2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Engine

I am writing about my recent engine failure on my 2016 Chevy Silverado High Country. This is a 4x4 with the 6.2L motor. My engine has failed at only 66,790 miles due to the lifter issue that seems to be common with these motors. I noticed a loud ticking from my motor that was getting worse. I took it into A1 Automotive Georgetown, TX. They advised me to contact a dealership for Warranty repair or replacement as they noted it was coming from the valves. I contacted Don Hewlett Chevrolet; they advised me due to the date of the truck being made in 2016 it is no longer covered in warranty and the advisor said they do not see engines with lifter issues. I did standard service with an oil and transmission change using the recommended 0W-20W oil. The next day the ticking was very bad and turned into what I would describe as ‘jack hammer’ noises. Then I lost power while driving and the dashboard lights came on. I got towed back to A1 Auto; they drained the oil and noticed a lot of metal fragments and advised me that theck engine will need to be replaced. The engine was removed and we found the pushrod on the passenger side was sticking out to the side of the rocker arm presumably due to a lifter issue. I now have a new engine with the ‘delete kit’ to remove the 4-cylinder shutoff that has been linked to lifter failures. This has been a very unnecessary expense for something that shouldn’t happen. The motor only having 66,790 miles and I am the only owner, I have always taken very good care of it, and even use only premium gas. I have gotten all the oil changes on time and most of them have been done by the dealership at Don Hewlett. Date of ticking inspection and oil change, A1 Auto – 12/16/2025 miles 66,766 Date of failure 12/17/2025 miles 66,790 Charges: •Towing $235 •Engine replacement $14,064.90 oEngine $8,375 oLabor $3,750 oInjectors $1042 oOil, Tax, misc. $897

I am reporting a manufacturing defect involving General Motors’ Active Fuel Management (AFM) system that caused catastrophic engine failure in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado (VIN: [XXX] ). At approximately 78,000 miles, my vehicle experienced piston and lifter failure requiring full engine replacement. This failure occurred without warning and aligns with thousands of consumer complaints regarding AFM-related oil consumption, lifter collapse, and engine damage in GM vehicles. This is a known design defect that GM has addressed through Technical Service Bulletins and engine redesigns, yet many consumers continue to experience premature failures at low mileage. This defect presents a safety and reliability concern, including loss of power while driving and significant financial burden to vehicle owners. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this ongoing defect. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] VIN: [XXX] 2016 Chevrolet Silverado INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I am reporting a manufacturing defect involving General Motors’ Active Fuel Management (AFM) system. In October 2024, my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT, at 96,000 miles, experienced a lifter collapse which caused sufficient wear to the camshaft that the engine needed to be replaced, which was performed. The malfunction indicator lamp turned on and the truck was driven an additional 2 miles to a safe location and subsequently towed to the repair shop. Before then, there had been no indication that a lifter had collapsed or that there was damage to the engine sufficient to warrant a replacement. In November 2025, I experienced another lifter collapse (on the replaced engine). While the mechanic recommended an engine replacement, the warranty company only authorized a replacement of the affected side cylinder head and lifter, which was performed. In February 2026, I experienced another lifter collapse, and the truck is currently being evaluated by a repair shop. These failures have occurred without warning and aligns with thousands of consumer complaints regarding AFM-related oil consumption, lifter collapse, and engine damage in GM vehicles. This is a known design defect that GM has tried to address through Technical Service Bulletins and engine redesigns, yet many consumers continue to experience premature failures at low mileage. This defect presents a safety and reliability concern, including loss of power while driving and significant financial burden to vehicle owners. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this ongoing defect.

It is commonly known the Chevy 5.3 and 6.2 engines have lifter problems. Not sure why there has not been some sort of recall done already.

65,300 miles on my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado with the 5.3 liter engine. Engine lifter and camshaft failure due to the AFM/DFM system. Now my truck is being worked on as we speak by a performance shop who says these seem to be a normal occurrence. Some with more miles and some with less millage. After doing some research online, this is a very common problem. And on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook there is a lot of people having same issues. My question is why isn't this being looked into. I've asked other mechanics, speed shops, and including a Chevrolet Dealer mechanic and he said yes that AFM/DFM is a major problem. But no recall from GM. Please help. This is not a cheap repair, and It's definitely unfair to many others that will have these same issues.

