Truck began to idle rough and would jerk during taking off and stopping. Check engine light began flashing and stabilitrak light came on. Took it to a mechanic who reported fuel buildup. I was told that the pistons were broken as well. My truck has 88,000 miles on it and gm refuses to fix it even though there are service bulletins pertaining to the engine misfire from fuel buildup because the…
2014 Chevrolet Silverado powertrain problems
severe 160 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
160
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
6crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 160 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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 160 powertrain 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 powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s describe a truck that fails in multiple critical systems, often at high cost. The transmission is the main culprit: torque converters degrade and fragment, contaminating the fluid with metal shavings that destroy the entire unit. Failures cluster around 70,000–150,000 miles. Owners pay $3,700 to $7,000+ out of pocket for rebuilds or replacements because GM denies warranty claims beyond 100,000 miles, even when recalls specify no mileage limit. Hard, bone-jarring downshifts—especially 3rd to 2nd—arrive from day one; dealers dismiss this as normal or say the transmission is "learning" your driving habits.
Electrical failures are unpredictable and dangerous: vehicles randomly shut down while driving, killing power steering and brakes at highway speeds. Driveshaft knuckles snap and separate violently on the highway. Brakes become hard to press and unresponsive. Engine stalls during turns, and misfires occur without warning. The rear differential whines and requires bearing replacement at low mileage due to improper factory backlash setup. Coolant leaks from transmission oil cooler lines pose fire risk—a documented safety defect—but dealers refuse repairs despite active recalls. Several owners report being sold vehicles with unresolved safety recalls still in effect. The infotainment system locks up randomly, and seats move uncontrollably when engaging 4WD. Owners cite TSBs and multiple independent repair shops confirming these are systemic, not isolated, flaws. Many describe extended warranty denial and dealer dismissal of legitimate concerns.
Same Chevrolet Silverado powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission — Torque Converter Failure & Metal Contamination
Torque converters fail prematurely, often in the 70,000–150,000 mile range. Failure generates metal shavings that contaminate transmission fluid, rendering the transmission inoperable. The 6L80 transmission is commonly affected. Multiple independent shops report this as a recurring pattern.
When: 70,000–150,000 miles; narratives #5, #6, #11, #15, #16, #20, #22, #23, #25, #30, #46, #47, #48, #50
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering and jerking; Transmission slipping and loss of power; Metal shavings in transmission fluid; Hard shifts and clunking on downshift; Check engine light illumination; Transmission unable to shift or stuck in gear; Burnt transmission fluid
Codes mentioned: P0300 (random cylinder misfire), P0207 (fuel injector circuit malfunction)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission rebuilt or replaced at $3,700–$7,000 out of pocket. Torque converter replacement required. One owner paid $6,374.84 including coolant line replacement. Another independent shop charged $2,755 for rebuild, new converter, and flushing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM denies warranty coverage beyond 100,000 miles despite recalls 14V374000 (Power Train) and 13370A (transmission oil cooler line leak). TSBs issued but not consistently applied. One dealer refused repair citing mileage despite no stated mileage limit in recall bulletins.
Transmission — Hard Shifts & Clunking (1-2 Downshift)
Vehicles exhibit abnormally hard, jarring shifts especially during 3-to-2 downshift and when approaching a complete stop. Multiple owners report this from delivery onward. Service bulletin PIP5175B references Mexican-sourced transmissions with improperly torqued stator support bolts causing 1-2 shift flare/slip. Dealers often dismiss as normal operation or transmission learning.
When: From delivery; occurs throughout ownership (narratives #1, #6, #7, #10, #26, #32, #37, #44, #45)
Symptoms owners cite: Hard clunking on downshift from 3rd to 2nd gear; Violent upshift and downshift at highway speeds; Jerking that feels like being rear-ended; Vibration through steering wheel on shifting; Hard clunk when approaching complete stop; Transmission hesitation after reverse-to-drive shifts; Idle shaking and juddering
Repairs/costs cited: No repair cost cited; dealers claim 'normal' or vehicle 'learning' driver habits. Service bulletin PIP5175B addresses stator support bolt torque issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers dismissed as normal characteristic. TSB PIP5175B issued identifying stator support bolt torque defect in Mexican-sourced 6L80 transmissions. GM told one owner (narrative #10) hard shifts are 'normal characteristic' per technical service bulletin.
