Free used car buyer guide / Fourth generation / T1XX / 2019-2025
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
6.4/10
2 walk-away risks, 1 serious fault, 5 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 6.2 l87 connecting rod/crankshaft bearing-related engine failure. Score methodology.
The 2019-2025 Silverado 1500 can be a very good truck, especially with the 3.0 Duramax or a well-documented 5.3, but it is not a carefree upgrade from the K2XX. The expensive traps are 2021-2024 6.2 L87 bearing/engine failure under NHTSA 25V274, 5.3/6.2 DFM lifter collapse, 2019-2022 8-speed shudder, diesel 10-speed rear-wheel lockup recall coverage, and early 2019 brake/electronic module recalls. The safest buy is a 2022-2025 3.0 Duramax or 5.3 with closed recalls, clean lifter history and smooth transmission behavior. The 2.7 turbo is a good non-tow-heavy choice when service history is visible. Current owners should keep oil, recall and transmission records because the market is now alert to GM V8 and transmission stories.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
6.2 L87 connecting
Best years
2022-2025
Best buys
- 2022-2025 3.0 Duramax with diesel recall/software history complete and clean oil/coolant records.
- 2021-2025 2.7 TurboMax for light-to-medium use with no tow abuse.
- 2022-2025 5.3 with no lifter history, short oil intervals and clean scan data.
Inspect hard
- 2021-2024 6.2 L87: VIN-check 25V274 and listen for knock before any deal.
- 2019-2022 8-speed trucks: warm shudder and delayed engagement test.
- 2020-2022 diesels: 24V797/26V083 transmission control valve software status.
Avoid
- 6.2 with recall incomplete, knocking, metal in oil or unexplained engine replacement.
- V8 with DFM lifter tick, P030x or recent single-bank top-end repair.
- Truck with rear-wheel lockup recall history but no final software/repair documentation.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
2.7L turbo four-cylinder / TurboMax
2019-2025
GOOD PRACTICAL CHOICE
The 2.7 is stronger than the cylinder count suggests and avoids V8 DFM hardware. It is best for buyers who tow modestly and value lower engine-risk exposure over V8 sound.
5.3L L84 V8 with DFM
2019-2025
BUY WITH OIL AND SCAN PROOF
The 5.3 is common and desirable, but Dynamic Fuel Management lifter failures are real. A clean misfire history and short oil intervals matter more than trim.
6.2L L87 V8
2019-2025
HIGH RISK UNTIL VIN CLEARED
The 6.2 is fast and expensive. NHTSA 25V274 covers 2021-2024 failures tied to connecting rod/crankshaft manufacturing defects, and wider investigation history means buyers must be strict.
3.0L Duramax LM2/LZ0 diesel
2020-2025
BEST LONG-DISTANCE SPEC
The inline-six diesel is the standout highway engine. It needs diesel-use habits, clean emissions history and recall software checks, but it avoids the V8 lifter story.
4.3L V6
2019-2021
FLEET VALUE ONLY
The old V6 is basic and less desirable. It can be fine as a cheap work truck, but most buyers will prefer a clean 2.7 or 5.3.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2019
T1XX launch with new body, 2.7 turbo option, 5.3/6.2 DFM and carryover transmission concerns.
Buyer: First-year trucks need module, brake and transmission recall checks. Avoid early 8-speed shudder.
Owner: Keep software updates current and scan lifter/misfire data at service.
2020
3.0 Duramax joins, and 10-speed availability expands.
Buyer: The diesel is attractive, but check 24V797-related software status on diesel 10-speed trucks.
Owner: Use diesel for longer runs and document DEF/emissions service.
2021
V8 production enters the later L87 recall window for many 6.2 trucks.
Buyer: Do not buy a 6.2 without VIN recall lookup. A 5.3 or 3.0 diesel can be the smarter money.
Owner: Watch for lifter tick and lower-end knock separately; they are different risks.
2022
Refresh transition year; updated interior on later builds, diesel/10-speed software recall relevance continues.
Buyer: Check whether it is LTD/old interior or refreshed truck, then inspect drivetrain history.
Owner: Keep transmission software and V8 service records together for resale.
2023
LZ0 updated 3.0 Duramax arrives; 2.7 branding moves toward TurboMax.
Buyer: Strong year for diesel and 2.7 buyers. V8 buyers still need lifter and 6.2 recall discipline.
Owner: For diesel owners, oil spec and fuel quality matter more than short-trip convenience.
2024
Final year inside the core 6.2 recall population for many affected vehicles.
Buyer: A 2024 6.2 can still be affected. Do not rely on model year alone.
Owner: Save recall documentation even if the truck has no symptoms.
2025
Post-recall-awareness shopping year; 6.2 concern remains a resale question even when a specific VIN is not included.
Buyer: Ask why a nearly new truck is being sold and verify no unresolved engine or transmission action.
