Chevrolet Silverado: common faults & what to check
Thinking about buying a used Chevrolet Silverado (2007–2024) in New Zealand? We've documented 6 known faults for this model spanning engine and transmission. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
6
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$2,500–$6,000
Typical repair
2
Systems covered
Known Chevrolet Silverado faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
016.2 V8 lifter failure — ticking, misfire and in the worst cases a new engine
CriticalCommonEngine $3,000–$15,000 to fix
The 6.2 V8 in this Silverado has a well-documented lifter problem. The cylinder deactivation system shuts down cylinders to save fuel, and the lifters involved collapse or wear, which upsets the valve timing and produces a ticking or knocking from the valve train, misfires and sudden power loss. Symptoms frequently appear early — within the first 30,000 km on affected trucks — rather than at high mileage, so a low-kilometre example is not automatically safe. At the severe end, NHTSA documentation describes engines failing outright from debris in the oil passages and out-of-specification connecting rods and crankshafts, with some requiring a replacement block. The gap between "replace some lifters" and "replace the engine" is enormous, which is why a ticking noise on one of these is worth stopping for rather than negotiating around.
Symptoms to notice
Ticking, tapping or knocking from the top of the engine
Misfire, or the engine shuddering and losing power
Engine warning light, often with random misfire or oil pressure codes
Noise worsening with mileage rather than settling
Excessive oil consumption between services
What to check
Be there for a stone-cold start and stand at the front with the bonnet up — this is the check that matters and a warm engine masks it. Listen to the first ten seconds for a ticking or tapping from the top of the engine, then keep listening as it settles, because a tick that persists once warm is the finding rather than one that clears. Let it idle to full temperature and listen again with the bonnet up, moving from one side of the engine to the other. On the drive, accelerate gently and firmly in turn and note any shudder, misfire or momentary loss of power. Watch the dash throughout for an engine warning light and treat a flashing one as a reason to stop. Check the oil level and colour, and ask how much oil the truck uses between services. Ask directly whether the lifters, camshaft or engine have ever been worked on and ask to see invoices — on this engine that is a normal question, and a documented repair is worth real money. If a workshop inspection is possible: have the stored misfire counters and oil pressure data read before agreeing a price.
Where to look: Top of the engine — valve lifters and camshaft, in the cylinder deactivation system
Ask the seller
“Is there any ticking from the engine, cold or warm?”
“Have the lifters, camshaft or engine ever been repaired or replaced?”
“How much oil does it use between services?”
028-speed automatic (8L90) shudder and harsh shifts
MajorCommonTransmission $500–$4,500 to fix
The T1 Silverado's 8-speed auto (8L90 on the V8) is well known for a shudder or vibration and for harsh, clunky shifts, particularly at low speed - owners describe it as jerking or bucking during gentle acceleration. GM tackled it with a revised transmission fluid and control-software updates, and a fluid change fixes many cases, but a neglected unit can need valve-body or clutch work.
Symptoms to notice
Shudder or vibration during light acceleration or cruise
Hard clunk or jerk on low-speed shifts
Hesitation or gear hunting
Delayed engagement into gear
What to check
On the test drive accelerate gently from low speed and cruise, feeling for shudder and harsh clunks. Ask whether the transmission has had the updated fluid and software update. Have it scanned for transmission codes.
Where to look: Automatic gearbox behind the engine
Ask the seller
“Does it shudder or clunk on low-speed shifts?”
“Has the transmission had the updated fluid and software?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
4 more documented faults on the Chevrolet Silverado
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 6 documented faults for the Chevrolet Silverado, the recurring problem areas are engine and transmission. A Chevrolet Silverado with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Chevrolet Silverado?
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We've catalogued 6 known faults for the Chevrolet Silverado, covering engine and transmission. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Chevrolet Silverado?
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Most single repairs on the Chevrolet Silverado fall between $2,500–$6,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 6 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Chevrolet Silverado?
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Yes. A Chevrolet Silverado inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.