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 ↗2014 Chevrolet Silverado engine problems
moderate 94 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
94
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 94 engine complaints filed for the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 94 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 3 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.
GMC/CHEVROLET/CADILLAC: INFORMATION PROVIDED ON SOME VEHICLES AND SUV, FOR REPLACEMENT OF CRANKSHAFT, FOR ENGINE REPAIR AND OIL TANK AND LINES WOULD BE REPLACED ON DRY SUMP ENGINES WHEN REPAIRING AND/OR REPLACING. MODEL 2014-16 CORVETTE, SILVERADO, SIERRA, 2016 CTS-V, 2015-16 ESCALADE, SUBURBAN, TAHOE, YUKON, YUKON XL.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CHEVROLET/GMC: ON TRUCKS/SUVS AFTER HAVING AN OIL AND FILTER CHANGE, THE PRESSURE FOR OIL IS LOW AND SES LIGHT HAD DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0521 APPEAR. MODEL 2014-15 SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GMC/CHEVROLET: TO ASSIST ENGINEERING PRODUCT FEEDBACK, PARTS FOR DURAMAX DIESEL ENGINE, HAS BEEN PLACED ON RESTRICTIONS, BY PRODUCT QUALITY CENTER (PQC). MODEL 2010-16 DURAMAX.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the IP to body harness connector to correct a customer concern for intermittent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated with Reduced Engine Power displayed and DTC P2138 set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Silverado shows a pattern of catastrophic engine failures—vacuum pump collapse leading to metal debris in the oil system, AFM/lifter lockup causing bent pushrods and camshaft damage, and complete loss of compression in individual cylinders. Several owners report sudden stalling at highway speed with no warning, forcing unpowered coasting to roadside. Oil pressure warnings and rod knock noise precede total engine seizure. Owners describe metal shavings mixed with coolant after severe damage, indicating internal wear and contamination.
Oil cooling system failures are widespread: radiators cracking from thermostat overcycling, oil mixing with coolant, and compromised oil cooler lines. Early catalytic converter failure occurs even on low-mileage vehicles, sometimes coupled with engine misfire and black smoke from exhaust.
A/C compressor seizure due to inadequate compressor oil and condenser fractures causing refrigerant leaks appear frequently. Several owners report repeated A/C failures and difficulty obtaining diagnostic clarity from dealers.
Electrical gremlins include hard starting or no-crank conditions despite new batteries and replacement starters (sometimes factory-installed incompatible parts), random engine stalling in cold weather, and intermittent loss of power during acceleration with no check engine light initially present.
Dealers frequently refuse warranty coverage citing mileage limits (5–6 years) or claiming the owner's maintenance shop selection voids coverage. Owners report multiple recall issues and mention a known AFM defect discussed in owner forums. Some cite pending class action lawsuits.
Same Chevrolet Silverado engine reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Vacuum pump failure and metal debris in oil system
Vacuum pump fails, pumps metal debris back into oil/lubrication system, destroying oil pump and leading to complete engine failure. Reported as a known defect in blogs and forums.
When: Under 52,000 miles (Narrative #1); occurs as a matter of timing once pump fails
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure warning message with beep tone; Engine stalling; Multiple diagnostic codes appearing after initial reset
Codes mentioned: P0324 (Knock Sensor), P0521 (Engine Oil Pressure Performance), P06DD (Engine Oil Pressure Control Solenoid Valve Stuck Off)
Repairs/costs cited: Rebuild engine quoted at $7,200 with 12-month warranty; teardown and oil pan removal cost $970
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM dropped powertrain warranty to 60K miles for 2016–2017 models (previously longer). Vacuum pump warrantied only to 36K miles.
AFM/DFM lifter lockup and camshaft/pushrod damage
Active Fuel Management rockers lock into wrong position during cylinder deactivation transition. Causes bent lifters, bent pushrods, and camshaft damage. Multiple occurrences reported on same vehicle; third incident resulted in $10k parts cost, $16k full engine replacement quote.
