Years affected, the mileage it usually shows up at, and what fixes it
About this problem
Valve lifters sit between the camshaft and the valves. On engines with cylinder deactivation, some lifters switch off to save fuel, which makes them more complicated and more prone to sticking. A collapsed or seized lifter causes a ticking noise, misfires and a check engine light, and it can damage the camshaft. The repair means opening up the engine, so costs run high.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 since 2012, 640 (6.6%) describe lifter failure and engine ticking, the second most reported problem we track on the Silverado 1500. The reports cluster on the 2019, 2020 and 2021 model years, and the 2021 drew the most, with 165. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 49,000 and 107,000 miles. 3 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Chevrolet has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Owners of 2019 to 2021 Silverados with the 5.3- and 6.2-liter V8s report ticking, misfires and engines that lost power. Many cases are traced to failed valve lifters, which can damage the camshaft. General Motors recalled some trucks with the 6.2-liter engine for engine problems.
How it gets fixed
The repair is replacing the lifters, and often the camshaft. Check the VIN for open recalls and service programs.
Typical cost: A lifter and camshaft repair typically costs $3,000 to $5,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"My truck had an afm collapsed lifter failure. It occurred under a hard acceleration event to change lanes. The dealer replaced the lifter, returning the vehicle to me. I got down the road, tested it under hard acceleration and it happened again!"
2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 83,000 miles
"What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The component that failed is the lifter in my 2021 GM truck, which caused severe engine damage."
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
"GM 6.2 engine recently tested for the national recall regarding valve and lifter issues. Recall was cleared as ok, but they found burnt cylinders in multiple areas within the engines."
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Chevrolet has sent dealers 109 bulletins that mention this problem on the Silverado 1500. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Customer Satisfaction Program - Certain vehicles may have a condition in which the engine lifter bores may be oversized.
This bulletin advises the technician that if the code sets, verify the sensor then inspect the engine oil pump for a sticking valve that may cause the MIL to illuminate.
This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
This bulletin advises the tech that the Exhaust Roller Follower may be the issue with the engine Ticking noise, misfire or rough run and what to replace if found the cause.
This bulletin advises the technician to Inspect the position of the head gasket locating tabs to determine if the head gasket(s) has been possibly installed backwards to correct a concern of an Engine Thermostat Tick Noise and/...
This Preliminary information communicates that a vehicle may exhibit a misfire condition resulting in misfire codes P0300-P0308.
Before you buy a Silverado 1500
- Listen for ticking at idle and misfires under load.
- Ask for engine repair records and scan for misfire codes.
- Check the VIN for open recalls.
Questions
Which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years have lifter failure and engine ticking?
Complaints are highest for the 2019, 2020, 2021 model years. The 2021 drew the most, with 165 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 76,000 miles, and half reported it between 49,000 and 107,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A lifter and camshaft repair typically costs $3,000 to $5,000.