With a Silverado 1500, the V8 is what to watch. 2014 and later 5.3L and 6.2L trucks can have collapsed valve lifters. 2021-2024 trucks with the 6.2L L87 are in recall 25V-274 for crankshaft and rod defects. 2015-2018 trucks with the 8-speed can shudder. 2011-2014 trucks with the 5.3L LC9 can burn oil. The 2.7L turbo four and the 3.0L Duramax diesel avoid most of these V8 problems.
The Silverado 1500 is GM's half-ton pickup and one of the most common trucks in Boca Raton. You see them on job sites west of 441, in marina lots and in driveways in Boca West. This page covers the 1500. The 2500HD and 3500HD heavy-duty trucks use different engines and transmissions and have their own problems. They are mentioned only where a recall also covers them.
RepairPal rates the Silverado 1500 3.5 out of 5 and places it 5th of 17 full-size trucks. Average annual repair cost is about $714, compared with $936 for full-size trucks overall. Owners make about 0.2 unscheduled shop visits a year, and 16 percent of repairs are severe, slightly better than the 18 percent truck average.
That makes the Silverado a fairly cheap truck to own for most people. Most of its large bills involve the pushrod V8s and their cylinder deactivation hardware, so knowing your engine code (on the glovebox sticker or in a VIN decode) is the single most useful fact for diagnosing problems.
Chevrolet Silverado generations
Fourth generation (T1XX)
2019-2026Dynamic Fuel Management can shut off from two to six cylinders. Refreshed for 2022 with a new front end and interior. An all-new fifth generation with new 5.7L and 6.6L V8s begins with the 2027 model year.
Third generation (K2XX)
2014-2018 (plus 2019 LD)All three EcoTec3 engines use Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. The 8-speed was paired with the 6.2L from 2015. The 2019 Silverado LD was a carryover of this truck.
Second generation (GMT900)
2007-2013The oldest generation still common on local lots. The 2011-2014 5.3L Vortec 5300 LC9 was the subject of an oil consumption class action.
Known Chevrolet Silverado problems by year
Valve lifters collapsing on cylinder deactivation V8s
The deactivating lifters can stick or collapse, causing a persistent tick, a misfire, rough running and sometimes stalling. A federal class action covering trucks with both AFM and DFM systems was still active in 2026. If a lifter has wiped the cam lobe, the camshaft has to be replaced as well. A misfire code on one cylinder of a V8 Silverado should be diagnosed before you keep driving it.
Guide: Check engine light flashing: should I stop driving?6.2L L87 crankshaft and connecting rod defects
Under recall 25V-274, GM says manufacturing defects in the crankshaft or connecting rods can lead to engine damage or failure. Trucks that pass the dealer inspection get higher-viscosity oil, a new oil filter and a new oil fill cap. Trucks that fail get a repaired or replacement engine. A deep knock from the bottom of the engine means park it and call a dealer.
Guide: What is that knocking noise coming from my engine?8-speed automatic shudder at steady speed
GM bulletin 16-NA-175 describes a shake or shudder under light throttle between 25 and 80 mph, when the transmission is not shifting, which feels like driving over rumble strips. The corrective action is a cooler and transmission flush with updated fluid, and the 2019 version points technicians to a follow-up procedure, TSB 18-NA-355. If the shudder comes back, the torque converter is usually the next step.
Guide: Why does my car shift hard or late?Oil consumption on the 5.3L Vortec LC9
A class action alleged that defective piston rings in these engines let oil burn away between changes, and a settlement was reported in 2025. Symptoms include a low oil warning, fouled spark plugs and blue-gray smoke at startup. Some trucks had piston and ring work done under warranty, so ask for records.
Guide: Blue smoke from the exhaust: is my car burning oil?Brake vacuum pump losing output
The vacuum pump that supplies the brake booster can lose output over time, so the pedal feels harder and stopping distances get longer. GM's remedy under 19V-645 was a brake control module reprogram, and 20V-603 did the same for some 2018 V8 trucks. A pedal that has become noticeably harder to push needs a check, not just new pads.
Guide: Why does my brake pedal feel soft or spongy?Driveshaft weld separation
A driveshaft joint on some 2019-2020 1500s, and 2020 2500 trucks, may not have been welded properly and can separate while driving, cutting power to the wheels. Recall 20V-650 replaces the driveshaft. A clunk on acceleration or a new vibration under the cab is worth a look.
Notable recalls
- 25V-274 (2021-2024 (6.2L V8)): Crankshaft or connecting rod manufacturing defects can cause engine failure. Dealers inspect, then either change the oil spec and cap or repair or replace the engine.
- 20V-650 (2019-2020): A poorly welded driveshaft joint can separate while moving. Dealers replace the driveshaft.
- 19V-645 (2014-2018): Vacuum pump output can decrease, reducing brake assist. Dealers reprogram the electronic brake control module.
- 16V-256 (2016-2017): Front upper control arms may have weak welds near the bushing, which can affect steering. GM told owners not to drive until both arms were replaced and the truck realigned.
- 14V-152 (2014 (6-speed automatic)): A transmission oil cooler line may not be fully seated, so fluid can leak onto hot parts and cause a fire.
- 20V-116 (2020): Front or rear brake caliper bolts may not have been heat treated and can break under load.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since this list is not complete.
