I Took My Chevy Silverado ZR2 In for the Engine Recall, But It’s a Joke That GM Thinks Thicker Oil Will Fix the Real Problem

When a recall ends with an oil change and no answers, some Chevy Silverado owners are starting to wonder if the real fix is just a way to buy time.

Posted: July 3, 2025 - 5:12PM
Author: Aram Krajekian

Bright blue Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 pickup truck with black wheels parked on snowy roadside with highway backdrop

Some expect a recall fix to mean something, like maybe a new part or something that shows the automaker is taking the issue seriously. But sometimes, what you're handed instead feels like a shortcut designed to buy time. That was the impression I got while scrolling through the "Chevrolet Silverado ZR2" Facebook group earlier this evening, where I came across a post from Spencer Wright. He had just taken his Chevy Silverado ZR2 in for the now well-known engine recall that’s been making waves among GM truck owners. What he got in return was far from the kind of fix most would have imagined.

Here's his story: “Just had my engine 'recall' done at the stealership. Apparently my engine is fine and they switched the oil to 0W-40. They said nothing about an extended warranty or anything even when I asked. Currently waiting to talk to a service manager. It's a joke that they think upping the oil viscosity will fix the said issue with the crank/bearings. That's like saying my lawnmower engine has a knock so I put thicker oil in it to make it last a bit longer. Also with having 50,000km on the truck already, I would think the damage has already been done considering the fact that apparently I've been running the wrong oil since day one new off the lot. Anyone else in Canada have this issue or did you get some type of extended warranty?”

Other Silverado Owners Are Feeling the Same Way

Spencer’s post immediately resonated with other Silverado owners, especially those who felt similarly underwhelmed by the so-called "fix." The engine recall he's referring to is part of a growing list of concerns GM truck owners have been raising over the last year. These are issues that span from major drivetrain failures to software glitches. And while this one focuses on internal engine wear, the response by dealerships appears to be uniform: swap the engine oil for a thicker 0W-40, call it good, and send the customer back on the road.

One commenter, Craig Thompson, offered a bit of clarity and reminder that GM might not be as hands-off with their support as some dealers make it seem. “Your recall letter should state the extended warranty! 10 years from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service or 150k miles. Whichever comes first! Better than the 5 year 60k you get buying new!” It’s a solid point, but it only raises more questions for those who say their service advisors never even brought it up.

Chevy ZR2 badge on gray leather interior with circular air vent, highlighting performance trim detail

That same lack of communication and inconsistency seems to be at the heart of this story. For example, JJ Hernandez chimed in with a sarcastic but telling response: “Just hook up an enclosed trailer and let the engine blow up. That’s what I did.” While he may be joking, the underlying frustration is clear that some owners feel like GM is waiting for engines to fail before actually offering real support.

Luke Bergey, however, stepped in with some nuance: “Unfortunately the ‘stealership’ is following the protocol and marching orders put in place by GM. They would much rather get the recall/warranty work of replacing motors all day than changing oil. The dealerships themselves don’t decide the plan of action on the remedies to any recalls. Almost every dealer employee knows this isn’t the resolution to the problem but the remedy is provided by GM and they can’t just go cowboy and start pulling motors at the dealerships without approval.”

Luke’s comment adds an important layer to this conversation. It highlights that the real decision-making power rests not with the dealership but with GM itself. And if corporate strategy says the issue can be "handled" with thicker oil, then that’s what dealers are stuck doing, even when they know better.

More Signs That Trust in GM Is Cracking

In fact, these kinds of corporate-dealer disconnects are becoming more visible across the ownership experience. Take a look at what happened to this Silverado owner who brought their 6.2L Silverado in for the recall and was told there was nothing the dealer could do. That story alone reveals just how much frustration is building, especially among buyers who spent $70,000 or more expecting durability and not deflection from GM when facing these issues.

Other owners like N-Munro Bruyere have already made up their minds. “Been a Chevy and GM guy for 20 years. Glad I switched when I bought a new truck.”

Short, blunt, but a sentiment that stings. When long-time loyalists start walking away, that’s a problem.

And sadly, these stories don’t exist in a vacuum. More and more Silverado owners are coming forward with reports of breakdowns in the middle of the road, electrical issues, or drivetrain concerns. Many are also pointing out how difficult it is to get consistent support when something goes wrong even if it’s under warranty. There’s a growing feeling that while GM might be quick to put out a recall, they’re a little slower to put forward a solution that genuinely restores confidence.

This Pattern Is Becoming Too Familiar

This is why I find this situation incredibly telling of a larger shift we’re witnessing in the truck market. Today’s buyers are more informed than ever, and they’re not afraid to call out what feels like a stopgap measure disguised as a fix. It used to be that recalls led to part swaps or engineering changes, but lately we’re seeing a lot more software updates, sensor reprogramming, or in this case, an oil change and a pat on the back. That doesn’t inspire trust. I think what frustrates many Silverado ZR2 owners is that they believed they were buying one of the most capable and well-engineered trucks GM has ever made, and not something that needs a viscosity band-aid to make it through warranty.

In the context of this broader trend, stories like this one about a 2024 Silverado 1500 LT owner who shared multiple complaints over drivetrain and infotainment glitches start to feel less like exceptions and more like warnings. If this pattern continues, GM risks turning decades of brand loyalty into widespread buyer fatigue.

One thing is for sure: the public is watching, and with online communities giving owners a real-time platform to compare notes, these frustrations don’t fade away quietly. They echo and grow.

Key Takeaways

Don’t assume the recall fix means a full mechanical repair. If you received the engine recall notice, ask the dealership exactly what is being done, what parts (if any) are replaced, and whether you're getting an extended warranty. Insist on documentation too.
Request a copy of the extended warranty terms. As Craig Thompson pointed out, you may be eligible for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles of protection.
Dealers are bound by GM's instructions. As frustrating as it is, it’s important to remember that service advisors often can’t go beyond GM’s set recall procedures. Blame might be better directed higher up the chain.
Don't wait for failure to take action. If you hear or feel something is off, push for an analysis or further inspection before a small issue becomes a big problem. Documentation now can protect you later.
Longtime loyalty is being tested. Even buyers who’ve owned dozens of Chevrolets are saying they’re rethinking things. As seen in this story of a 40-year GM loyalist losing trust, the stakes go beyond just one recall.

Your Turn to Share

What are your thoughts on GM and the recent problems regarding their trucks? Are they doing enough regarding this recall?

And if you own one, have you taken your truck in for this engine recall? What kind of service did you receive?

Don't hesitate to jump into the comments and share your experience. Your feedback might be exactly what another owner needs to hear.

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.

Image Sources: The “Chevrolet Silverado ZR2” public Facebook group and Chevrolet’s gallery, respectively.

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