2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Engine Problems

Due to General Motors AFM lifter defect and oil consumption issues that have been proven faulty, #4 AFM gave out on us in February of 2026 costing us approximately $5,000 in Engine repairs on our 2013 Chevrolet Silverado plus several tow bills and the inconvenience of not having a vehicle for weeks. GM Recently lost a class action lawsuit for this issue that they have failed to fix but the lawsuit didnt pay enough to fix the issues. GM knew about the oil consumption issues and lifter failures with these vehicles since 2007 and didnt do anything. To this day, there are still issues including on new vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11729338

Incident

Feb 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light or stop sign, the vehicle experienced rough idling. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was adding engine oil every 3,000 miles. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed by the dealer that the oil consumption was normal due to the mileage on the vehicle. A year prior to the failure, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the steering wheel while turning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11716199

Incident

Feb 6, 2024

Mileage

90,000 mi

The truck lost power, starred sputtering and misfiring. I shut the engine down, restarted and was able to drive it home. This same issue occurred a couple more times but each time it was restarted it drove okay. I started doing research and found a history of this same issue being reported by other owners and upon complaining to GM, nothing was done. I stopped driving the truck and it has been sitting for 3 years now. On April 22 2024 I had the truck towed to Stingray Chevrolet to have the issue checked. I was informed that the engine was would need to be replaced at a cost estimated to be 18K. I had the truck towed back to my home and it has been sitting, until I decide what I am going to do. I have continued investigating and I have found where GM acknowledged there were engine issues that dated back from 2013/2014 more than 10 years where the same problems were reported. Several law suits were found to have been filed with some wins and some losses including class action suits. I wrote GM and asked them to step up, do the right thing and replace the engine. They refused naturally so I have been waiting, contemplating my actions but the fact still remains. GM built and sold defective engines back into the early 2000's and replaced these 5.3L V8's with another engine that there are still defects being reported. I would like for GM to fully replace the engine including all components and Auxiliary devices on my truck, at no cost to me. Give it another 100K mile guarantee and compensate me for the 3 years I have not been able to use my truck.

NHTSA ID

11712414

Incident

Feb 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the subframe of the vehicle and the rear cross member were severely rusted, causing the fuel tank to become unsecured. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. Additionally, the mechanic stated that the catalytic converter was faulty and created a fire hazard. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11703793

Incident

Oct 9, 2025

Mileage

120,000 mi

pistons replaced at 40000 miles due to technical service bulletin , now Active engine management lifters failed causing complete engine replacement , due to wiped cam and lifters and metal contamination. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11683265

Incident

Aug 10, 2025

I was sold a vehicle by a dealership with a completely unsafe frame. The frame is very rotted and has multiple holes and as well as a split open portion on the drivers side that extends down most of the frame. This issue was undisclosed by the dealer. There was also a discovery of rotted suspension components making the vehicle extremely dangerous to myself and others. Another undisclosed issue would be that this vehicles engine does not match the vin number.

NHTSA ID

11674232

Incident

Sep 26, 2024

Driving down the road and motor died, like when you run out of gas. Would not restart. Had it towed. Engine had to be rebuilt, cost over 5k. Was told by a mechanic who makes a living rebuilding 5.3 motors that motors with active fuel mgmt. and displacement on demand will fail unless your lucky. Valve springs bad, push rods bent, lifters, oil pump, exhaust and intake valves, VVT delete kit, DOD cam, etc….. I researched this problem and it is common and videos all over the internet. Chevy has known this for over 15 years yet still sells these and no recalls. I will NEVER BUY A CHEVY AS LONG AS I LIVE AND I TELL EVERYONE ABOUT THIS. Lucky I was on a country road or it would have been disaster if I was on the freeway. This caused me MAJOR HARDSHIP with my wife disabled and us both seniors, having to spend money we didn’t have.

NHTSA ID

11659271

Incident

Nov 5, 2024

4x4 light comes on every once in a while Airbag light come on says service

NHTSA ID

11656744

Incident

Apr 14, 2025

Rocker arm on left (as you are facing engine from outside vehicle) back rear left is making a cherping noise when engine gets warmed up. Dealership & 2 separate mechanics say the cam shaft and lifters need replaced, or the whole engine should be replaced. Vehicle has 162500 miles on it. Noise started about a week after my last oil change on 6/11/24.

NHTSA ID

11612019

Incident

Jun 18, 2024

I’m not completely aware of the issue but at about 68,000 miles my GM LC9 engine has started ticking. I know GM has been sued in the past for the failure of LC9 engine and wondered if I need to join the lawsuit or if there will be a recall issued?

