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 ↗2010 Chevrolet Silverado engine problems
moderate 26 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
26
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 26 engine complaints filed for the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 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 26 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 7 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 PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN ON VEHICLES THAT MAY HAVE AN INTERMITTENT HIGH IDLE. IF A TECHNICIAN HAS DUPLICATED, OR THE CUSTOMER DESCRIPTION ALIGNS WITH THE SPEEDS MENTIONED IN THE IDLE SPEED DESCRIPTION TABLES, THE IDLE SPEED SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF CURRENT VEHICLE DESIGN.
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report engine stalling without warning at various speeds, with the engine shutting down completely despite functioning electrical systems. In some cases, the truck won't restart for 10+ minutes; dealer scans frequently show no stored codes, making diagnosis difficult. Multiple owners describe repeated stalling incidents—one owner reports 20+ occurrences—with no resolution from GM.
Excessive oil consumption is a recurring complaint, particularly on the 5.3L engine. Owners burn 1/2 quart to 3–4 quarts between service intervals. This fouls spark plugs (#1 and #7 cylinders commonly affected), causing misfires and rough running. GM issued service bulletins for this issue and attempted fixes including spark plug replacement and piston/ring work, but the problem persists. One owner was told the consumption rate is "normal" per GM standards.
Hydraulic lifter collapse and tapping noise plague these engines, especially between 78,000–145,000 miles. The noise typically emerges after the engine warms up and can worsen with continued driving. Independent mechanics and dealers recommend engine replacement, but most owners don't pursue repairs due to cost.
Low-oil-pressure sensors fail repeatedly, triggering false shutdown warnings that clear on restart. One owner had the sending unit replaced twice in two months with no lasting fix. Unintended acceleration, EVAP solenoid damage from road salt, and reduced-power limp-home mode also appear in the complaint set, sometimes without stored diagnostic codes to guide technicians.
Same Chevrolet Silverado engine reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling without warning
Engine shuts off completely while driving at various speeds, from highway cruise to low-speed maneuvers. Electrical systems remain operational. Repeated incidents occur with no stored diagnostic codes on initial scans.
When: Low mileage (6,300 mi) to high mileage (80,000+ mi); occurs sporadically
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while driving; No acceleration after stall; Loss of power steering and power brakes; Difficulty restarting; takes 10+ minutes in one case; Check engine light illuminated in some cases; Engine and electrical system shutdown recurring 20+ times in one case
Codes mentioned: No codes stored (reported in multiple cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer scans show no fault codes; battery replacement attempted in one case without resolution; no repair completed in most cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance provided; GM referred owner to NHTSA
Excessive oil consumption and spark plug fouling
Engine burns excessive oil between service intervals, fouling spark plugs with oil deposits and causing misfires. Related to active fuel management (AFM) system issues. Piston and ring replacement attempted; problem persists as recurring defect.
When: Begins early in ownership; 1,000–2,000 miles between occurrences; continues after repair attempts
Symptoms owners cite: Rough running / misfiring; Oil-fouled and cracked spark plugs (#1 and #7 cylinders affected); Check engine light; Engine rough idle; Oil visible on new spark plugs within 1,000 miles of AFM repair; Oil consumption 3–4 quarts between oil changes in one case; 1/2 quart in 1,000–2,000 miles in another
Codes mentioned: Misfire codes (inferred from symptoms)
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs replaced per GM service bulletin; AFM repairs performed; piston and ring replacement attempted; no long-term solution achieved; owner advised consumption is 'normal' per GM
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued service bulletins for spark plug and AFM repairs; agreed to piston/ring replacement; deemed oil consumption 'normal' per standards
Hydraulic lifter collapse and tapping noise
Collapsed or failing hydraulic lifters produce loud tapping or knocking noise from engine, typically at operating temperature. Noise worsens with engine warm-up. Engine replacement recommended in multiple cases.
When: Mid-mileage range: 78,000–145,000 miles; onset during winter or after warm-up
Symptoms owners cite: Loud tapping or knocking noise from engine; Noise begins after engine reaches operating temperature (~100°F); Engine stumbling; Check engine light in one case; Traction control system stopped message in one case
Codes mentioned: Lifter failure diagnosis
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted expensive camshaft and lifter replacement; engine replacement recommended by independent mechanic; customer parked vehicle; no repair completed in most cases; AC Delco oil supplement tried with no improvement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Canada referred customer back to dealer; no warranty extension or recall issued
Reduced engine power mode activation
Vehicle enters limp-home reduced power mode unpredictably, limiting acceleration to 15–20 mph with check engine light or 'reduced engine power' message displayed. Diagnostics show no fault codes after the event.
