Fuel system, powertrain and engine issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
There are few heavy-duty trucks as capable as the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The automaker claims the newest lineup “takes on any undertaking,” except customers argue that nothing gets repaired. From the faulty engine to the defective transmission and dangerous fuel system, there’s a lot that needs to be addressed on these pickups.
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A heavy-duty truck is only as good as its engine. Under the hood of the Silverado 3500, there’s nothing but disappointment.
Read this Edmunds review as an example. “Bought a new 2019 Chevy Silverado 3500 Diesel LTZ 4×4. The window sticker indicated the vehicle was equipped with an engine block heater. I no purchased the vehicle and came to find out, according to the dealership the GM factory in Flint, MI cut the cord off to disable it due to a recall for vehicle fires. Neither GM or the dealership noted this fact on the window sticker nor did they tell me prior to purchase. Neither GM or the dealership will do anything other than say GM is working on a fix. I requested they purchase the vehicle back and they refuse. I call this consumer fraud GM and the dealer acts as if this is okay to do to a customer.”
The recall that is being referred to can be seen with NHTSA Campaign Number 19V328000. It states that more than 300,000 vehicles have a short circuit condition with the engine block heater. Instead of repairing it, the service departments cut the cord to disable it and avoid truck fires. Sadly, owners bought the vehicle with the optional engine block heater for a reason, without being told it wouldn’t work. It’s like buying a pickup truck without a truck bed and being told they are working on figuring out the solution. This really isn’t that complicated.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Power Train | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Electrical System | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | |
| Electrical System: Integrated Trailer Brake Control | |
| Engine | |
| Equipment | |
| Fuel System, Other:fuel Filter | |
| Fuel/propulsion System |
The problems continue with the powertrain, which is an essential part that shouldn’t be defective. After all of these years of manufacturing transmissions, the Chevrolet Silverado still can’t get it right.
One simple comment on Edmunds puts it perfectly by saying, “Transmission won’t stay working.”
The issues with GM transmissions have reached the point of being involved in class-action lawsuits. In fact, customers are looking for some reimbursement for the transmission shaking, shuddering and jerking they have had to put up with. The ride quality could even be compared to that of a bucking bull.
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A final examination of the fuel system shows just as many defects, causing even more anger among consumers.
One NHTSA complaint reads, “The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. While driving 45-65 mph and towing a Work and Play tow trailer, the contact noticed smoke rising from underneath the vehicle. The contact also detected diesel fuel leaking while the ignition was in the On position and that the fuel filter housing had detached. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to [dealer] where it was diagnosed that the screw detached from the fuel filter housing. The vehicle was not repaired.”
GM isn’t hiding any fuel system issues either. The company goes as far as issuing Service Bulletin #16NA383 that talks about an extended crank or misfiring situation, as well as rough idle and Check Engine Light alerts. To resolve the situation, the automaker advises customers to use a fuel injection cleaner instead of fixing the problem that is leading to the excessive buildup. It’s the classic tactic of diverting from the original issue in hopes that no one will notice who is to blame. However, all eyes are on Chevy at this point, making it impossible for the manufacturer of the Chevrolet Silverado to fool people any longer.
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Chevrolet pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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I bought a 2019 chevrolet 3500 dually new off the lot.
1)The Transmission failed and I told the dealer I would pay 1/2 of a new Transmission if they put a new one in
The engine was running rough and I told the service manager to check on that as well.
After I picked up the truck he said the engine was fine.
Without informing me they rebuilt the transmission.
Engine still ran rough
2)The transmision failed again in a short time with leaks on the street and parking lots and also made a grinding noise while driving.The engine still ran rough
At this time I told the dealer again to put a new Transmission in it I also told the service manager to check the engine because it was running rough.They rebuilt the transmission for the second
Time
He said the engine was fine
Engine still runs rough
3)
After a short time the tranmission failed a third time
Took it in and reminded them to check the engine
They put a new transmission in and then presented me with a very large invoice.I argued with the dealership about the bill with the reason being the transmission was never fixed by the rebuilds
Engine still runs rough
The truck has about 65,000 miles on it now.It has been in the shop over 30 days related tothis transmission
It has turned into an unacceptable performance of a work truck
It would be a wise business move to trade the truck off before it totally goes off warrany.
I have been a GM fan all my life but am now looking to trade this unit off on a Ford F 450
Should GM compensate me in some fashion for this unacceptable performance of a new truck?
I’m 36 years old I bought my very first new vehicle a 2019 Chevy 3500 the truck was nice enough and the price seemed fair I own a business and thought I need a reliable truck I shouldn’t have to mess with for at least a year well worst mistake ever I put 77,000 miles on the truck in 2020 at and it cost me 13,000 just to do that I hate this truck so much I parked it refused to drive it or fix it when the fuel system failed and the dealer told me it all had to be replaced at a cost of 9,000