NHTSA ID

11596291

Incident

Feb 13, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the rocker arm lifter was stuck in the open position. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11555484

Incident

Nov 8, 2023

Mileage

60,000 mi

Throughout this truck's lifespan, it's had multiple problems with the engine and fuel system. Around 70k miles, the engine had to be completely rebuilt because of the issues with oil consumption; well known GM 5.3 liter V8 issue. The oil consumption issue then started back up around 140k miles. Once the vehicle hit 100k miles, it started throwing codes for running to lean and too rich, plus it showed the alcohol (ethanol) content at 40%. I've never used E85/20/15/10, but did use 3.5% blended fuel for the first 100K miles. Since then I've switched to 91 premium which does not contain ethanol. However, me readings continue to be over 40% ethanol. All physical parts of the system, that could lead to this issue have been replaced. Recently, my mechanic happened upon Bulletin PIP4792D, which speaks directly to the issue I among countless others are having. In contacting my local dealership and GM, both declined to help unless I paid to have them correct the software issue that is causing this problem. It seems strange to me that a company would expect a consumer to pay for an update to software, when the company is the one who is the cause for the software being bad.

NHTSA ID

11544764

Incident

Sep 9, 2023

2013 Chevy Silverado has the active fuel management system, which failed and caused the cylinder 1 to have a collapsed lifter. This is a known defeat of these GM V8 5.3 lilter motors. I feel GM should be required to repair these motors free of cost to the consumer.

NHTSA ID

11539694

Incident

Aug 17, 2023

Stabiltrack System, Traction Control System, Reduced Engine Power. Since purchase of the vehicle, intermittent immediate failure or previously stated vehicle systems caused critical safety concerns for occupants and other drivers while operating. Vehicle looses power enters safety "Limp Mode" due to faulty engineering. Upon inspection by State Police and Fire/EMS, owners urged to contact vehicle manufacturer and NHTSA to report issue. Failure of system first happened around 140k miles on odometer. No safety or warning lamps were present prior to stated malfunction of vehicle. Malfunction appears now daily causing impaired drivability and serious safety concerns for occupants and fellow drivers. Messages on Dashboard State The Following. "Service Stabiltrack, Service Traction Control, Reduced Engine Power". NO Certain Cause OR Remedy from manufacturer.

NHTSA ID

11531952

Incident

Jul 12, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made rattling sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lifters and camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11523182

Incident

May 18, 2023

Mileage

150,000 mi

I bought a 2013 silverado truck with 30,000 miles. I paid $30,000. A year and half later the engine blew. It was 3 months after warranty and I had to pay $8000 to replace. 2 yrs later I heard a very disturbing noise. Mechanic assess and said frame is rusted through. Tubing, gas tank following off. Suspension so rusted it was a miracle it didn’t just fall apart. I again bring it to Chevy (now a 3rd owner in 5yrs) and they tell me they will give me $1000. I still own almost $6000 on the loan due to the engine. There are major issues with this truck. The wax coating they used and poor steel excelled the rust at a rapid pace. If you recoated this with rust resistive spray it would void all warranties. I am now 5 years in with a blown engine and rusted through frame. Chevy has no other solution except to add my balance of that truck into a new loan and buy another. They knew this issue and had multiple opportunities to fix and /or notify. The engine also has class action in a few states because if faulty oil consumption doing damage and blowing engines. There should be some major recalls. I see hundreds upon hundred of people complaining of the same thing. Now I’m out a truck with no value. Cannot work etc. Very financially devastating. GM is incredibly dishonest and knowingly selling defective trucks.

NHTSA ID

11486535

Incident

Sep 12, 2022

I was told from a mechanic that the header where my spark plugs go is wrapped do to the manufacturer and is causing the spark plugs to misfire. The truck has died at a stop, is causing the truck to run horrible. I am sorry if I am not explaining it all properly. My dad bought this truck brand new in 2013 and he passed away in 2015 and I paid of the car so I could have the memory. So I have had it and been in the truck pretty much off the lot. its has only 95 thousand miles and has had this issue always, but I was always told problems with spark plugs and coils until now. please help

NHTSA ID

11466052

Incident

Oct 30, 2014

at least once a month gives a false trailer braking error and the truck brakes itself, dash dies, driver loses control over the vehicle. It is a risk of crashing or being hit because the truck stops itself in the middle of driving without brake lights coming on to alert other drivers. No way to overcome this - can't hit the gas pedal, etc. It seems to think that you are hauling a trailer and it thinks the trailer is swaying... problem is this truck has never towed a trailer even one time... it's completely false. But also very dangerous.

