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One computer glitch just turned this Chevy Silverado $60,000 workhorse into a driveway ornament, proving that even a legendary badge can't save you from a "processor death sentence.
From My View
Imagine this: You invest $60,000 in a modern workhorse only to have its brain flatline during a routine trip to the grocery store, leaving you without steering or a way back home. In my ongoing research into GM reliability, I discovered a troubling account shared in a Facebook community for 2019–2026 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra owners, where Matt Myers highlighted the breaking point for many loyalists facing the high cost of digital failure.
Matt’s story isn't just a rant; it is a diagnostic red flag that I have seen appearing with alarming frequency in the 2026 automotive news cycle.
Matt explains that he drove his 2022 Silverado just eight miles to a store, only to find the truck nearly dead upon return. The power steering was gone, and the truck eventually refused to start, throwing the dreaded P0606 code.
For those who don't spend their lives under a hood like I have for 30 years, let me tell you: P0606 is not just a "check engine" light. It is an internal processor fault within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Essentially, the truck’s central nervous system has decided it can no longer trust itself.
My Take
As a Senior Reporter at Torque News, I have spent decades tracking the evolution of the American pickup. I have seen the transition from mechanical simplicity to the "software-defined vehicles" we drive today. While the tech is impressive when it works, the P0606 error is what I call a "processor death sentence."
It often means the module itself is fried or corrupted, a reality that echoes the frustrations I shared in my recent article, in which the owner detailed similar reliability failures in a brand-new truck that forced a sudden, unplanned departure from the brand.
The severity of this issue is backed by industry experts. According to technical reports from Bhadra Electronics, DTC P0606 is extremely serious in nature and refers directly to one or more ECM/PCM-related issues that can cause a vehicle to stall while in traffic, presenting a hazardous situation. When your power steering cuts out in a 5,000-pound vehicle because a computer chip failed, that is no longer a minor inconvenience; it is a safety crisis. I’ve investigated many of these cases, including the 2025 Chevy Silverado Duramax reliability crisis, where owners are dealing with the dealership "shell game", and the pattern is clear: GM's hardware is often let down by its software.
GM Owners Are Growing More Vocal
Who is affected?
Owners of 2019–2026 Silverado and Sierra models are the primary targets, particularly those with the 2022 refresh. While GM sells hundreds of thousands of these units, the subset of owners experiencing PCM "brain death" is growing vocal.
How does it happen?
The P0606 code triggers when the PCM detects an internal integrity fault. This can be caused by low battery voltage, corrupted software updates, or physical hardware failure. As I noted in my investigation into an owner of a 2019 Chevy Silverado who faced an $8,700 estimate for transmission and lifter failures, these electronic gremlins often strike just as the bumper-to-bumper warranty expires, leaving the owner with a massive bill.
Why are owners switching to Toyota?
The "Toyota, here I come" sentiment is a direct result of "Reliability Fatigue." Even though the Tundra has had its own turbocharger recalls, the perception remains that Toyota stands behind its engineering longer.
Consumer Reports recently noted that the reliability crown passes to Toyota, thanks to improved Tundra scores despite massive engine-recall issues affecting the 3rd-generation truck. For owners like Matt, a "boring" truck that starts every time is worth more than a "high-tech" truck that leaves you stranded at the store.
What It Costs to Fix: The P0606 Price Tag
When your Silverado’s PCM flatlines, your wallet is the next thing to take a hit. From my 30 years in the pits, I have learned that "electronic brain surgery" is never cheap. If you are facing a P0606 code, here is the breakdown of what you can expect to pay in 2026 to get back on the road.
1. The Diagnostic Fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $200 just for the initial scan and pinpoint testing. Do not skip this; a bad ground wire can often mimic a failed processor, and you don't want to replace a $1,000 module if you only needed a $10 wire repair.
