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I Own a 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 LT and Have Been Driving Chevys Half My Life, But the Issues I’ve Been Seeing Have Me Wondering What I Should Be Keeping an Eye On

When lifelong Chevy owners start getting nervous about a truck with barely 4,000 miles on it, you can’t help but wonder what’s changed. Here's why reliability concerns are becoming harder to ignore in GM’s latest trucks.
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It's a strange tension when your truck feels perfectly fine but your gut says something different. Maybe not because of how it drives, but because of what you keep hearing from other owners who were once just as confident. That’s the kind of unease that I sensed in a post this morning in the “Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500” Facebook group, where Dennis Hogan shared a quick but revealing thought about his 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT with the 5.3L V8. What struck me wasn’t that anything had gone wrong yet, but how the doubt was creeping in—even for someone who’s been loyal to the badge longer than most.

Here’s how he put it: “I have a 2024 LT 1500 5.3L. Anyone having issues with that model that maybe I should be keeping an eye on? I only have 4,200 miles on it. Been running Chevys half my life but these issues have me wondering.”

The comment might seem innocent on the surface, but within the Silverado community, it sparked something that’s becoming harder to ignore: growing anxiety around reliability in newer models. Dennis didn’t say he had a problem yet. But when long-time owners begin to scan for red flags this early into ownership, it’s a sign worth paying attention to.

Lifter Failures and the 5.3L V8

Take Chadwick Denton, for example, who replied, “I have the same truck with lifter failure.” That one comment alone is enough to hit a nerve in GM circles. Lifter failures, especially on the 5.3L and 6.2L V8s with Dynamic Fuel Management, have become one of the most widely reported pain points. And it’s not just forum folklore; it's been a serious enough issue that it prompted larger discussions about long-term engine durability and warranty repairs.

This brings us to an important clarification: while Dennis’s truck uses the L84 5.3L V8, a close cousin to the L87 6.2L V8, the L84 has not been included in recent official recalls. However, due to its shared architecture with the L87 and use of the same DFM system, many owners are watching it just as closely. As reported in my other article, GM’s handling of engine issues around the L87 has left more questions than answers for many.

View of Silverado's Bed

Transmission Problems and Broader Doubts

It’s not just lifters that have people worried either. The larger pattern of transmission complaints across the Silverado lineup continues to fuel doubt. This 2024 Silverado 2500 HD owner said they were already taking their truck back to the dealer after just one week. And in a different case, a 2024 3500 HD owner reported severe transmission problems at just 21,000 miles, all while the dealer allegedly refusing to cover it under warranty. So while Dennis’s truck is newer and hasn't yet exhibited problems, his post resonates because many other owners have already run into problems that are hard to ignore.

Doug E. Thompson chimed in with a more nostalgic take: “I’m glad I have held on to my 2005 now with 253,000 miles. I’ve had new leather put on the seats, new visor, and headliner. I love the cat eye lights on the front. No major issues other than the transfer case at 80k, oil pump, radiator, and the brake and transmission lines. Next is to get the rocker panels fixed.”

Doug’s comment highlights what seems to be an emerging theme of older Silverado’s with high mileage being viewed by many as more dependable than their newer counterparts. And this is something we’ve seen before. One Silverado owner shared how his newer truck went through three transmissions in 100,000 miles, forcing him to rethink the brand he once trusted without question.

Even those trading up from relatively solid trucks are facing new doubts. One story documented how a loyal Duramax owner gave up a flawless truck for a newer model after getting a good deal, only to start questioning if that decision was worth it.

The Bigger Picture

So what’s happening here? Why are we seeing so many experienced owners—people who’ve driven Chevys for decades—suddenly feeling like they’re walking on thin ice?

I think part of the answer lies in how expectations have shifted. Today’s trucks are more complex, more tech-heavy, and more tightly engineered than ever before. That’s not inherently a bad thing, but it also means when something goes wrong, it’s rarely simple or cheap. Add in the pressure from online communities where every failure gets amplified, and even minor concerns can start to feel like ticking time bombs.

But I will say this: As a journalist who spends hours in forums like these and now reports on them daily, I think this moment for GM is a crossroads. Chevy still has a massive and loyal following, but loyalty only goes so far when newer trucks feel less dependable than older ones with a quarter-million miles. It’s not just about what breaks, but also about how consistently those breaks are showing up. Let's also not forget how essential it is for GM to respond to these problems as proactively as possible.

Key Takeaways

  • Seeing constant stories of first-hand issues, new truck owners are taking notice of online reports and failures.
  • Lifter problems continue to plague the reputation of GM’s small-block V8s, especially when paired with Dynamic Fuel Management.
  • Transmission concerns aren’t limited to high-mileage trucks; some failures are showing up shockingly early.
  • Owners of older trucks are holding onto them longer, citing durability and simplicity as major advantages.