NHTSA ID

11465856

Incident

May 23, 2022

I experienced a failure of the BOSCH 4.2 fuel rail pump while driving on Interstate 65 North near Louisville KY at night and my truck had a dead pedal and was unable to accelerate any and I was in the right lane going over a bridge and two tractor trailers were in each lane behind me and having been on the bridge I was unable to leave the lane of travel until I had completely transversed the bridge I was traveling over. I did engage my emergency flashers immediately but having the trucks side by side and the truck in my lane traveling at highway speeds I was almost struck from behind as the tractor trailer applied his brakes and was able to avoid the collision luckily. I took my truck to the local dealership and was told what the issue was and I had it fixed immediately. The price of the repair was $10,362.64 give or take a few dollars. I had a warranty but that company refused to pay since it's not considered part of the engine. Dodge has issued a Recall for the exact same part as far as I am understanding but yet Chevrolet/GMC has not. Thank you very much [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11453267

Incident

Sep 15, 2021

Active fuel management caused my 5.3 liter v8 valve train to fail and lost compression in a few cylinders.had to replace complete motor at 120,000 miles.at mechanics now getting a new non afm jasper engine to the tune of 8000 dollars.even with impeccable maintenance.myself being the only owner.

NHTSA ID

11450618

Incident

Dec 15, 2021

I WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK IT STARTED SHAKING, SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THAT THERE IS CARBON BUILD UP ON THE ENGINE. THERE IS ONLY SIXTY THOUSAND MILES ON THE VEHICLE. GMC SENT OUT A BULLETIN TO DEALERS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM AND SUGGESTED THE SERVICE DEPT FLUSH THE ENGINE, BUT THEY CAN NOT PROMISE ANYTHING. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT I DID NOT DRIVE THE TRUCK ENOUGH, SO THAT'S WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK THEY TOLD ME THAT IT IS A VERY CLEAN RUNNING TRUCK, NOT AS MUCH POLLUTION. SO INSTEAD OF THE CARBON BLOWING OUT THE TAILPIPE IS IT STAYING IN THE ENGINE? I DO NOT THINK THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT ALL THIS MONEY FOR SOMETHING GMC OVER LOOKED. THIS IS A PROBLEM THEY DID NOT SEE, SO THEY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EXPENSES. I MIGHT EVEN NEED A NEW ENGINE BECAUSE THEY CAN NOT BE SURE THE FLUSHING AND OIL CHANGE WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM AND IT CAN HAPPEN AGAIN.

NHTSA ID

11413602

Incident

Apr 20, 2021

TRUCK WAS PURCHASED CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED IN JUNE 2017, IN JUNE 2018 PROBLEMS AROSE INCLUDING ROUGH IDLING, SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ACTIVATION, AND STABILITRAK OFF MESSAGE ACTIVATION ON THE DASH READOUT. GENERAL MOTORS (GM) TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) #10-06-01-008M WAS ISSUED DECEMBER, 2014 TO ADDRESS THE REPAIR FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE ISSUE WAS MOTOR OIL REACHING THE #1 AND #7 CYLINDERS THUS FOULING THOSE TWO SPARK PLUGS.THE TRUCK WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE SAME SYMPTOMS APPEARED AGAIN IN AUGUST 2020 AND THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE SAME ISSUE (MIS-FIRE IN THE #7 CYLINDER) AS DESCRIBED IN THE TSB. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, GM WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR. I CHOSE TO DEAL WITH THE SYMPTOMS MYSELF WHICH INVOLVED INSTALLING NEW SPARK PLUGS IN THE TWO CYLINDERS. IN MID-MARCH OF THIS YEAR (2021), THE SYMPTOMS APPEARED AGAIN AND AGAIN THE #1 AND #7 SPARK PLUGS WERE FOULED WITH MOTOR OIL. IN EACH CASE, THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE SYMPTOMS PRESENTED. IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT STABILITRAK IS DESIGNED TO HELP PREVENT ACCIDENTS BY GIVING THE DRIVER BETTER CONTROL OF THE SILVERADO. IF A SERVICE STABILITRAK WARNING APPEARS, THE SILVERADO WILL NO LONGER BE ASSISTED WHEN A LOSS IN LATERAL TRACTION IS DETECTED. ADDITIONALLY, THE ROUGH IDLING AFFECTS ACCELERATION (LOSS OF POWER.)