When: Occurs at various mileages (88K, 98K, 108K, 147K miles reported); no consistent early-life pattern
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfire and loss of power while driving; Random miss at idle and while driving; Jerking and hesitation to pick up speed; Ticking/knocking noise from engine; Sudden loss of power on highway requiring pull-over
Codes mentioned: P0300 (Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire), AFM/DFM system codes (specific codes not listed in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Lifter replacement; pushrod and camshaft damage in severe cases; quoted repairs $3,500–$16,000 depending on severity; one independent mechanic recommended AFM bypass
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Initial repairs under warranty; subsequent failures denied after warranty expiration (5-year mark); service manager at Lou Fusz Chevrolet reported handling 10–15 vehicles per month with same AFM issue; GM did not provide formal response to owner complaints; no recall issued despite class action lawsuit mentioned
Oil pressure control solenoid and knock sensor faults
Engine oil pressure control solenoid sticks off, oil pressure sensor detects low pressure, knock sensor fails. Often correlates with vacuum pump failure.
When: Under 52,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil pressure warning message; Engine beeping warning tone; Check engine light with multiple codes; Normal oil level and condition on inspection
Codes mentioned: P0324 (Knock Sensor Circuit), P0521 (Engine Oil Pressure Performance), P06DD (Engine Oil Pressure Control Solenoid Stuck Off)
Repairs/costs cited: Not separately repaired in narratives; failures appear tied to vacuum pump collapse and oil system contamination
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Feldman Chevrolet denied warranty coverage as out-of-warranty; referred to GM complaint department
Radiator cracking and oil-coolant mixing
Radiator develops stress cracks from thermostat overcycling, causing coolant leaks and engine oil entering cooling system. Occurs in low-mileage vehicles. GM issued Special Coverage Bulletin 15829 but only for certain VINs and up to 100K miles/5 years, leaving some owners unqualified.
When: 20,259–71,000 miles; reported as early as 27K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant smell near front of truck; Coolant leaks; Oil in coolant reservoir; Overheating (implied by cracking)
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement $900–$1,300; thermostat replacement; some owners quoted $1,840 for radiator/oil cooler assembly; GM refused coverage citing non-GM maintenance shop used for oil changes
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special Coverage Bulletin 15829 issued but applies only to certain VINs within 5-year/100K-mile window; GM refused coverage in some cases where bumper-to-bumper warranty expired; offered 70% coverage reimbursement in one case (#29)
Oil cooler/oil filter leaks
Engine oil leaks from oil cooler lines and oil filter. Replacement filter PF63E causes repeated leaks on same vehicle while original PF63 did not.
When: Occurs after oil changes; 7,000 miles on filter replacement issue
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking from oil filter housing; Oil leaking from oil cooler lines
Repairs/costs cited: Oil filter replacement; alternative part (PF63E) fails where original (PF63) succeeds
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of filter issue per narrative #32; no corrective action mentioned
Catalytic converter premature failure
Catalytic converter fails at very low mileage or from internal engine damage (oil sludge, combustion debris, metal fragments). Multiple narratives link converter failure to engine damage, misfire, or AFM issues.
When: 10,383 miles (new truck, 4.5 months old); also 46K–180K miles as secondary failure from engine damage
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (P0420 code bank 1); Rattling or clogging from exhaust; Reduced engine power; Black smoke from exhaust; Engine misfire preceding failure
Codes mentioned: P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1)
Repairs/costs cited: Converter replacement cost varies; one used-truck buyer's repair paid by seller (G&S Auto, All Pro Automotive evaluation); early failure on new truck suggests manufacturing defect or inadequate emissions control tuning
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB mentioned for converter longevity; issue treated as emission system failure outside warranty in some cases
A/C compressor seizure from insufficient oil
A/C compressor seizes due to lack of compressor oil; destroys serpentine belt and engine accessories. Occurs in low-mileage vehicle (27K–39K miles).
When: 27,000–39,450 miles
Symptoms owners cite: A/C stops cooling, then blows hot air; Engine belt squealing; Smoke from engine compartment; A/C compressor engaging automatically when fan turns on
Repairs/costs cited: A/C compressor replacement and serpentine belt replacement; one owner paid $1,000 out-of-pocket; repair typically $1,000–$1,800
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall; TSB mentioned in narratives (#5, #7) but not formally provided to owners; dealers cite TSB PIT5337 in some cases with replacement bracket GM23264893
A/C condenser fracture and refrigerant leak
A/C condenser fractures or develops leaks, losing refrigerant. Compressor fails as a result. Multiple occurrences with some recurrence after repair.
