Skip to content
KickTyres
Chevrolet1999–2024 Critical issues documented

Chevrolet Silverado GMT800: common faults & what to check

The GMT800 is the Chevrolet Silverado built 1999–2006. Of the 14 faults documented for the Silverado, 6 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Chevrolet Silverado

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

14

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$800–$4,500

Typical repair

51

Service milestones

You're looking at the GMT800

Everything below is narrowed to this variant. Pick a different one to change it.

Choose a different generation

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Which engine is in it? These cover every year of this model.

3.0 diesel· 3.0 litre diesel6.2 V8 petrol· 6.2 litre petrol

A 1999 Chevrolet Silverado is the GMT800 generation (1999 to 2006).

We cannot narrow the engine list to this year, so every engine this model was sold with is offered.

Start your free check on this Chevrolet Silverado

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Chevrolet Silverado GMT800Engine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Silverado came with 2, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

Free. The paid plate check is separate, and stays optional.

Can't confirm for this car

Chevrolet Silverado · 1999

Narrowed to the year. No engine is recorded for this vehicle. Pick an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

  • No engine is recorded for this vehicle.

matched on year only

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Chevrolet Silverado before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Costly issue

    Open each door and look along the rocker sill and the bottom of the door frame with a phone torch for bubbling paint, rust holes or fresh filler.

    See why

    Rust through at the rear cab corners and rocker panels (GMT800)

    GMT800 Silverados and Sierras rust through at the lower rear corners of the cab and along the rocker panels under the doors, often while the rest of the body looks tidy. The rockers have drain paths that block with dirt, and the rear tyre throws water and road grit straight at the area ahead of the rear wheel. US-import trucks from salt states can be well advanced before any bubbling shows, and filler or stick-on rocker covers are a common way of hiding it. Repair means cutting out and welding in repair panels, and rot that reaches the cab mounts or door pillar makes it far more expensive.

    What you would notice

    • Paint bubbles or holes at the bottom rear corners of the cab
    • Crusty or soft metal along the rocker under the doors
    • Rocker covers or fresh underseal on an otherwise old truck
    • Water on the cab floor after rain

    Typically $800–$4,500 to put right.

Chevrolet Silverado service schedule

The 3 engines a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado was sold with, each with its own intervals. Pick your engine above to narrow this to one. These are the model’s intervals — the car’s own service book is the only thing that can tell you what has actually been done to it.

First Generation (GMT800) · 1999–2007 · 4.8L V8 (Vortec 4800) - Base/LS

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Evaluate the suspension bushings and ball joints for any play.

  2. 200,000 km

    Check the integrity of the transmission cooler lines and ensure the cooling system has been flushed recently.

  3. 250,000 km

    Original fuel pumps may start showing signs of fatigue, so keep an eye on startup consistency.

First Generation (GMT800) · 1999–2007 · 5.3L V8 (Vortec 5300) - Popular LT/Z71

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Evaluate the suspension bushings and steering linkage components.

  2. 200,000 km

    Often the point where the water pump and cooling system hoses have served their initial lifespan.

  3. 250,000 km

    Keep an eye on transmission fluid health and general engine sensor calibration.

First Generation (GMT800) · 1999–2007 · 4.3L V6 (Vortec 4300) - Work Truck

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 200,000 km

    Suspension components like ball joints and bushings may start showing signs of fatigue.

  2. 250,000 km

    Monitor fuel pump performance, a typical wear item for trucks of this vintage.

  3. 300,000 km

    By this point, proactive cooling system refreshing, including the radiator and hoses, is a smart way to ensure ongoing reliability.

