This Preliminary Information communication provides steps the technician will uses to diagnose and repair vehicles that have low oil pressure after an oil change with the engine Regular Production Option Code L20, L77, L94, L96, L99, L9H, LC8, LC9, LH9, LMF, LMG, LY6, or LZ1. Vehicle may have Service Engine Soon lamp with Diagnostic Trouble Code P0521 or Low Oil Pressure message on the instrument panel. Dealer will need to determine if bulletin 10-06-01-008 was completed. If the bulletin was performed inspect the left rocker cover. Dealer will insure the left rocker can hold water without leaking. If leaks are found apply room temperature vulcanization silicone to the rocker cover if possibl
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Chevrolet Silverado engine problems
moderate 32 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
32
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 32 engine complaints filed for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 32 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN ABOUT VEHICLES THAT MAY HAVE A COLD ENGINE TICK NOISE FOR 50 SECONDS AT START UP. TECHNICIAN DETERMINES IF THE TICK NOISE IS POSSIBLY COMING FROM THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, AS THIS NOISE COULD EASILY BE MISTAKEN FOR AN ENGINE TICK NOISE. IF YOUR SI DIAGNOSIS DOES NOT ISOLATE THE CAUSE OF THIS CONCERN, THIS CONCERN SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A VEHICLE DESIGN CHARACTERISTIC OF THE ECM CALIBRATION AND NO ADDITIONAL REPAIRS SHOULD BE PERFORMED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides information on close coupled converters and there affect on newly installed engines or engines during there break in period.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides information to technicians regarding intake manifold inspection/replacement after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CADILLAC/CHEVROLET/GMC: ON SOME VEHICLES AND/OR TRUCKS, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL ILLUMINATE, AFTER AN OIL CHANGE, INDICATING LOW OIL PRESSURE AND/OR SES LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE. MODEL 2007-13 CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, YUKON, CTS-V, ESCALADE, AVALANCHE, CAMARO SS, COLORADO, CORVETTE, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 Silverado's 5.3L engine, particularly models with Active Fuel Management, consistently burns or loses oil at alarming rates—anywhere from 1 quart per 1,000 miles to 4 quarts in 2,390 miles—without visible leaks. Owners discover the problem when check engine lights and low-pressure warnings pop on, often between 30,000 and 60,000 miles. Fouled spark plugs, lifter noise, rough idle, and misfire codes (P0300, P0302) follow. Dealers respond with piecemeal fixes: oil pump replacement, lifter and camshaft rebuilds, or full engine swaps. Some owners have paid twice for the same repair after warranty expiration, while others received only a $1,000 credit toward a new GM vehicle instead of a fix.
Oil pressure sensor failures trigger false low-pressure warnings that recur within months of replacement, suggesting deeper issues with the pump or valve cover gasket. Throttle position sensors fail and cause sudden power loss or surging at speed—a serious safety hazard. One truck caught fire in the fuse box with no identifiable cause and a discontinued wiring harness, leaving the owner with an unfixable vehicle. Stability and traction control lights illuminate erratically, rough transmission shifting follows, and the engine occasionally shuts down cold with no restart pattern. A casting defect in at least one replacement engine caused failure under 150 miles. GM has issued recalls and technical service bulletins for oil consumption but denies coverage to some owners with matching part numbers and failure modes.
Same Chevrolet Silverado engine reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive oil consumption
Engine burning or losing oil rapidly without visible leaks, affecting both AFM-equipped 5.3L engines and standard variants. Owners report oil loss ranging from 1 quart per 1,000 miles to 4 quarts per 2,390 miles. Some experience fouled plugs, lifter noise, and eventual engine damage from oil starvation.
When: Typically 30,000–60,000+ miles; some units exhibit the problem from 40,000 miles onward
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops rapidly between service intervals with no visible leaks; Check engine light illuminates; Engine oil pressure warning light or low oil pressure dinging; Fouled spark plugs; Lifter noise or ticking from lower engine; Rough idle and misfire (P0300, P0302 codes); Flashing check engine light during driving
Codes mentioned: P0300, P0302, P0521
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pump replacement (~$1,075), AFM lifters and camshaft replacement, half-engine rebuild, splash guard installation on valve covers, engine soaks, full engine replacement in severe cases. Owners report costs ranging from $450 (sensor only) to engine replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued a recall bulletin (1/17/2012) acknowledging oil consumption on 2009–2013 5.3L models with AFM. TSB for valve cover splash guards issued. Some owners received $1,000 credit toward new vehicle instead of repair coverage. Limited warranty coverage after out-of-warranty date.
