Among American-made pickup trucks, several popular models come to mind. Many people love to drive Ram trucks. The GMC Sierra is also among the bestsellers. No rivalry, however, is more hotly contested than the Ford F-Series and the Chevy Silverado.
No matter which truck you drive, you must admit that these vehicles have a lot to offer. All possess powerful engines, long lists of technology features, advanced safety, comprehensive positive ratings, more-than-enough towing capabilities, and a few special-edition models for their most loyal customers.
Because the pickup truck market is super competitive, consumers can often get amazing deals on previously owned, late model vehicles. Chevy Silverado is especially in high demand among truck owners. Despite the exceptional popularity and positive ratings all around the United States, Google is filled with countless complaints about Chevrolet Silverado by angry consumers. Hence, if you are going to buy a Silverado, Michael J. Goodman, owner of Michael J. Goodman Lemon Law PLLC of Arizona suggests you to first take a look at the various problems that have been reported.
Most Common Complaints About The 2015 Chevy Silverado
Once a truck exceeds 100,000 miles, you are likely to experience mechanical faults in the vehicle. After all, the vehicle’s components are bound to depreciate with time. Savvy drivers know the fundamental key to increasing the vehicle’s life is proper, timely maintenance and replacing parts as soon as they wear down. 2015 and later model Silverado owners, however, tell a different story. For them, unfortunately, problems appear long before the truck reaches the high-mileage benchmark.
Top among the list of complaints about Silverados is the infamous Chevy Shake problem that started appearing in the trucks manufactured since 2015. Two Chevy Shake Class-Action Lawsuits have been filed solely to address this problem. The lawsuits identify two major problems causing Chevy Shake:
- The 8-speed transmission doesn’t work properly, or
- The driveshaft appears to cause extreme vibration that can lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
Numerous complaints have been reported about different Silverado models, ranging from malfunctioning fuel level sensors to climate control system failure, knocking noises, burning oil, and transfer case malfunction. The most common problem, however, is the Chevy Shake. The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado in particular seems to receive a lot of reports from drivers across the nation addressing this issue.
Michael J. Goodman is an experienced lemon law attorney and has researched the complaints to learn about the most common problems with Silverados. Aside from Chevy Shake, here are the top 5 most-reported problems.
1. Faulty Fuel Tank pressure Sensor
One of the most common reported issues regarding the Chevy truck is about the fuel tank pressure sensor malfunctioning and giving false readings. The sensor is installed inside the fuel tank, and its defect leads to displaying incorrect information on the gas gauge.
Most GM vehicles operate with an engine code for fuel tank pressure in the range of P0440. When the fuel level sensor malfunctions, however, the fuel tank level code reads between P0452 and P0453, respectively, as a low or high reading.
According to RepairPal.com, owners have complained about not being able to fill their tank with gas and that the meter indicates “low fuel” even if there is plenty of fuel. Some drivers have reported encountering difficulties while filling up their fuel tank because the defective gas sensor causes the pump to turn off repeatedly. Luckily, this problem is not dangerous, although frustrating, and can be resolved easily by replacing the fuel tank pressure sensor.
2. Transfer case malfunction
Transfer case malfunction is a common and more serious problem in the Chevrolet Silverado. In 4WD models, malfunctioning transfer case software can literally put the vehicle into neutral gear. If it occurs while driving, the truck can lose power, and if it happens while the vehicle is parked, the truck can roll away.
General Motors eventually issued a recall for more than 400,000 affected vehicles. Although the issue was fixed immediately by reprogramming the software of the transfer case, this recall was among the biggest recalls for the Chevy Silverado.
Many drivers have reported that the truck experiences failures in the transfer case module. Even after changing the buttons unit, the problem persists and the vehicle’s power cuts off in the middle of the road while driving. Mechanics have tried replacing various parts without success.