Maintenance that matters
| Oil Life System, but no more than 5,000 to 6,000 miles in summer | dexos-approved full synthetic at the viscosity on the cap. On recalled L87 trucks, use the oil the new cap specifies, and tell any quick-lube shop before they start. |
| Every 7,500 miles | Tire rotation and brake check. Trucks with large aftermarket tires wear brakes and wheel bearings faster. |
| Every 45,000 miles | Automatic transmission fluid on trucks that tow, idle a lot or make short trips, which GM counts as severe service. 8-speed trucks need the updated fluid. |
| Every 97,500 miles | Spark plugs on V8s. Look at each plug, because one oil-fouled or worn plug can point to a lifter or ring problem on that cylinder. |
| Every 150,000 miles or 5 years | Dex-Cool coolant change, plus a check of the front and rear differential fluid if you launch a boat in salt water. |
Confirm against your owner's manual or maintenance minder for your exact year and engine.
Typical Chevrolet Silverado repair costs
| Job | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Synthetic oil change, V8 | $80-$130 | |
| Lifter replacement, one bank, 5.3L or 6.2L | $2,500-$3,500 | Both banks with a new camshaft runs $4,000-$5,800. |
| 8L90 fluid flush per GM bulletin | $250-$450 | |
| Torque converter replacement | $1,800-$3,000 | |
| Replacement 6.2L engine, outside any recall | $9,000-$13,000 | |
| Front pads and rotors | $350-$600 independent, $500-$800 dealer | |
| Brake vacuum pump | $400-$750 | |
| Wheel bearing hub, front, one side | $350-$650 |
Typical South Florida ranges for parts and labor, for budgeting only. Your quote depends on the vehicle and the shop.
Buying a used Chevrolet Silverado
- If you want the lowest risk, look at a 2019 or later truck with the 2.7L turbo four, or a 2023 and later truck with the LZ0 Duramax diesel. Neither uses the V8 lifter hardware. The 2.7L has enough power for most boat trailers in this area.
- On a 5.3L or 6.2L truck, start it cold and listen for ticking at idle, then scan for misfire history. Ask whether lifters have been replaced, and on what bank. A truck with documented lifter and cam replacement is often a safer buy than one with no records.
- On a 2021-2024 6.2L truck, confirm the 25V-274 inspection is done and look at the oil cap. A truck that still has the original cap has not had the recall work.
- On a 2015-2018 8-speed truck, drive at 40 to 50 mph with light throttle and feel for a buzz through the seat. If you feel it, plan on the fluid flush at minimum. A 2011-2013 5.3L truck should be checked for oil use and rust before you buy it.
The Florida factor
Florida heat is hard on lifters. A truck crawling west on Glades at 5 pm in August is switching cylinders in and out of deactivation constantly with hot, thin oil, which is the condition these lifters dislike most. Changing the oil before the monitor asks and avoiding long idles with the engine hot are the two cheapest ways to protect them.
Silverados in Boca often go to the boat ramp at Spanish River or the Hillsboro Inlet. Salt water on the rear axle, brake lines and trailer wiring connector corrodes them over a few seasons, so rinse the hitch area, rear axle and spare tire area with fresh water after every launch.
Hurricane season matters here too. Full-size trucks are popular buys after a storm, and some flooded Silverados get re-titled out of state. A water line inside the bed rails, rust on the seat rails and corrosion in the fuse box under the hood are signs a truck has been under water.
Repair shops near Boca Raton
- Boca Auto Fix4301 Oak Circle, Boca Raton, FL, 33431
- Element, Pickup trucks and trailer repair3120D Northwest 16th Terrace, Pompano Beach, FL, 33064
- Europen Auto Service CentreParkland, FL
- Ferrari of Boca Raton6403 W Rogers Cir, Boca Raton, FL, 33487
- FirestonePompano Beach, FL
- Firestone1259 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL, 33432
Chevrolet Silverado FAQ
What does a bad lifter sound like on a Silverado?
A steady tick from the top of the engine that matches engine speed and does not go away once the engine is warm. A misfire code on one cylinder usually follows. Stop working the truck hard until it is checked.
Is the 2.7L turbo Silverado reliable?
It avoids the V8 lifter issues and has no recall on this page. It does need quality oil on time and a healthy cooling system, as any turbo engine does in Florida heat.
How do I know if my 6.2L truck had the L87 recall done?
Enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If 25V-274 shows as open, the work has not been done. Trucks that passed the inspection also received a new oil fill cap.
Does this page apply to the Silverado HD?
Only in part. The 2500HD and 3500HD use different engines and transmissions. A few recalls, such as the 2020 driveshaft weld campaign, also include some HD trucks.
Guides for Chevrolet Silverado owners
More for Chevrolet owners: Chevrolet owner's guide
- Wikipedia: Chevrolet Silverado, generations and engine tables
- GM bulletin 16-NA-175 (Feb 2019): 8-speed shudder, models and engines covered
- CarComplaints: GM 5.3L LC9 oil consumption class action settlement
- PickupTruckTalk: judge keeps GM AFM and DFM lifter class action together
- RepairPal: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliability and repair cost
General information, not a diagnosis. A car problem can have causes a guide cannot see, so have anything safety-related inspected in person. Read our editorial policy.