Oil pressure sensor failure and false low-pressure warnings
Oil pressure sensor throws low-pressure warnings that recur after replacement. Diagnostic code P0521 points to sensor or low oil condition, but replacements do not resolve the issue. Problem cycles back within months, suggesting either a faulty sensor design or related system malfunction (oil pump, valve cover gasket).
When: First occurrence around initial ownership; recurrence typically 5+ months later or at 33,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Dash low oil pressure warning; Recurrent low-pressure alerts despite adequate oil level
Codes mentioned: P0521
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pressure sensor replacement (~$450); subsequent visits result in oil change, then diagnosis of oil pump and valve cover gasket replacement (~$1,075). Dealers attribute recurring issues to oil pump wear and valve cover gasket failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response noted in narratives beyond warranty denial after expiration.
AFM (Active Fuel Management) lifter and camshaft failure
Active Fuel Management system lifters wear prematurely or fail, causing excessive carbon buildup inside the engine. Owners report cylinder deactivation issues, engine knock, and compression loss. Camshaft damage follows lifter failure due to oil starvation or design defect.
When: 33,000 miles (early failure) through 140,000 miles; some report issues from day 1 of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Cylinder misfire or single cylinder not functioning (#7 cylinder cited); Check engine light; Excessive carbon buildup in engine; Engine knock or ticking noise; Rough idle; Loss of power or limp-mode activation; Lifter or piston tapping on cold start
Repairs/costs cited: Half-engine rebuild at 33,000 miles. Engine soak and splash guard installation at 78,000 miles. Lifters and camshaft replacement. Full engine replacement if mileage too high for rebuild; dealers cite 140,000+ miles as rebuild-ineligible.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM aware per owner statement. Customer Care offered $1,000 credit toward new vehicle rather than repair coverage. No recall or TSB specific to lifter/camshaft design cited in narratives.
Throttle position sensor and electronic throttle control faults
Throttle position sensor (TPS) or throttle application sensor fails, causing loss of engine power, surging, jerking, and check engine light. High resistance in sensor circuits detected by dealership diagnostics. Problem recurs even after sensor replacement.
When: 44,475 miles; 56,000 miles (recurrence)
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced engine power or complete power loss; Check engine light illumination; Vehicle surge or jerk at speed; Risk of stall or near-stall; High idle speed after restart; Stability light and traction control light illumination
Codes mentioned: P2135
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle position sensor replacement; high-resistance sensor circuit replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response or recall cited. One owner notes similar models are covered by recall but their truck is not.
Fuel pump control module (FCPM) failure and internal shorting
Fuel pump control module (FCPM PN 20759945) shorts internally, illuminating check engine light. Module mounted externally on truck frame is poorly designed and exposed to environment. Owner cites Recall Bulletin 14515 covers this part and failure mode, but GM claims VIN is not covered despite matching part number and failure.
When: Not specified in narrative
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Internal fault detected by dealership diagnostics
Repairs/costs cited: FCPM replacement is expensive; owner states cost not covered under bulletin despite matching part number.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall Bulletin 14515 issued but GM denied coverage, citing VIN not included in bulletin scope. Owner disputes this decision.
Cylinder head casting defects and coolant loss
Suspected cracked or defective cylinder head (possibly Castech-manufactured) causes gradual coolant loss with no visible external leak. Lifter or piston tapping on cold start may accompany the issue. One narrative reports casting defect with excessive flash in water port leading to complete engine failure under 150 miles on replacement engine.
When: Before 20,000 miles (original engine failure); replacement engine failed under 150 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Gradual coolant loss without visible leak; Lifter or piston tapping on cold start; Complete engine failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement for original unit; second replacement engine also failed due to casting defect (excessive flash in coolant port).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response noted. Owner states GM is aware of the problem.