When: 46,000–79,038 miles
Symptoms owners cite: A/C blows hot air or room-temperature air; Refrigerant leak (green liquid under vehicle in one case); Loss of cooling after period of hot-sun exposure
Repairs/costs cited: Condenser replacement; some owners not repaired due to indefinite backorder; repeat failure one year after repair in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer states condenser covered under bumper-to-bumper warranty but not emissions warranty due to refrigerant leak classification; case escalation promised but not delivered in some cases; one case (#22) involved class action lawsuit allegation, dealer refused assistance
Engine stalling without warning at low speed
Engine cuts off suddenly while driving low speeds (10–55 MPH) with no check engine light initially. Vehicle restarts and runs normally or continues to misfire and hesitate.
When: Various mileages from 42K to 115K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine shutdown while driving; Delayed warning lights (check engine light may appear after restart or not at all); Loss of power steering (in one case); Ability to restart and resume normal operation; Jerking and hesitation after restart
Codes mentioned: Camshaft-related codes (specific codes not detailed in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to duplicate problem in multiple cases; no repairs performed in most cases; owners advised to continue driving until failure recurs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM stated 'not a safety issue' in one case (#8); dealers cleared codes without root-cause diagnosis; some owners referred to NHTSA Hotline for assistance; no TSB or fix formulated in at least one case
Rod knock and complete engine seizure
Rod knock noise indicates bent or broken connecting rod. Subsequent diagnostics reveal oil and coolant mixed with metal shavings, requiring complete engine replacement.
When: Occurs after other symptoms (crankshaft position sensor code, loss of acceleration)
Symptoms owners cite: Winding-up noise during acceleration; Rattle/clunk noise from engine; Check engine light (crankshaft position sensor code); Loss of power to accelerate; Rod knock sound (metallic knocking)
Codes mentioned: Crankshaft Position Sensor code (P0335 or similar implied)
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required; cost not specified in narrative #9 but implied to be substantial
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in narrative #9
Spark plug wire and ignition coil failure
Spark plug wires and ignition coils fail prematurely, causing engine misfire. Multiple coils and wires fail sequentially on same vehicle.
When: Low-mileage range; failures recur sequentially over time
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfire; Check engine light flashing; Rough running at idle and while driving; Transmission shifting hard
Codes mentioned: Engine Misfire codes (P0300 family implied), Cylinder-specific misfire codes (e.g., cylinder #5)
Repairs/costs cited: Wire replacement covered under bulletin PIP5159; one mechanic noted wires typically fail on trucks with fewer miles; replacement wire cost not specified; multiple wires expected to fail sequentially on same vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Bulletin PIP5159 issued for plug wire replacement; mechanic indicated other wires likely to fail
Starter motor incompatibility and hard starting
Factory-installed starter motor is incompatible with the engine; part number suitable for 4.3L V6 was installed in 5.3L V8 engine. Results in intermittent no-crank condition. Second battery replacement within 5 years before starter identified.
When: Early in ownership; battery and starter issues appear to overlap
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent failure to start (engine would not crank); All electronics light up but engine does not turn over
Repairs/costs cited: Starter motor replacement; battery replaced twice (less than 3 years old on second replacement); part number investigation revealed factory error or discontinuation without notification
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM made no notification of incompatibility; issue only discovered through owner investigation of removed part number
Engine shutdown in extreme cold weather
Engine shuts down or loses power in extremely cold weather (–32°F windchill). Relay cuts power to engine, stranding vehicle for extended periods.
When: Occurs in winter at extreme cold temperatures
Symptoms owners cite: Engine power loss in cold weather; Inability to restart after multiple attempts; Vehicle stranded for extended period (one hour mentioned)
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; owner notes pattern among other owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response; issue reported online as ongoing problem
Fuel injector failure and misdiagnosis
Fuel injector fails or becomes shorted, causing misfire. Dealers initially misdiagnose as ignition coil failure, replacing coil before identifying injector as true cause. Repeated failures on same injector in short timeframe.