When: Various mileages; second incident more severe
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of engine power; Speed reduced to 15–20 mph automatically; Check engine light and 'reduced engine power' message; Engine runs rough; Cannot accelerate beyond limp-home speed; All dashboard warning lights illuminated
Codes mentioned: No OBD codes appear after event
Repairs/costs cited: Scan at repair facility yields no codes; vehicle operates normally on restart; no repair performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical service bulletin exists for this fault per owner research; no proactive notification sent to owner
Low oil pressure sensor faults
Oil pressure sending unit or sensor fails repeatedly, reporting false low oil pressure warnings that trigger 'stop engine' messages. Replacements do not resolve the recurring fault.
When: Low mileage (55,000 mi); replacements at 1/19/2016 and 3/7/2016
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil pressure warning light and 'stop engine' message; Oil pressure gauge drops as engine warms; False low readings (as low as 5 psi) despite normal cold start pressure (~30 psi); Condition repeats after engine restart
Codes mentioned: Low oil pressure sensor fault (inferred)
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pressure sending unit replaced twice within two months; repeated failure after each replacement; no resolution
Exhaust manifold bolt breakage
Exhaust manifold bolts break unexpectedly, causing check engine light illumination and potential fire hazard. Owner reports this is a common recurring problem not addressed by recall.
When: Discovered during routine vehicle inspection; specific mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Broken exhaust manifold bolt (driver-side rear); Check engine light illuminated; Potential fire risk
Codes mentioned: Check engine light triggered by exhaust leak
Repairs/costs cited: Bolt replacement (cost not specified); owner reports GM will not recall this common defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite owner report of widespread bolt breakage
Catalytic converter failure
Catalytic converter fails prematurely, necessitating replacement. Occurs alongside other drivetrain and ignition issues in one case.
When: By 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Possible performance loss (inferred from failure diagnosis)
Codes mentioned: Catalytic converter fault codes (inferred)
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replaced; cost not specified
Cold-start rough running and sluggish ignition
After sitting 6–8 hours, vehicle has difficulty starting and runs rough for the first minute. Remote start function reduces frequency of problem.
When: Occurs after overnight or extended soak periods
Symptoms owners cite: Sluggish starter engagement; Rough idle for ~1 minute after cold start; Engine will not turn over in some cold starts; Subsequent warm starts normal
Codes mentioned: No codes mentioned
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted or completed; observation only
Solenoid failure causing unintended acceleration
Engine solenoid failure causes vehicle to suddenly accelerate without driver input at low speed.
When: 6,300 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden unintended acceleration at 15–20 mph; No prior warning signs
Codes mentioned: Solenoid fault (diagnosed by dealer)
Repairs/costs cited: Solenoid replacement recommended; vehicle not repaired
EVAP vent solenoid damage from road salt and snow
EVAP vent solenoid fails due to exposure to road salt and snow, triggering check engine light.
When: 12,790 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light continuous illumination
Codes mentioned: EVAP system fault
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced and re-routed EVAP vent solenoid to prevent damage from road salt/snow
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; fix applied
Emissions canister filter fault
Emissions canister filter and harness failure triggers check engine light.
When: 43,713 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination at ~30 mph
Codes mentioned: Emissions system fault
Repairs/costs cited: Emissions canister filter kit and harness replaced by authorized dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; dealer repair completed
Engine vibration and exhaust noise at cruise RPM
Vibration felt in truck body and exhaust rattle/vibration occur only within narrow RPM band (1,300–1,500) during cruise. Exhaust backfire/pop on shutdown. Dealer attributes to cold-start conditions without further diagnosis.
When: Present from new (3,100 miles); constant during cruise in affected RPM range
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration under truck at ~40 mph and 1,300–1,500 RPM cruise; Exhaust rattling and vibration; Exhaust backfire/pop on shutdown
Codes mentioned: No codes mentioned
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer blamed cold morning conditions; no repair performed
Synthesized from 26 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet silverado 1500. After starting the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal tapping noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lifter tap was affected and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified. The…
Had engine trouble with your 2010 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 2010 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 26 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 21 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 43,713 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 51,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,713; a quarter make it past 80,000. 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/2010/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.