See all 6 issues for this oneDocumented for the exact year and engine you picked, including 1 rated critical.
Body, brakes, suspension & interior1 critical3

01Corroded steel brake lines along the chassis rail (GMT800)

1999–2006BrakesRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02Rust through at the rear cab corners and rocker panels (GMT800)

Open each door and look along the rocker sill and the bottom of the door frame with a phone torch for bubbling paint, rust holes or fresh filler.1999–2006Body & RustRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03Intermediate steering shaft clunk felt through the steering wheel (GMT800)

1999–2006Suspension
Very commonSuspension $250–$700 to fix

The telescoping intermediate steering shaft between the steering column and the steering box on GMT800 trucks loses its lubrication, so the sliding section sticks and releases with a dull clunk or thud that is felt through the steering wheel. GM issued several bulletins (including 01-02-32-001 and 05-02-32-004) telling dealers to lubricate or replace the shaft. It is not dangerous on its own, but many buyers mistake it for worn ball joints or a failing steering box, and it usually comes back after a re-grease until the shaft is replaced.

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunk or thud felt in the steering wheel when turning at low speed
  • Knock when turning the wheel while stationary
  • Clunk over bumps with the steering turned
  • Slight notchy feel in the steering

What to check

With the engine running and the truck stationary, turn the steering wheel slowly back and forth a quarter turn each way and feel for a clunk or thud through the wheel. Repeat while creeping at walking pace through a car park at full lock. A clunk that you feel in your hands but that does not change the truck's direction is typically this shaft; loose, wandering steering or clunks from a corner of the truck over bumps point to other front-end wear instead. Ask whether the steering shaft has been replaced or greased. If a workshop inspection is possible: have the intermediate shaft checked for play and stiction while someone turns the wheel, and the steering box, idler arm and ball joints checked to rule them out.

Where to look: Intermediate steering shaft between the bottom of the steering column and the steering box, driver's side of the engine bay

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the steering shaft been replaced or greased?”
  • “Is there any clunk in the steering when parking?”
Depends on the exact engine — 3 moreDocumented for a specific engine we could not confirm from what you picked. Check the engine code on the car.
Engine, transmission & cooling3

014L60E sun shell break and 3-4 clutch burn-out (GMT800 petrol V8)

petrol1999–2006TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02In-tank fuel pump and fuel level sender failure (GMT800 Vortec V8)

Turn the key to ON without starting and listen near the rear of the truck for the pump to hum for about two seconds.petrol1999–2006EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03Transfer case encoder motor failure with 'Service 4WD' light (NP246 Autotrac)

Look for a Service 4WD message or flashing 4WD button lights when the engine starts.1999–2006TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Other Chevrolet Silverado engines and years8 documented issues that do not apply to the one you picked.
Engine, transmission & cooling7

016.2 V8 lifter failure — ticking, misfire and in the worst cases a new engine

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.petrol2019–2024EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

026.2 V8 (L87) AFM/DFM lifter and bottom-end failure

Let it idle warm and listen for ticking or a misfire.petrol2018 onwardEngine
OccasionalEngine $3,000–$15,000 to fix

Does not apply

The 6.2 V8 (L87) in the T1 Silverado uses cylinder-deactivation (AFM/DFM), and its lifters are a widely reported weak point - a collapsed lifter causes ticking, a misfire and often a dead cylinder. On top of that, GM recalled a large batch of 2021-2024 trucks/SUVs after machining debris left in the engine during manufacture was found to damage the bottom-end bearings, in some cases causing sudden engine failure at low kilometres. On a used Silverado, service history and whether any recall/engine work has been done are critical.

Symptoms to notice

  • Ticking or tapping from the engine
  • Misfire, rough idle or check-engine light
  • Loss of power / cylinder dropping out
  • Knocking or a sudden stall in severe cases

What to check

Let it idle warm and listen for ticking or a misfire. Ask whether the engine has had lifter work and, importantly, whether it is affected by and has completed the GM engine recall for its build date - get the paperwork. Have it scanned for misfire codes. A tick plus a misfire code is a walk-away without proof of repair.

Where to look: Lifters and valvetrain in the top of the V8; bottom-end bearings inside the block

Ask the seller

  • “Has this truck been checked or repaired under the GM engine/lifter recall?”
  • “Has it ever ticked, misfired or had engine work?”

036.6 Duramax LB7 injector failure (fuel in oil, hard hot start, smoke)

Check the dipstick: oil that is above the full mark, thin, or smells of diesel means an injector is leaking into the sump.diesel2001–2004EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

045.3L V8 AFM / DOD Lifter Failure and Camshaft Damage

Warm idle listen for valve train tick.petrol2007–2013Engine
Very commonEngine $4,500–$10,000 to fix

Does not apply

Unconfirmed. This entry does not match our record of which engines and years this model was sold with, and is awaiting review. Confirm it against the car before acting on it.