When: Low mileage; repeated failures within days of each other
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfire and rough running; Check engine light; Jerking during acceleration; Instability or stalling
Codes mentioned: Cylinder-specific misfire codes, Fuel injector fault codes (implied)
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition coil replacement (incorrect diagnosis); fuel injector replacement (correct diagnosis on second attempt); owner disputes charge for unnecessary coil replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service manager confirmed correct diagnosis on second visit; no compensation for misdiagnosis
Recall non-disclosure and engine fire risk
Dealer sold new vehicle subject to engine fire recall without disclosure or required reprogramming per DCS3115 notice. Owner discovered recall through VIN lookup after delivery.
When: One week after purchase; vehicle delivered after recall issued
Symptoms owners cite: Safety concern: vehicle at risk of catching fire per recall
Repairs/costs cited: Reprogramming required per recall; dealer/service manager unaware of recall at time of sale
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued urgent stop delivery order January 10, 2014 (DCS3115) to all dealers; local dealer failed to comply; no confirmation provided to owner of whether reprogramming was performed
Engine misfire with no diagnostic code initially present
Engine misfires randomly with jerking and hesitation; no check engine light or diagnostic code present initially despite dealer and GM being aware of the concern. GM states no repair formulated for issue.
When: A few months after purchase; ongoing from week one
Symptoms owners cite: Random misfire while driving and at idle; Significant jerking; Hesitation to pick up speed; Potential stalling without warning light
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed; issue remains unresolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged awareness of concern but stated 'no repair formulated'; service manager referred to senior technician; owner advised by dealer to continue driving until more information available
Vibration at highway speed
Severe vibration at 65–72+ MPH that comes and goes unpredictably. Vibration severe enough to numb body and potentially cause distraction leading to accident. Affects driving comfort and safety on long trips.
When: Occurs during highway driving; intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Severe vibration at highway speeds (65–72+ MPH); Intermittent onset and offset; Body numbness after extended driving; Potential safety distraction
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnosis or repair performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM and local dealership declined to investigate; dealer stated they 'don't know what it is'; owner reports others experiencing same issue being ignored by GM
Loss of acceleration and brake failure
Vehicle fails to stop or accelerate when pedals depressed, losing motive power and steering function simultaneously. Multiple occurrences with no root cause found by dealer diagnostics.
When: 59,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed to floor with no immediate stopping; Loss of power to accelerate; Steering wheel lock; Loss of electric functionality; Multiple warning lights illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Brake pads replaced by owner; no other repairs performed; dealer found no cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Dash popping noise after A/C use in heat
Loud popping noise from center of dash after vehicle sits in hot sun and A/C is operated. Sound similar to rock hitting windshield. Issue persists after service attempts.
When: After extended hot-sun exposure and A/C activation
Symptoms owners cite: Loud 'popping' noise from center dash area; Recurs multiple times during drive
Repairs/costs cited: Dash dismantling for diagnostics attempted; service ticket indicates problem could not be duplicated or determined; issue recurred day after pickup
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to resolve despite extended shop time
Synthesized from 94 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Automatic fuel management system failure has caused a p0300 code as multiple misfire diagnosed to cylinder 4 dead with no compression. This vehicle is no longer drivable and I still owe $21,000. GM knows of this failure for a long time. At current I have no way to pay for repairs and making payments on a truck I can not drive. I bought this vehicle used at 83,000 miles and have put 16,000…
The relay in the engine shut the power down to the engine. I am reporting this because it only happens in extremely cold weather. In my case it happened in -32 degree windchill, which stranded me for an hour. In talking with the dealership and doing research online it seems as this is an ongoing problem.the problem happened after I had stopped and started after many tries. The reason I am…
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who identified a misfire in cylinder #4, resulting in damages to the lifters and camshaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl-contact owns a 2014 Chevy silverado ---- had not received recall notice --- transmission coolant line leaking ---- contact paid 500.00 to have coolant lines replaced --- truck has 37000 miles on it ... 0 recalls associated with this VIN... Cb
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle stalled without any warnings. The contact mentioned the failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.…
Had engine trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 94 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 62 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 26,000 and 72,000 miles, with the median around 54,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 26,000; a quarter make it past 72,000. 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/2014/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.