Oil relief valve malfunction
Oil relief valve stuck in closed position, preventing proper oil pressure regulation and crankcase ventilation. Fouling occurs in combustion cylinder, triggering stability control and check engine alerts with rough running.
When: 61,181 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fouling of cylinder #1; Stability Trac light illumination; Traction control light illumination; Check engine light flashing; Rough engine running
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified in narrative.
Electrical fire in fuse box and wiring harness
Fuse box and wiring harness caught fire while truck parked overnight, completely melting components. Check engine light on, third brake light on, smoke smell in cab. Dealership reports wiring harness discontinued (on 7-year-old vehicle), making repair impossible. Insurance and GM both denied coverage—insurance due to lack of fire evidence, GM due to inability to identify source.
When: Not specified; truck was 7 years old at time of incident
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Third brake light on; Smoke smell in cab; Engine will not turn over; Melted fuse box and wiring harness
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness reportedly discontinued; no repair path available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM declined responsibility, citing inability to identify fire source. Acknowledged wiring harness discontinued but did not offer alternative remedy.
Engine stalling at speed with no restart pattern
Engine suddenly shuts down during highway driving with complete loss of power. Requires pull-over and 5-minute wait before restart possible. No identifiable diagnostic pattern; failure is random and intermittent.
When: Not specified; appears to occur after extended ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown during driving; Loss of all power; Intermittent recurrence
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified in narrative.
Spark plug and ignition system issues
Spark plugs foul prematurely, crack, or fail due to oil consumption or combustion byproducts. Spark plug wire replacement does not resolve underlying cylinder misfire. Recurrence suggests root cause is not the plug or wire but engine condition (carbon, oil consumption, compression loss).
When: 39,000 miles (all plugs fouled, one cracked); 59,500 miles (cylinder 7 code, wire replaced, failure recurred)
Symptoms owners cite: Fouled or cracked spark plugs; Cylinder-specific misfire codes; Abnormal ticking noise; Stability and traction control light illumination; Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug and wire replacement; however, issues recur within months, suggesting carbon buildup or oil consumption remains unaddressed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued 1/17/2012 for oil consumption on 2009–2013 5.3L AFM models; TSB for valve cover modification to reduce oil vaporization.
Stability control and traction control system nuisance lights and hard shifting
Service Stabilitrak and traction control lights illuminate frequently during idle and while driving, disappearing and reappearing intermittently. When activated, traction control disengages and transmission begins harsh, rough shifting. Vehicle may enter limp mode with loss of engine power.
When: Not specified; appears intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Service Stabilitrak light illumination; Traction control light illumination (frequent); Traction control disabled by system; Harsh, rough transmission shifting; Loss of engine power or limp mode; Intermittent recurrence
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified in narrative.
High-pitched whining noise under hood in extreme cold
High-pitched whining noise from under hood in sub-zero temperatures, varying with engine RPM. Noise persists even when vehicle is parked. Dealership unable to diagnose; changing HVAC heat setting from floor/dash to floor only stops noise. Underlying cause unidentified.
When: Before 25,000 miles; occurs only in extreme cold (sub-zero in Fairbanks)
Symptoms owners cite: High-pitched whining noise under hood; Noise varies with engine RPM; Noise occurs even when parked; Intermittent; does not occur during dealership visits; Noise stops when HVAC heat setting changed to floor only
Repairs/costs cited: None; dealership unable to diagnose or identify repair.
Wiring harness abrasion and solenoid leak
Wiring harness rubs against solenoid, causing abrasion damage and eventual leak from the solenoid.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Solenoid leak
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified in narrative.
Synthesized from 32 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
I hear a high pitched whining noise under the hood. Varies with engine RPM, vehicle can be parked and you'll still hear it. Only happens in extreme cold situations, usually sub zero. I live in fairbanks. Other than the noise, vehicle operates just fine. It can be quite loud. This problem is intermittent. Haven't been able to make it to the dealership while it's happening. Dealership suggested…
Had engine trouble with your 2009 Chevrolet Silverado?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 32 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 24 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 44,475 and 107,000 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 44,475; a quarter make it past 107,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Chevrolet/Silverado.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.