Join The Conversation

Do you think GM’s truck quality has taken a step back in recent years, or is this still the same brand you’ve always trusted?

And if you own a Silverado, what’s your experience been like so far? Are you hearing anything that’s making you watch your truck a little more closely?

Your opinions matter, so I would love to hear what you have to say in the comments below.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Images Sources: The “Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500” public Facebook group and Chevrolet’s Gallery, respectively.

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Comments

Mike bolt (not verified)    June 7, 2025 - 8:57AM

Bought new truck every 5 years. Always Chevy. I biggest nightmare 2013 with AFM. What a joke. Step on the gas it looked like a diesel driving down the road. It took Chevy 3 years to finally listen to me and change the motor. Got it back drove it one day. Traded for a new Ram, best move I ever made. CHEVY, Never Again!!!!!

Phillip davis (not verified)    June 7, 2025 - 10:17AM

Have 2023 gmc slt. Transmission started shuttering at about 8000 miles. Took to dealer and had to leave in the shop for over 3 months. Got valve body and new injectors. Left dealer and had same issue. Took back and they reprogrammed Transmission. Same problem. Gm ordered all new parts and still waiting on parts. Sad to have this much problem on this expensive truck with only 23000 miles.

S Gomez (not verified)    June 7, 2025 - 2:00PM

In reply to by Phillip davis (not verified)

This article hit home with me. I have a 2001 Silverado 1500 with the 5.3 liter....approaching 200 k miles and runs like a champ. If I need to purchase a new truck will probably not get another Silverado..maybe it's my PTSD from a Cruze that I bought......what a piece...new Chevys don't last

Dennis (not verified)    June 7, 2025 - 10:30AM

0w20 oil recommendations were gas mileage weighted at the expense increased wear. I would be using 5w30 full synetic Dexos 1 oil.
My LS1 5.3 2005 in my Sierra has been running for 20 years. No oil consumption no rattles or ticks from the engine. No valve cover have been removed.

Loren Hovis (not verified)    June 7, 2025 - 10:35AM

My dad's first auto was a 1939 Pontiac woody. Traded it for a 1950 Chevy pickup. Traded it for a 1960 Chevy station wagon. Traded it in for a 1965 Chevy pickup. Traded it for a 1970 GMC pickup. Traded it for a special order 1975 Chevy pickup, then he died in 1982 after laying on his back for 14 months in the hospital. Mom sold his pickup after with 348.000 plus miles on it still in good running condition. At 69 years of age and a master mechanic, that has
owned several GM products myself, I can no longer keep up the pride I had in The General Motors industry

GB (not verified)    June 7, 2025 - 11:27AM

I already had to replace an engine at 57,000 miles. Dealer did not help to pay for the replacement. I am now thinking to trade it in for a Toyota which I normally drive which I think are more reliable.

Dan (not verified)    June 7, 2025 - 12:57PM

Dude, 64 of my 80yrs have been Chevy. Still have my orig-owner 65 Impala SS, big block, 4-speed. Owned 3 silverado LTZ's. Saw the writing on the wall. Unbelievably after much research, I bought a damn Ford. Couldn't be happier and impressed. That's a 2024 F150 crew-cab Lariet Hybrid. Twin-Turbo
V-6 + Electric. It's a hauler and the feature sets are awesome. Back seat is twice the cushioning of the new Denali's and LTZ's. Go test drive the PowerBoost F150.

Robert E Ford (not verified)    June 7, 2025 - 1:57PM

Who really cares if your engine blows or transmission takes a dump...it under warranty rocket scientist that you are...

Henry Seymour (not verified)    June 7, 2025 - 4:04PM

They care about their shareholders not their customers. They sent in their process engineers to cheaper everything up to increase their margins. They added a bunch of useless electronic options that no one needs. 06 was the last year of good trucks unless you got an HD with a 6.0. Can't get that now. Sad, used to be the gold standard. Been 20 years since they were quality

RA (not verified)    June 8, 2025 - 9:26AM

In reply to by Henry Seymour (not verified)

I agree with your comments. I bought a new 2019 GMC Sierra, had less than 40,000 miles. Power to truck stopped. Engine , had to replace power control module, next thing transfer case module had to be replaced, after this I had a valley pan oil engine leak, a cooling line oil leak, and a tramission shutter which cost money to have transsmiion fluid and filter replaced even though I had extended warranty. This did not fix issue completly. Body valve was next, but I traded truck for Honda Ridgeline. GMC is only concerned with profits. I now own no GMC product after buying GMC vehicles 30 yeats

Bapak Bob (not verified)    June 7, 2025 - 8:56PM

I have used The RANGE EFM disabler on Two 6.2 liter V8 c7 vettes, one normally aspirated and one supercharged. If the EFM is disabled the wonky lifters in the 4 EFM cylinders never go “limp” and stay hard all the time. I’ve read you can just replace those 8 valve lifters, but the RANGE was under $100 when I bought it in 2017. GM won the c6 LS7 class action lawsuit on the poorly manufactured 427 motor in my 2007 Z06 after 15 years in the courts. Takeaway is big money always wins and just fix the wonky EFM yourself.