Another consumer says that while his son was driving a 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 at only 30 mph, the truck suddenly lost power and started shaking. Moreover, the vehicle’s StabiliTrak warning indicator turned on. They experienced the same issue several times. The truck was taken to a local service station where the mechanic reprogrammed the transfer case unit and the instrumental panel, but the issue remained. The consumer reported the problem to the auto manufacturer with a statement that the replacement parts weren’t available in the market. The vehicle’s mileage was 35,000 when this incident occurred.
3. Climate Control System Failure
In many Chevy Silverados, mode door actuators and defective condensers can cause the AC to push hot air. Oddly, the problem has been acknowledged by General Motors to a large extent but has never been resolved by the manufacturer. Various drivers have reported that the only possible solution to this problem is to change the condenser, which is an expensive process costing up to $1,500.
A person filed a class-action claim against General Motors addressing the 2014-2015 Chevy Silverado 1500. According to the plaintiff, the vehicle has a malfunctioning design in the AC system. The issue causes the cooling hose to tear apart and leak coolant. Consequently, the AC system doesn’t blow cool air.
What’s the problem with Chevy Silverado’s AC system?
Chevy Silverado’s 2015 model shows a defect in its bracket design that fails to control the refrigerator hose properly, which is a component of the AC system. When the AC runs, the defective hose can repeatedly flex back and forth, eventually leading to cracking and breakage. Ultimately, the coolant begins to leak out from the broken hose. When all of the coolant leaks out from the AC system, the device doesn’t blow cool air and will only produce hot or warm air. Plus, the lack of refrigerant in the vehicle’s AC unit can cause the compressor to break down.
Can Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s AC system be fixed?
This issue can be resolved only if a dealership or an authorized mechanic changes the condenser or compressor line in the unit and installs a line bracket to control the refrigerant hose. These repairs, however, cost between $300-$1,000, and chances are that the fix is only temporary.
4. Burning Oil Troubles
The problem with burning oil has mostly occurred in the Silverado’s 2008 and 2009 models. Many reports regarding burning oil have been found on various websites including the CarComplaints.com. According to these sources, the truck’s 2008 model featured more than thirty consumer reports of abundant oil burning when the vehicle reached the 80,000-mile mark.
This problem is difficult to repair and can cost more than $2,700. The same thing happens in the 2009 Silverado model as well, where 45 drivers have complained about the problem and expressed anger and frustration with this truck. In these vehicles, the problem begins to appear around 75,000 miles. The repair cost for the 2009 model is higher even than the 2008 Chevy Silverado—$3,500.
5. Knocking Noises in the 2000 Chevy Silverado
Another complaint that is heard a lot is the knocking sound from the Chevy Silverado’s engine. The issue has been reported by 40 consumers who owned Silverados from model year 2000. Most of these reports say that the knocking sound starts to appear in the truck when it reaches around 97,000 miles. The cost to fix this issue is also quite expensive, resulting in substantial financial loss for the consumer, reaching upwards of $4,340 to replace part or all of the engine. Nine of the 40 complainants reported that they replaced the vehicle’s entire engine system. Others, however, have reported changing only the truck’s pistons to fix the knocking sound.
What to do if you just bought a bad Chevy Silverado?
If you have purchased a Chevy Silverado that’s giving you fits, Michael J. Goodman Lemon Law PLLC is happy to help and provide you a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. Michael and his associates will discuss the case with you and advise you whether you need legal representation to handle your claim against GM to recover losses incurred because of your defective Chevy Silverado. If you move forward with representation, Michael will ask you to sign a written contingent fee agreement. This agreement states that Michael will get paid only if he wins your case and that his fee will come from the defendant i.e., the manufacturer.
Michael J. Goodman Lemon Law PLLC has handled defective vehicle cases for many years in Arizona. They have built a great reputation by solving lemon cases all around the state. With offices in most major Arizona cities including Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Phoenix, Michael J. Goodman Lemon Law PLLC is conveniently located and available to assist you. Request your free, no-risk initial consultation today and see how quickly you can receive the compensation you deserve.