Owner: Maintain a clean paper trail because future buyers will ask about L87 and DFM history.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
6.2 L87 connecting rod/crankshaft bearing-related engine failure
Affects
Certain 2021-2024 Silverado 1500 6.2 L87 under NHTSA 25V274; broader 2019-2024 investigation context.
Symptoms
Loud knock, reduced propulsion, check engine light, low oil pressure, seizure, engine block damage.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 if covered; EUR 8,000-15,000+ retail engine replacement.
Codes / scan clues
P0016/P0017 possible after damage; misfire/low-oil-pressure faults vary.
Root cause: Manufacturing defects in connecting rod and/or crankshaft components can cause bearing failure and engine damage.
Quick check
- VIN-check 25V274 before viewing.
- Listen cold and hot for lower-end knock.
- Inspect oil/filter reports if available.
- Ask if engine was replaced and whether replacement part number is documented.
Buyer note
A discounted 6.2 with unresolved recall status is not a bargain.
Owner note
Stop driving after knock or reduced propulsion; towing through it can destroy the engine.
Fault 2
5.3/6.2 DFM lifter collapse
Affects
2019-2025 5.3 L84 and 6.2 L87 V8 engines.
Symptoms
Tick, rough idle, cylinder misfire, reduced power, one-bank lifter repair history.
Typical repair cost
EUR 2,500-6,000 lifters/cam; EUR 8,000+ engine if severe.
Codes / scan clues
P0300-P0308, P3400-series, P3497, oil pressure faults.
Root cause: Dynamic Fuel Management lifters and oil control can fail, damaging cam lobes if driven.
Quick check
- Scan misfire counters on all cylinders.
- Listen hot for sharp valvetrain tick.
- Check whether only one bank was repaired.
- Review oil intervals and oil spec.
Buyer note
A recent lifter repair is not automatically bad, but partial repair needs careful paperwork.
Owner note
Do not keep driving with tick plus misfire; that is how cam damage grows.
Fault 3
8L90/8L80 shudder and delayed engagement
Affects
2019-2022 Silverado 1500 with 8-speed automatic, especially 5.3/2.7 early trucks.
Symptoms
Rumble-strip shudder, harsh 1-2/2-3 shifts, delayed Drive/Reverse, converter slip.
Typical repair cost
EUR 400-900 fluid service; EUR 1,500-3,500 converter/valve body; EUR 4,000-7,000 rebuild.
Codes / scan clues
P0741, P0796, P0700, slip codes.
Root cause: Converter clutch shudder and fluid/control issues continued from late K2XX into early T1XX.
Quick check
- Warm cruise test at light throttle.
- Check cold Reverse and Drive engagement.
- Scan TCM data and codes.
- Ask for updated fluid service records.
Buyer note
The new body did not erase the old 8-speed story.
Owner note
Address shudder early before converter debris circulates.
Fault 4
Diesel 10-speed transmission control valve rear-wheel lockup
Affects
Certain 2020-2022 Silverado 1500 diesel trucks under 24V797 and later 26V083 repair-correction population.
Symptoms
Harsh shift, fifth-gear limit after software, possible rear wheel momentary lockup, warning messages.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall software/repair; EUR 2,000-5,500 valve body/transmission repair outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
Transmission valve/performance codes vary; P0700 may flag TCM request.
Root cause: Transmission control valve wear can lead to a commanded downshift/lockup condition; software monitors valve performance before failure.
Quick check
- VIN-check 24V797 and 26V083 status.
- Ask if recall repair was done correctly.
- Scan TCM for valve performance codes.
- Road-test for harsh high-gear downshifts.
Buyer note
A diesel Silverado needs transmission recall proof just as much as emissions history.
Owner note
Complete the software action and respond if the truck limits gears.
Fault 5
3.0 Duramax oil pump belt and emissions-system expense
Affects
2020-2025 3.0 Duramax LM2/LZ0.
Symptoms
Oil pressure warnings, long crank, DPF/DEF warnings, no-start emissions countdown.
Typical repair cost
EUR 700-1,800 emissions sensors/DEF work; EUR 2,000+ oil pump belt service depending access.
Codes / scan clues
P20EE, P2201, P2463, P06DD, NOx/DEF codes.
Root cause: Diesel emissions hardware and the rear-mounted oil pump belt make neglected service expensive.
Quick check
- Check oil specification and interval history.
- Scan diesel emissions readiness and permanent codes.
- Confirm no emissions delete or tune.
- Ask about long highway use versus short trips.
Buyer note
The 3.0 is excellent for mileage, poor for buyers who only do short trips.
Owner note
Use correct oil and avoid repeated interrupted regenerations.
Fault 6
Early T1XX brake and body control software faults
Affects
2019-2020 Silverado 1500, VIN-specific recall/service action populations.
Symptoms
Brake warnings, ESC messages, service trailer brake message, camera or cluster faults.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall/update; EUR 200-1,000 diagnosis if outside support.