Transmission — Slipping, Delayed Engagement & Loss of Power
Transmission slips under acceleration, hesitates to engage, or fails to respond when accelerator is depressed. Occurs intermittently or consistently. Some vehicles lose all forward motion briefly when shifted from reverse to drive. One owner's truck was stuck in neutral after transfer case failure.
When: Throughout ownership, typically 35,000–164,000 miles (narratives #12, #19, #25, #29, #38, #41, #43, #44, #49)
Symptoms owners cite: Tachometer spins without vehicle moving (no gear engagement); 2–3 second delay before transmission engages; Lack of power when accelerating onto highway; Transmission slipping under load; Vehicle jerks forward without gas input; Intermittent power loss to driveshaft; Transmission stuck in neutral
Codes mentioned: P0207 (fuel injector), P0300 (random misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: One transmission replacement at $4,690. Repair costs range $3,700–$7,000 depending on rebuild vs. replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer under-warranty initially said shifting was 'adaptive' and normal; refused goodwill repair once out of powertrain warranty. No recalls address this pattern.
Driveshaft — Knuckle Fracture & Violent Separation
Driveshaft rear knuckle snaps, causing violent vibration and separation of the shaft from the vehicle. The shaft can cartwheel behind the truck, creating a serious hazard to following traffic. Occurs while merging or at highway speeds. Dealers dismissed early vibration complaints as unable to duplicate.
When: Early in ownership despite dealer complaints at ~1,900 miles; failure at highway speed (narratives #9, #17, #18, #37)
Symptoms owners cite: Severe vibration at 40–65 mph, especially 55 mph; Rumbling and clunking noise from rear end; Washboard vibration effect; Hard thump in rear during passing; Vibration worsens with speed and time; Driveshaft cartwheel behind truck
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #9: driveshaft replaced with steel instead of original aluminum. Narrative #18: ring and pinion and axle bearings replaced multiple times but noise persists. Narrative #37: rear propeller shaft replaced, but vibration and hard shifts continued.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Two dealerships told owner unable to duplicate. One shop replaced ring/pinion and bearings; another refused further work claiming noise 'not loud enough.' No recall identified.
Rear Differential — Whining & Bearing Failure
Loud whining noise from rear end at highway cruising speeds (55 mph). Improper backlash setup from factory. Bearings and ring/pinion gear wear prematurely, requiring replacement at low mileage. Service manager notes this is the third 2014 truck requiring the same repair with improperly set backlash from factory.
When: Early ownership, low mileage (narratives #18)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud whining at 55 mph and above; Noise when decelerating from 50–40 mph; Noise recurring or worsening over time
Repairs/costs cited: Ring and pinion replaced. Axle bearings replaced twice. Dealer later refuses further warranty work despite recurring noise.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: First dealership refused to work on it. Second dealership replaced ring/pinion and bearings. Third trip dealer refused, claiming noise not loud enough. Service manager acknowledged pattern: third such 2014 truck with improper factory backlash.
Brake System — Hard Pedal & Loss of Braking Power
Brake pedal becomes very hard to depress and brakes fail to slow or stop the vehicle. Occurs repeatedly in various driving scenarios—drive-thrus, intersections, stop lights, and during emergency maneuvers. One owner nearly hit garage door and almost ran over children.
When: Multiple occurrences throughout ownership (narrative #1)
Symptoms owners cite: Extremely hard brake pedal; Brakes unresponsive or ineffective; Multiple failure events in different conditions
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided. Owner states vehicle available for inspection.
Engine — Lifter & Camshaft Failure (AFM-Related)
Valve lifters and camshaft fail, causing loss of engine power and potential stalling while driving. GM's Active Fuel Management (AFM) system is implicated. Issue is well-documented in owner communities. Dealership confirmed failure but offered no goodwill assistance.
When: June 2025 after service (narrative #8); earlier narratives mention transmission/lifter issues (narrative #1)
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power while driving; Risk of stalling in traffic; Confirmed lifter and camshaft failure
Repairs/costs cited: Inspection available; specific repair cost not stated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership (Team Chevrolet, Las Vegas) confirmed diagnosis but denied goodwill assistance and extended warranty. GM told owner this is a well-known AFM defect with TSBs issued; warranty denied.
