbag recalls.
• Get a pre-purchase inspection that includes the steering linkage.
• Bring our used truck inspection checklist.