Pete Slivinski (not verified)    June 7, 2025 - 8:58PM

2012 Silverado oil consumption under warranty also extended warranty dealer would not fix . So I got the bill for rebuild . This problem has been around for many years. Started at about 50.000 miles.

Bapak Bob (not verified)    June 7, 2025 - 9:00PM

I have used The RANGE EFM disabler on Two 6.2 liter V8 c7 vettes, one normally aspirated and one supercharged. If the EFM is disabled the wonky lifters in the 4 EFM cylinders never go “limp” and stay hard all the time. I’ve read you can just replace those 8 valve lifters, but the RANGE was under $100 when I bought it in 2017. GM won the c6 LS7 class action lawsuit on the poorly manufactured 427 motor in my 2007 Z06 after 15 years in the courts. Takeaway is big money always wins and just fix the wonky EFM yourself.

Pete Slivinski (not verified)    June 7, 2025 - 9:01PM

2012 Silverado oil consumption under warranty also extended warranty dealer would not fix . So I got the bill for rebuild . This problem has been around for many years. Started at about 50.000 miles.

Bobby Owenby (not verified)    June 7, 2025 - 9:55PM

I have owned approx 30 Chevrolet/GMC pickups over the last 40 years and currently own 3.A 2006,2017 and a2019 .I am constantly worried about the 6 speed automatic transmission in the 2 newer trucks. The 06 I have had since it was new and will probably keep it forever but the other 2 I think about getting rid of all the time because of all the problems people are having. I know its not just GM but when are the auto manufacturers going to start building vehicles for the hard working people of America again and tell the government to take a hike! They want us to buy American, well build something that is worth buying and not JUNK!!

James Hallmark (not verified)    June 8, 2025 - 9:54PM

In reply to by Bobby Owenby (not verified)

We purchase 2020 Silverado,we have 5.3 v8, regular oil change every 4 to 5 thousand mile chev. said in Manuel up to 10 thousand no.Had tranmison done at 100 thousand miles, didn't have tranmison flush Don't,oil was sort of nasty,I will be changes it at 35 thousand now,I have a 6 speed automatic it was ordered from Davis Chevrolet,I will not any more and I have a 2001 f 150 ford with a 5.4 with triton engine 4X4 with 318 thousand miles have change intake ,and coil packs Running Strong for now

Aram Krajekian    June 9, 2025 - 3:57PM

In reply to by Bobby Owenby (not verified)

This is something I’ve been hearing a lot lately Bobby. 
Many folks want to stick with American-made, but they’re growing tired of the quality issues. Really appreciate you sharing your experience, and I'll be highlighting it in an upcoming Torque News piece because I loved how it resonates with a lot of what I've heard.

Ken (not verified)    June 7, 2025 - 10:03PM

I’ve owned Chevrolet Silverados since 1999. I currently have a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado Ltd RST Redline Addition with a 5.3L V8. It’s my Favorite Silverado. It has 66,000 miles on it. Have not had one issue with it. Matter of fact this is my 6th Silverado and never have an issue with any of them. So I’m a little skeptical about the problems about the 5.3L. I take great of my vehicle’s. Always serviced at my dealership where I’ve bought my trucks. I’m not saying some have had issues but all my Family are GM people and none of them had anything wrong with their GM products.

Anthony B. (not verified)    June 7, 2025 - 10:04PM

To All The Chevy Fans Out There "Worring About The What If?" On Their 5.3's And 6.2's Newer Model Silverado's And Sierra's And SUV's...Only Two Choices...Either Get The Extended Warranties For These Problems...Or Go Duramax Diesel..If You Choose XTend Warranty...Get Premium Endurance....

73 (not verified)    June 7, 2025 - 11:42PM

In reply to by Anthony B. (not verified)

I bought a '22 Chevy Silverado LT with the 5.3 V8. New from stealership with 4 miles. I have put 50K on it already and have had no mechanical problems thank God. Routine oil changes and just got the transmission flushed. Only problem I've had is the dam infotainment black screen of death. Have a friend who also has a '22 Chevy Silverado LTZ with the 5.3 V8 but unfortunately he had to replace the lifters at 50K, dam AFM let's the limp lifters get too dry and get fried