2. The Parts and Labor: For a 2022–2026 Silverado 1500, a new OEM Powertrain Control Module typically costs between $600 and $1,100. When you add dealership labor rates, which now often hover around $180 per hour, the total bill for a full replacement usually ranges from $1,100 to $1,600.
3. Software and Programming: This is the hidden "gotcha." You cannot just "plug and play" a new PCM. It must be flashed with your specific VIN and calibrated to your anti-theft system. Dealerships usually charge a flat fee of $150 to $300 for this software licensing and labor.
4. Total Estimated Out-of-Pocket: $1,250 – $1,850. Unless you are under the 8-year/80,000-mile federal emissions warranty, this is a heavy price for a "software glitch."
Key Takeaways
- P0606 is Critical: Never ignore this code; it can lead to sudden engine shutdown or loss of power steering.
- Warranty is your Friend: If you see this code, get it documented at the dealership immediately to build a case for a "goodwill" repair if you are out of warranty.
- The Power Steering Connection: Electrical failures in the PCM often cascade into the electronic power steering (EPS), making the truck nearly impossible to maneuver.
- The Migration Trend: Owners are increasingly trading "innovation" for "consistency," leading to a surge in Silverado-to-Tundra trade-ins.
What Silverado Owners Are Saying
The frustration isn't limited to Facebook. On Reddit, the conversation is just as heated. One user on Reddit noted the severity of the situation, stating, "My 2025 Silverado (5900 miles) left me stranded 3 weeks ago... took them 2 weeks to tell me I need a new engine," which you can read in the full discussion here.
Another owner highlighted the vulnerability of the new design, saying, "This new 2025 has me nervous. This might be my last Chevy," in a Reddit thread where multiple owners discuss glitches in the infotainment and steering systems.
I’ve seen this before in my coverage of the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss, which some owners have called a "piece of work" because of its numerous early-mileage issues. My advice is simple: If your truck throws a P0606, don't just clear the code.
Have a technician check the ground wires and battery health first, as a simple voltage drop can sometimes mimic a PCM failure. If the module is truly dead, be prepared for a repair bill of $1,500+ or more.
Brand Loyalty Can Dissolve Quickly
The Silverado remains a powerhouse of capability, but when a $60,000 rig becomes an undrivable "brick" because of a computer glitch, the brand loyalty starts to dissolve. As we move further into the 2026 news cycle, manufacturers who prioritize rock-solid software stability over flashy digital dash features will be the ones that keep their customers from fleeing to competitors.
How About You? When a computer code like the P0606 essentially "bricks" your truck, does that instantly kill your brand loyalty, or are you willing to give the dealer a chance to make it right? Have you already made the jump to a Tundra or another brand because of these electronic gremlins?
Leave a comment in the red “Add new comment” link below, and let me know if you are staying or going. I read every one of them, and I want to hear your story.
Next Up: The $8,700 Nightmare: Why One Owner’s 2019 Silverado Failure Is A Warning For Every Used Truck Buyer
If you think a computer glitch is bad, wait until you see the repair bill for a dual-threat transmission and lifter failure. In my follow-up report, I dive into why certain high-mileage Silverados are hitting a "financial wall," leaving owners with five-figure repair estimates. You can read the full breakdown of that $8,700 mechanical disaster here.
Denis Flierl is a 14-year Senior Reporter at Torque News and a member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) with 30+ years of industry experience. Based in Parker, Colorado, Denis leverages the Rockies' high-altitude terrain as a rigorous testing ground to provide "boots-on-the-ground" analysis for readers across the Rocky Mountain region, California EV corridors, the Northeast, Texas truck markets, and Midwest agricultural zones.
A former professional test driver and consultant for Ford, GM, Ram, Toyota, and Tesla, he delivers data-backed insights on reliability and market shifts. Denis cuts through the noise to provide national audiences with the real-world reporting today’s landscape demands.
Connect with Denis: Find him on LinkedIn, X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Chevrolet/Gemini
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