GM's Active Fuel Management (AFM, also called Displacement on Demand) cylinder-deactivation system fitted to the 5.3L LS/LC9 V8 uses collapsing lifters that lock out four cylinders under light load. The AFM lifters fail at high rates – oil passages clog, lifters collapse and stick, and the associated cam lobes wear to failure. The result is a collapsed lifter tick progressing to complete camshaft destruction and oil contamination with metal debris. Documented in thousands of NHTSA complaints and multiple class-action suits. A defining used-market risk for any 2007-2013 Silverado with a V8.

Symptoms to notice

  • Persistent ticking or tapping from engine at idle, often one bank
  • Active cylinder count misfire codes (P0300 series, cylinder-specific)
  • Oil consumption (1L per 1,000 km range) alongside ticking
  • Check engine light with AFM system fault codes
  • Metal debris visible in oil on drain

What to check

  1. Warm idle listen for valve train tick.
  2. Pull oil dipstick and examine for grey metallic sheen indicating cam/lifter metal.
  3. Check service history for oil consumption records.
  4. Ask if AFM delete kit has been fitted.
  5. If a workshop inspection is possible: OBD scan for AFM lifter or misfire codes.

Where to look: Valve train, both cylinder banks, 5.3L V8 engine

Ask the seller

  • “Has an AFM delete or DOD delete kit been installed?”
  • “Any engine ticking, misfires, or excessive oil consumption?”
  • “Has the camshaft or lifters been replaced?”

053.0 Duramax (LM2) oil-pump 'wet belt' and crank-no-start

Ask whether it's the 3.0 diesel and whether the oil-pump belt has been addressed or is on the service plan.diesel2019 onwardEngine
OccasionalEngine $1,500–$6,000 to fix

Does not apply

The 3.0 inline-six Duramax diesel (LM2) drives its oil pump with a rubber belt that runs inside the engine in the oil (a 'wet belt'), and it is the most-complained-about part of this engine - the factory replacement interval is very high but the job is huge because the transmission has to come off, so a failed belt is a big bill. These engines have also suffered a 'crank but no start' fault and timing-related codes (e.g. P0016), and rear-main-seal oil leaks. Service history and any GM updates matter on a used diesel Silverado.

Symptoms to notice

  • Oil leak from the rear of the engine
  • Crank-but-no-start
  • Check-engine light for camshaft/crankshaft timing (P0016)
  • Whir/rattle from the oil-pump belt in bad cases

What to check

  1. Ask whether it's the 3.0 diesel and whether the oil-pump belt has been addressed or is on the service plan.
  2. Look under the back of the engine/bellhousing area for oil leaks.
  3. Have it scanned for timing (P0016-type) codes and ask about any starting problems.

Where to look: Oil-pump drive belt inside the engine (behind the timing cover); rear main seal at the back of the engine

Ask the seller

  • “Has the oil-pump belt been inspected or replaced, and when is it due?”
  • “Has it ever failed to start or shown timing codes?”

064L60E / 4L80E 3rd-4th Clutch Pack Wear

Test drive with moderate-load acceleration through all gears.petrol2007–2013Transmission
CommonTransmission $2,500–$5,500 to fix

Does not apply

Unconfirmed. This entry does not match our record of which engines and years this model was sold with, and is awaiting review. Confirm it against the car before acting on it.

The 4L60E 4-speed automatic (and its heavier-duty 4L80E variant) commonly fitted to 2007-2013 Silverados develops clutch pack wear in the 3rd and 4th gear clutch sets, particularly when towing or operated with degraded fluid. Symptoms are slipping on upshift to 3rd or 4th, hard engagement, or failure to hold 4th. Fluid burnt dark brown is a reliable indicator. The 4L60E is well understood by NZ/AU transmission specialists and a rebuild is straightforward but not cheap.

