Known Issues Database

Active Fuel Management (AFM) and Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) lifters collapse prematurely, especially on 5.3L V8 engines. One of the most widespread and costly issues affecting this generation.

Torque converter shudder at 30–50 mph under light throttle, primarily in the 8L90 8-speed automatic. Feels like driving over rumble strips. GM issued TSB 18-NA-355 addressing the condition.

TSB: 18-NA-355

Brake rotors warp prematurely — often well before the 30,000-mile mark — leading to pedal pulsation and vibration under braking. More common on 2019–2021 models. May be related to OEM rotor metallurgy.

A clunking or popping noise when turning at low speeds is a widespread complaint on 2019–2023 Silverados. The intermediate steering shaft u-joint develops play and produces audible clunks during parking maneuvers and slow turns. GM issued TSB 19-NA-240.

TSB: 19-NA-240

Dashboards on 2019–2021 Silverados crack and split near the defroster vent openings, especially in high-heat or high-UV climates. The hard plastic material used around the vent area is prone to stress fractures and is a documented cosmetic concern.

The direct-injection high-pressure fuel pump on 2019–2022 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines can fail, causing hard starts, no-start conditions, and loss of power under acceleration. Failure is sometimes preceded by a ticking noise near the top of the engine.

The 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder consumes abnormal amounts of oil between changes — some owners report needing to add a quart every 1,000–2,000 miles. Root cause traced to piston ring design allowing oil to burn off into combustion.

The center touchscreen goes completely black, freezes, or becomes unresponsive — sometimes mid-drive. Most prevalent on 2018–2020 models. Tied to the Bosch head unit used in that generation.

The 3.6L V6 LGX engine is known for timing chain guides wearing and chains stretching prematurely. Left unaddressed, a jumped timing chain can cause catastrophic engine damage. Earlier oil change intervals are strongly recommended.

The 9-speed automatic can exhibit harsh, clunky shifts especially on 1-2 and 2-3 gear changes. Some owners describe it as feeling like being rear-ended at low speeds. Both software and hardware paths exist for resolution.

The front trunk (frunk) latch can fail to open or close properly, sometimes leaving the frunk unlatched during driving. NHTSA issued a formal recall covering this defect — repairs are fully covered under the recall at no cost.

Recall: NHTSA 22V-573

The dual-clutch automatic (DCT) in Z51-equipped C8s can overheat during aggressive or track driving, triggering a "Performance Limited" dashboard message and reducing power output. Software updates have partially addressed thermal management.

The 2.7L Turbo-4 exhibits a noticeable hesitation or stumble when accelerating from a complete stop, particularly in lower power tunes. Most pronounced in base and LT trims. ECU calibration updates have improved but not fully resolved the behavior for all owners.

Similar to the Silverado's torque converter shudder, the 8-speed automatic in the 2023+ Colorado exhibits shudder or vibration at highway cruise speeds under light throttle — most noticeable in the 45–65 mph range. The condition is caused by torque converter clutch slip.

A subset of 2023+ Colorado owners report intermittent electrical issues including phantom warning lights, infotainment system resets, and unexplained error messages that clear on their own. Ground wire integrity and software calibration are the most commonly identified culprits.

The air compressor for the optional Magnetic Ride Control / air ride suspension fails prematurely on many 2021+ Tahoe and Suburban units. Warning lights illuminate and the vehicle may default to a firm, non-adjustable ride height.

Water intrudes around the rear window seal, leading to wet cargo areas, potential mold growth, and electrical issues in the hatch area. The factory sealant application around the fixed rear glass is inconsistent on many units.

The 10L80 10-speed automatic produces a noticeable clunk or thud when slowing down or braking at low speeds. The condition is traced to the valve body calibration and torque converter behavior. Multiple NHTSA complaints filed across 2021–2024 production.

A common complaint on 2021–2022 Tahoes and Suburbans is the rear HVAC zone blowing warm or insufficiently cool air. Often caused by low refrigerant charge from the factory or a faulty rear expansion valve restricting refrigerant flow to the rear evaporator.

Auto-deploying power running boards on optioned Tahoes and Suburbans stick in the deployed position, fail to retract, or fail to deploy at all. The electric motor and linkage assembly are susceptible to corrosion and debris intrusion, especially in northern states where road salt is used.

A common complaint across all 6th-gen Camaro body styles is structural creaking and groaning over bumps and rough pavement. Body mount bushings and door/roof weatherstripping are the most common noise sources, and the issue appears across trims and model years.

MRC-equipped Camaros can develop leaking or failed magnetorheological shocks, especially after track use or at higher mileage. Failed shocks produce a harsh, uncontrolled ride and may trigger a suspension warning message. The fluid-filled MRC shocks are not rebuildable and must be replaced.

The LT1 6.2L V8 in SS and higher trims can consume notable oil under hard driving or track use. The PCV system design allows oil mist ingestion at sustained high RPM, and some owners report losing 1 quart per 3,000–5,000 miles under spirited street or track driving.

The 1.2L 3-cylinder turbo in the new Trax has a noticeable hesitation and flat spot when pulling away from stops, especially before the turbocharger spools up. Owners describe it as sluggish off the line. GM has addressed this with ECU calibration updates.

Widely noted by owners and reviewers: the rear seat on the 2024+ Trax is cramped for adult passengers, with limited legroom and high floor intrusion from the battery and chassis packaging. Not a defect — it is a known platform trade-off at this price point and body size.

The 9-speed automatic in the Blazer frequently cycles through multiple gears during moderate highway acceleration before settling, and can't decide on a gear during partial throttle at 45–65 mph. Distinct from low-speed hesitation, this is a shift calibration issue.

The auto start-stop system on Blazers can engage and disengage roughly, causing a noticeable shudder when the engine restarts at stoplights. Some owners also report the system failing to re-enable after manual shutoff, or not shutting the engine off when conditions should allow it.

The 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder in the Malibu shares its architecture with the Equinox 1.5T and carries the same well-documented excessive oil consumption problem. Affected engines consume up to 1 quart per 2,000 miles. GM extended warranty coverage on this engine family after widespread complaints.

Water enters the trunk on 2016–2020 Malibus through degraded trunk weatherstripping and seam sealer at the rear body panel joints. Owners discover a wet spare tire well, damp trunk carpeting, and sometimes mold growth after heavy rain or car washes.