Codes / scan clues
U-code network faults, C-series brake/ESC codes.
Root cause: Launch-year module software and network integration issues required multiple dealer updates.
Quick check
- Run a full VIN recall report.
- Scan all modules for history codes.
- Check camera, trailer brake and brake warning behavior.
- Ask for dealer software update printouts.
Buyer note
A 2019 truck should come with a clean module history, not just a clean body.
Owner note
Keep dealer update records because they explain past warnings to the next buyer.
Fault 7
Roof, rear slider and cab water leaks
Affects
2019-2025 crew cab trucks, especially with sunroof or rear slider.
Symptoms
Wet headliner, rear carpet dampness, musty smell, camera/module oddities after rain.
Typical repair cost
EUR 200-900 reseal/drain work; EUR 1,200-2,500 glass/headliner repair.
Codes / scan clues
Body/network U-codes if water reaches modules.
Root cause: Large cab openings, rear glass seals, roof drains and third brake light seals can leak.
Quick check
- Inspect rear headliner and under rear seats.
- Check for musty smell after rain.
- Operate sunroof and inspect drains.
- Look for water marks around CHMSL and rear slider.
Buyer note
Water leaks can turn into electronics faults, not just stained trim.
Owner note
Fix small dampness before modules and carpet padding stay wet.
Fault 8
2.7 turbo cooling, wastegate and oil-service sensitivity
Affects
2019-2025 2.7L turbo Silverado.
Symptoms
Boost faults, coolant leaks, rough idle, turbo noise, reduced power.
Typical repair cost
EUR 400-1,500 sensors/cooling/turbo control; EUR 2,000+ turbo work.
Codes / scan clues
P0299, P0234, P00B7, P0300, fuel trim codes.
Root cause: Small turbo engine works hard in a full-size truck; heat and neglected oil/cooling service affect turbo control and durability.
Quick check
- Check coolant level and stains.
- Road-test for full boost without limp mode.
- Review oil intervals and tow use.
- Scan boost and misfire history.
Buyer note
The 2.7 is a good engine when used realistically; it is not the choice for constant heavy towing.
Owner note
Let oil and coolant service follow truck use, not optimistic marketing intervals.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
- VIN recall report for 25V274, 24V797, 26V083 and early module actions.
- Oil records with correct spec, especially 6.2 and 3.0 diesel.
- Transmission service and software records.
- Any lifter, engine or diesel emissions invoices.
- Inspect for water stains at roof, rear slider and rear carpet.
- Check hitch, tyres and rear suspension for towing abuse.
- Look for oil/coolant leaks and fresh engine cleaning.
- Verify DEF/emissions hardware is present on diesels.
- Scan all modules.
- Test cameras, trailer brake, infotainment and driver display.
- Check for brake, ESC or reduced propulsion messages.
- Listen to V8 cold and hot.
- Warm transmission cruise and downshift test.
- For diesel, test highway pull and check for emissions warnings.
- For 2.7, confirm clean boost and no coolant smell.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a 2022-2025 3.0 Duramax for long-distance use or a clean 2.7 TurboMax for lighter work. A 5.3 is fine when the scan is clean and oil history is boring.
Avoid: Avoid unresolved 6.2 L87 recall trucks, V8s with lifter symptoms, early 8-speed shudder trucks and diesels missing 24V797/26V083 proof.
Quick answers
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2019-2025 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: 6.2 L87 connecting rod/crankshaft bearing-related engine failure; 5.3/6.2 DFM lifter collapse; 8L90/8L80 shudder and delayed engagement. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years are the best to buy?
2022-2025 stand out in this generation. Buy a 2022-2025 3.0 Duramax for long-distance use or a clean 2.7 TurboMax for lighter work. A 5.3 is fine when the scan is clean and oil history is boring.
Which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 should I avoid?
Avoid unresolved 6.2 L87 recall trucks, V8s with lifter symptoms, early 8-speed shudder trucks and diesels missing 24V797/26V083 proof.
Is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2019-2025 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 6.4/10 (buy with checks). 2 walk-away risks, 1 serious fault, 5 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 6.2 l87 connecting rod/crankshaft bearing-related engine failure.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCLRPT-25V274-8289.pdf
- static.nhtsa.gov: INIM-PE25001-11952.pdf
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCLRPT-24V797-2072.PDF
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCAK-26V083-5916.pdf
- go-parts.com
- gm-trucks.com: forums
- apnews.com: ff3ccf3c08d31a273f85e09f18343df7
- reddit.com: 2019_53v8_engine_issues_lifters
- static.nhtsa.gov: tsbs
- chucks-garage.com: common-issue-with-the-silverado-transmission
- rohnertparktransmission.com: repair-guide
- reddit.com: 2019_1500_lt_8l90_shudder
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCRIT-24V797-0763.pdf
- carcomplaints.com: Silverado_1500
- nhtsa.gov: recalls
- vehiclerecallchecker.com: 2019