NHTSA ID

11404925

Incident

Mar 24, 2021

Mileage

112,000 mi

DASH CRACKED ACROSS TOP OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND ABOVE THE AIRBAG. TOOK TRUCK IN FOR AIRBAG RECALL. WENT TO PICK UP TRUCK FROM RECALL AND FOUND A BIG HOLE ABOUT 3 INCHES IN THE TOP OF MY DASH BESIDE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. I WAS NOT WARNED BY SERVICE DESK OF POSSIBLE DAMAGE FORM AIR BAG REPLACEMENT NOR WAS I INFORMED BY SERVICE DESK WHEN THE DAMAGE WAS DONE. NOTHING WAS SAID WHEN I PICKED UP MY TRUCK. I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE DAMAGE A WAS TOLD IT WAS DUE TO UV RAYS. TRUCK HAS 60,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN KEPT IN GARAGE. THEY DID NOT EVEN CLEAN UP THE DASH WHEN THEY WERE DONE. I CAN;T DRIVE THE TRUCK WITH FAMILY MEMBERS IN IT BECAUSE I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE. WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO PUT IN A NEW DASH JUST TO BE ABLE TO TRADE IT OFF. IT IS JUST NOT RIGHT. ANOTHER ISSUE WAS WITH THE ENGINE AND WAS TURNED INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN IT HAS 36,000 MILES. THE ENGINE HAS A MISS WHEN IN PARK OR SETTING AT A LIGHT. THE RPM DROPS 150- 200 RPMS CONTINUOUSLY. AFTER THEY HAD THE TRUCK FOR 3 DAYS I WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL. IT WAS THE COMPUTER ADJUSTING FOR EMISSIONS. MAYBE BUT WHY DID THEY GIVE ME A GM STORE VOUCHER FOR 500 DOLLARS? TO BUY ME OFF, SHUT ME UP. WHO KNOWS. IT JUST AIN'T RIGHT.

NHTSA ID

11404568

Incident

Mar 23, 2021

Mileage

60,315 mi

LIFTER TICKING AND LIFTER COLLAPSE. STABILITY AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM WORKING IMPROPERLY AND FLASHED ON AND OFF AND THE TRUCK STARTED TO HESITATE AND JERK. OIL CONSUMER IS EXCESSIVE. THIS ALL OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WITHOUT ANY PRIOR PROBLEM. THERE WERE NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR OTHER 'IDIOT LIGHT' WARNINGS BEFORE THE LIFTER CLICKING STARTED OR THE STABILITY AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ACTED UP.

NHTSA ID

11378092

Incident

Nov 30, 2020

Mileage

79,000 mi

I OWN A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 WITH 71,453 MILES . THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED REGULARLY AND I RECENTLY NOTICED AN OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE. AFTER A VISIT TO MY USUAL SERVICE GARAGE AND SUBSEQUENTLY A CERTIFIED DEALER., THE PROBLEM WAS ACKNOWLEDGED. I CALLED CHEVROLET USA AND OPENED A FILE BASED ON MY INFORMATION. AT ONE POINT MY TRUCK COMPUTER WARNED TO PULL OVER AND NOT DRIVE ANY FURTHER DUE TO LOW OIL. UPON INSPECTION THERE WAS NO EXTERNAL REASON FOR THE FACT THAT THE OIL WAS LOW. THE VEHICLE HAS REGULAR OIL CHANGES WITH MOBIL 1 SYNTHETIC. AFTER CHECKING CHEVROLET 5.3 LITER ENGINE ISSUES I FOUND THAT A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT WAS FILED REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE AS MINE. THE SUIT DID NOT GO ANYWHERE BUT THE ISSUE SEEMS TO BE THE SAME THAT MY TRUCK IS EXPERIENCING. IT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY ANY LONGER BUT HAD ONLY 71,453 MILES AT THE TIME OF ISSUE RECOGNITION. CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE BASICALLY DISMISSED MY COMPLAINT SAYING THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO BECAUSE THERE'S NO RECALL OR GM BULLETIN. THE DEALER SOLUTION IS A PISTON AND RING REPLACEMENT FOR $ 6,999.95 WHICH IS BASICALLY AN ENGINE REBUILD (BUT NOT A COMPLETE ONE). IN ADDITION, THEY WILL INSTALL WHAT WAS REFERRED TO AS A BALLAST WHICH WOULD SOLVE THE CONSUMPTION ISSUE SUPPOSEDLY. IF THIS IS TRUE THEN I ASSUME THAT THERE IS AN INHERENT ISSUE. ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE IS TO CHECK YOUR OIL EVERY 1000 MILES AND IF YOU ARE LOW THEN ADD IT. NONE OF THIS MAKES SENSE WITH A VEHICLE THAT COST OVER $40,000 WITH 71,000 PLUS MILES. I AM REGISTERING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE I AM FRUSTRATED AND DISAPPOINTED. THIS I AM SURE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ID

11376367

Incident

Nov 16, 2020

Mileage

71,453 mi