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Engine camshaft is out only 105k on vehicle. $6k to fix for it to just happen again which these trucks are known for this which is a huge manufacturer flaw. Driving down the hwy and check engine turned on quickly and whole truck shaking had to pull over going 60mph small shoulder on hwy. Taken to 2 mechanics both told me have to pull heads replace camshaft lifters. For this to be a known issue with these motors they put out and cost people thousands and risking safety is unreal

Going down Highway about 60 mph slowed down to make a turn after turn engine started skipping and making a noise, lifter failed

Right now I don't have a problem with my 6.2 motor but I have a TSB on valve lifter repair it states that any unsold vehicle on the lot or in transit before it is sold the lifters must be replaced but it doesn't say anything about the ones that were sold to be fixed the # of the TSB from GM is N212353840 if you would like to see it thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started driving rough. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine lifters had failed, and an engine cylinder rod had been damaged. The engine rod and lifters were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000.

THE TRUCK HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS SINCE A MONTH AFTER WE GOT IT TOOK IT TO THE DEALERS THEY ALWAYS SAID NOTHING WRONG WITH TIME IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE IS PUSHING IT AND THEN STOPS FOR A BIT AND IT MAKES A LOUD SOUND FEELS LIKE TRAMSMITTION

I brought my truck into the dealership for a routine oil change. They notified me that my radiator is leaking and needs to be replaced. They stated that there is a small leak in the lower right corner of the radiator. I did not notice and fluids leaking from the radiator prior or did not smell any coolant from the engine. The leak did not trigger any warning lights inside of the vehicle. I did notice on a few occasions that the coolant levels looked low and added more to the system. My truck only has 60k miles on it. After researching this issue I've learned that this is a fairly common problem for 2014-2018 Silverados and that Chevy will only fix the 2014's.

AFM/DOD leafters collapse

Transmission failure at 141,000 miles while driving on highway.

I developed a oil leak in my oil cooling lines. I don't know why there is a recall for the 2019 Silverado and not my 2016 for the same problem. I reference GM Customer Satisfaction Program number: N212326940.

Radiator leaks because of excessive cycling of thermostat. See also Bulletin number PI1513F

Radiator leaking coolant from the driver side. Vehicle has only 80,000 miles. A/C condenser also leaking driver side crack in condenser. Known issue by Chevy and no recalls have been made.

Engine overheating when pulling a trailer uphill. A simular problem also occurred with the transmission fluid reaching 212 degrees. Both incidents did occur on a hot days in California. Responded by turning on the heat in the summer time which solved the temporary engine overheating problem. Engine coolant was at the proper level and had not exceeded the manufactures 5 year 50,000 mile life time. This despite the truck being sold specifically rated for trailer towing with me neither overloading, exceeding tow rating or exceeding 55 mph. When this occurred.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER FINDLAY CHEVY BUICK GMC (2565 LAUGHLIN VIEW DR, BULLHEAD CITY, AZ 86429, (928)754-3400) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE LIFTERS AND CAMSHAFT TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 79,000.*DT*LN

THIS IS MY FAMILY AUTO I USUALLY USE ONLY ON WEEKENDS THREE WEEKS AGO ENGINE LIGHT COME OUT I TOOK TO THE MECHANIC SHOP FOR A TEST AND THEY TOLD ME THIS LOOKS AS NEED A RECALL FROM THE MANUFACTURER DEALER THE TRUCK RUNS GOOD WITH OUT PROBLEM BUT THE ENGINE LIGHT COME OUT I WILL UPLOAD WHAT'S THE SHOP SAYS

I WAS IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THERE WAS NO FLUID IN MY RADIATOR. UPON INSPECTION THE RADIATOR HAD CRACKED AND WAS LEAKING AT THE SEAM RIGHT CORNER. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS THE 7TH ONE THEY HAD DONE THIS SEASON. I LIVE IN MASS NEAR OCEAN. IT WAS A RAINY DAY AND MY WINDOWS WERE UP. THERE WERE NO FUMES, NO WARNING LIGHTS TO ALERT ME SOMETHING WAS GOING WRONG WITH THE HEATING COOLING SYSTEM.. THE CONCERN WAS MY TRUCK WASN'T THE FIRST TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR DEALERSHIP. THE SAME DEALERSHIP MCGEE RAYNHAM MA HAS BEEN THE ONLY COMPANY TO WORK ON MY TRUCK.