Engine — Misfire, Stalling & Loss of Power During Turns
Engine misfires, stalls, or loses power during sharp turns and when merging into traffic. ECM/TCM communication errors suspected. Hazardous condition occurs at unpredictable intervals. One narrative describes bent push rod discovered during inspection.
When: Various speeds and driving conditions (narratives #4, #14, #24, #29)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine miss and stall during sharp turns; Failure to accelerate when merging; Loss of power at random times; Check engine light illumination; Rough idle; Vehicle shaking violently
Codes mentioned: P0207 (fuel injector circuit malfunction—cylinder #7), P0300 (random cylinder misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer suspected bent push rod requiring head disassembly and engineering review. Fuel injectors and spark plugs replaced in some cases. One owner states ECM reprogrammed post-recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer contacted GM engineering department to investigate bent push rod cause. Reprogramming mentioned in narrative #40.
Electrical System — Intermittent Shutdown & Module Communication Loss
Vehicle shuts off without warning while driving at various speeds, during turns, or when engaging high beams. Traction control and stabilitrak lights blink. Radio, dash lights, and fuel economy display reset. Loss of power steering and brakes when shutdown occurs. Owners have cleaned grounds, replaced battery and alternator, and checked fuses without resolution. Issue linked to moisture and salt intrusion into wiring harness and poor ECM/BCM/TCM/EBCM communication.
When: Throughout ownership; narrative #21 reports 7 shutdowns in 3 months; narratives #39, #40, #49 report early mileage (10,000–30,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts off while driving; Loss of power steering and brakes; Radio and dash lights go out; Stabilitrak/traction control light illumination; 'Service stabilitrak' warning; '3 keys programmed to vehicle' message; 'Driver window security warning' message; Window control and fuel economy display reset; Rough idle and shuddering after restart
Repairs/costs cited: One owner cleaned all ground connections, replaced battery, replaced alternator, cleaned battery terminals and cables, checked all fuses. Dealer #40 replaced battery and cleaned faulty ground connection under dash panel and re-grounded wiring. No lasting solution reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers offered reprogramming (narratives #39, #40) without success. One case assigned GM case number 9-5607630194. Narrative #13 notes GM aware of issue but fails to recall; TSBs issued but not effective. Wiring harness corrosion from salt/sand/mud cited as root cause but no recall issued.
Infotainment & Display System — Lockups, Screen Failures & Voice Command Errors
Radio locks up with system errors. MyLink system unresponsive, won't accept voice commands, and displays error messages. Navigation screen turns solid grey and freezes. Backup camera activates at highway speeds with black screen and error messages. Computer becomes completely unresponsive, requiring restart. Lane departure system fails to detect lane crossings.
When: Throughout ownership (narrative #4—bought used with multiple system failures; narrative #7—early ownership at 3,500 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Radio lockup and system errors; Display screen goes black or green at random; MyLink system unresponsive; Voice command rejection; Navigation screen turns solid grey; Backup camera activation during drive with black screen; Error messages on display; Lane departure system malfunction; Computer complete unresponsiveness until restart
Repairs/costs cited: No repair cost cited. One truck was bought back by GM at owner's loss (narrative #4).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response cited in these narratives.
Fuel System — Leak from Transmission Oil Cooler Line & Fire Hazard
Transmission oil cooler line not securely seated in fitting, leaking transmission fluid. Repeated quart-level losses every two weeks. Smell of gasoline in cab and bed. Fluid can contact hot surfaces and cause fire. Safety recalls 14121 and 13370A issued but dealer refused repair, citing high mileage (95,000 miles) despite recall stating no mileage limitation. Owner reports carbon monoxide exposure and nausea/headaches/coughing from fumes.
When: Began February 23, 2023 (narrative #2); leak chronic and ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Heavy gasoline smell in cab and truck bed; Transmission fluid leak—approximately 1 quart every two weeks; Harder to start truck; Nausea, severe headaches, coughing, red flush on face (spouse); Fire danger from fluid on hot surface
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer assessment confirmed leak but refused repair. No repair performed. Fluid replacement every two weeks as temporary measure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall Bulletins #14121 and #13370A issued, stating 'no mileage limitation.' Dealer classified recall as 'closed' at 95,000+ miles and refused to repair despite recall language. No goodwill assistance offered.