Symptoms to notice

  • Slip or flare on 2-3 or 3-4 upshift
  • Delayed or harsh engagement when selecting Drive from Park
  • Burnt transmission fluid (dark brown, strong smell)
  • Failure to maintain speed in 4th under load

What to check

  1. Test drive with moderate-load acceleration through all gears.
  2. Check transmission fluid colour and smell on dipstick.
  3. Ask for towing history – trailer use accelerates 4L60E clutch wear significantly.

Where to look: 4L60E / 4L80E automatic transmission, centre of vehicle

Parts involved: Clutch.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the vehicle been used for towing? If so, how frequently and what weight?”
  • “Has the transmission fluid been changed, and when?”
  • “Any slipping, hesitation, or hard shifts?”

078-speed automatic (8L90) shudder and harsh shifts

On the test drive accelerate gently from low speed and cruise, feeling for shudder and harsh clunks.2018 onwardTransmission
CommonTransmission $500–$4,500 to fix

Does not apply

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

Parts involved: Mechatronic / valve body, Clutch.

Ask the seller

  • “Does it shudder or clunk on low-speed shifts?”
  • “Has the transmission had the updated fluid and software?”
Electrical1

01Instrument cluster gauge stepper motor failure (stuck speedo, fuel or temp gauge)

2003–2006Electrical
Very commonElectrical $350–$900 to fix

Does not apply

The GMT800 instrument cluster used small stepper motors to drive each needle, and these fail so often that GM ran Special Coverage Adjustment 07187 for 2003-2004 trucks: gauges stick, flutter, read wrong or drop dead, including the speedometer and fuel gauge. That GM coverage (7 years / 70,000 miles) has long expired and never applied to NZ/AU conversions. A stuck speedo or temperature gauge means the driver has no warning of speed or overheating, and a wrong odometer-adjacent reading can mislead a buyer. The usual fix is to send the cluster to a specialist to have all stepper motors replaced rather than buy a new cluster.

Symptoms to notice

  • Speedometer needle stuck, jumpy or reading well off real speed
  • Fuel gauge reads full or empty regardless of fuel level
  • Temperature, oil pressure or voltage needle sits at zero or pinned
  • Needles do not sweep at key-on

What to check

  1. Turn the key to ON without starting and watch every needle: on these clusters each gauge should twitch or sweep, and one that never moves has a dead stepper motor.
  2. On the test drive, compare the speedometer against a phone GPS speed app at 50 and 100 km/h.
  3. Check that the fuel gauge agrees with what the seller says is in the tank and that the temperature needle rises to about the middle once warm.
  4. Ask whether the cluster has been rebuilt or swapped, because a replacement cluster may not show the truck's true odometer reading.
  5. If a workshop inspection is possible: a Tech 2 or equivalent scan tool can run the cluster gauge sweep self-test and compare the displayed odometer with the value stored in the engine computer.

Where to look: Instrument cluster in the dash, in front of the driver

Ask the seller

  • “Has the instrument cluster ever been rebuilt or replaced, and was the odometer transferred?”
  • “Do all the gauges work, including fuel and temperature?”

Chevrolet Silverado faults in detail

Narrowed to the Chevrolet Silverado · 1999. Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

4L60E sun shell break and 3-4 clutch burn-out (GMT800 petrol V8)Major · TransmissionCorroded steel brake lines along the chassis rail (GMT800)Critical · BrakesIn-tank fuel pump and fuel level sender failure (GMT800 Vortec V8)Major · EngineRust through at the rear cab corners and rocker panels (GMT800)Major · Body & RustTransfer case encoder motor failure with 'Service 4WD' light (NP246 Autotrac)Major · Transmission

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Chevrolet Silverado’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Chevrolet models

Chevrolet Camaro8 documented faults

Chevrolet Silverado buyer questions

Is the Chevrolet Silverado reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 14 documented faults for the Chevrolet Silverado, the recurring problem areas are engine, brakes, 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?

We've catalogued 14 known faults for the Chevrolet Silverado, covering engine, brakes, and transmission. All 14 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Chevrolet Silverado?

Most single repairs on the Chevrolet Silverado fall between $800–$4,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 14 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?

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 $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.