COOLANT LEAK ON DRIVER SIDE OF RADIATOR. THIS CAUSES TRUCK TO OVERHEAT WHEN DRIVING ON CITY STREETS OR HIGHWAYS & AT IDLE ON OCCASION. IT CAUSES TRUCK TO OVERHEAT EVERY TIME WHEN HAULING A LOAD(PULLING A TRAILER AND/OR BOAT) ON CITY STREETS & HIGHWAYS. I CAN VISIBLY SEE COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR. DRIVING WITH THE AC ON MAKES THE OVERHEATING WORSE.

AC CONDENSER CRACKING BLOWING HOT AIR

AT 44,000 MILES THE OIL PAN LEAKED. TOOK IT TO CHEVY DEALERSHIP, HAD IT FIXED. I HAVE 47000 MILES ON IT NOW. SAME ISSUE HAPPENED, TOOK IT TO CHEVY DEALERSHIP, THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS THE OIL PAN AND HAS TO ORDER A WHOLE NEW OIL PAN. THEN THE DEALERSHIP CALLS ME BACK AND TELLS ME I HAVE BAD OIL COOLING LINES, BUT WANTS ME TO PAY FOR IT. NO WAY, SORRY. CHEVY NEEDS TO STOP MAKING CHEAP JUNK. TRUCK IS 3 YRS OLD AND LESS THEN 50K MILES. I HAVE HAD A FEW OTHER ISSUES WITH THIS TRUCK IN THE 3 YRS TIME. OIL COOLING LINES KEEPS THE OIL INSIDE THE ENGINE FROM GETTING TO HOT. IT CAN BE A HAZARD FOR THE LINES TO LEAK AND OR THE OIL TO GET TO HOT AND RUIN THE ENGINE CAUSING MAJOR ISSUES WITH PUTTING BUILDS ALL OVER THE HIGHWAYS. OIL COOLING LINES SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN A POWERTRAIN WARRANTY AND NOT BUMPER TO BUMPER. SOMETHING LIKE THESE OIL COOLING LINES ONLY LAST FOR 3 YRS SHOULD OR LESS THAN 50K MILES IS UNCALLED FOR AND SHOULD BE REPLACED UNDER A RECALL! PERIOD! CHEVY AND GM HAS WENT THE CHEAP ROUTE AND THEIR VEHICLES ARE NOT WORTH THE MONEY. WILL NEVER, EVER TELL SOMEONE TO BUY A AMERICA MADE PRODUCT LIKE CHEVY/GM.

THE TRUCK IS LESS THAN 3 YRS OLD WITH ONLY 23671 MILES. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. P050D CODE AND THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO DOWN SHIFT HARD AT TIMES WHEN SLOWING DOWN. DEALER SAID THERE WAS CARBON BUILD UP ON CYLINDER 1 VALVES THAT CAUSED THEM TO STICK AND A MISFIRE. I FOUND IT INTERESTING THAT CYLINDERS 1-4-6-7 ARE THE CYLINDERS THAT SHUT DOWN FOR AFM ACTIVE FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WHEN IT GOES INTO V4 MODE. DEALER SAID IT WAS NOT RELATED. SAID IT WAS POOR FUEL. SAID I NEED TO RUN TOP TIER DETERGENT FROM SELECT GAS STATIONS. THAT IS THE FIRST TIME ANYONE HAS TOLD ME THIS. THAT'S NOT IN THE OWNERS MANUAL AND NO ONE TOLD ME I WOULD NEED TO USE SPECIAL GAS STATIONS WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK BRAND NEW. I THEN TOLD HIM THE TWO STATIONS I USE ARE MOBIL AND SUNOCO. BOTH OF WHICH ARE ON THE TOP TIER FUEL DISTRIBUTOR LIST. INTERESTING FACT: TOP TIER FUELS IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF GENERAL MOTORS. THEY FAILED TO MENTION THAT WHEN THEY TOLD ME ABOUT MY "POOR FUEL" WHICH IS APPARENTLY A LICENSED GM PRODUCT. I WAS TOLD IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN I WOULD HAVE TO PAY AS IT WOULD LIKELY BE OUTSIDE THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY PERIOD (36 MOS). APPARENTLY THE FUEL SYSTEM IS NOT PART OF THE POWER TRAIN? FOUND NOTHING WITH THE TRANSMISSION. NOT SURPRISED. LAST NEW CHEVROLET I WILL EVER BUY.