Fuel Tank & Pump — Fuel Pump Pressure Regulator Recall Not Applied
Fuel pump pressure regulator defect identified in recall but not remedied before or after sale. Owner not notified of safety recall. Dealer refused repair citing closed recall and high mileage (95,000+), despite recall bulletin stating no mileage limitation.
When: At time of sale and beyond (narrative #2)
Symptoms owners cite: Gasoline smell (likely secondary to regulator and cooler line issues)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety Recall Bulletin #14121 issued; dealer refused to apply, citing mileage and 'closed' status despite bulletin stating no mileage limitation.
Seat — Motorized Recliner Malfunction & Unexplained Position Changes
Seat reclines or clams shells (pinches) uncontrollably when shifting into 4WD modes. Mirrors also move unexpectedly. When shifting from 2H to 4AUTO, seat moves backward in short jolts. When shifting to 4H or 4L, seat exhibits 'clam shell' effect. Occurs reproducibly with witnesses. At low mileage (1,711 miles, mostly dealer test drive miles), seat developed small tear in lower middle portion; dealership claimed normal wear and tear.
When: Early ownership, very low mileage (1,711 miles); narrative #3 offroad in waterfront area when shifts triggered seat malfunction
Symptoms owners cite: Seat clams shells and pinches driver when engaging 4WD; Seat moves backward in jolts during mode changes; Mirrors move unexpectedly during shifts; Seat tear at <500 miles (mostly dealer test drive)
Repairs/costs cited: Seat tear at <500 miles; dealership refused warranty replacement, claiming 'normal wear and tear.' No repair cost cited for motorized position issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership blamed customer, claiming tear is normal wear and tear on leather seat at <500 miles with no work/tool use.
Seat & Bracket Mounting — Loose Seats with Rocking Motion
Front driver and passenger seat mounting brackets feel loose and rock back and forth while driving. Creates safety and comfort concern.
When: Throughout ownership (narrative #4)
Symptoms owners cite: Seats rock back and forth at mounting brackets while driving; Loose mounting brackets
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided.
Seats — Heated/Cooled Function Failure
Heated seats no longer function. Cooled seats not cooling. Multiple occurrences across narratives.
When: Throughout ownership (narratives #4, #7)
Symptoms owners cite: Heated seats stop producing heat; Cooled seats fail to cool
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided.
Door Locks — Electrical Malfunction & Inability to Unlock from Inside
Doors fail to unlock when vehicle is in park. Doors cannot be unlocked from inside the vehicle; remote entry required to open. Multiple occurrences.
When: Early ownership (narrative #7 at 3,500 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Doors won't unlock when in park; Doors cannot be unlocked from inside vehicle; Remote entry required for door operation
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided.
Lighting — Headlight & Turn Signal Failures
Headlights go out while driving at night. Turn signal sockets fail and require replacement. Horn weakens over time.
When: Early ownership (narrative #7 at 3,500 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights go out while driving; Turn signals stop working (socket failure); Horn starts strong then dies to muffle
Repairs/costs cited: Turn signal sockets replaced.
HVAC — Air Conditioning Compressor & Coolant Issues
AC compressor fails and requires replacement. AC has been replaced multiple times. Film forms on inside of windshield with coolant smell inside vehicle, but dealer says cannot duplicate despite being able to see film.
When: Within first 3 years of ownership (narrative #34 on 3-year-old truck; narrative #7 at 3,500 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: AC failure requiring replacement; Film on inside of windshield; Smell of coolant inside vehicle; Multiple AC replacements
Repairs/costs cited: AC replaced twice (narrative #34). Narrative #7 describes film and coolant smell but no repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #34: GM denied assistance both times despite two replacements within 3 years. Narrative #7: Dealer claimed unable to replicate problem despite seeing film.
Transfer Case — Shift-to-Neutral Issue & 4WD Malfunction
Transfer case unexpectedly shifts to neutral without driver input, especially in inclement weather or during reverse/drive shifts. Truck will manually shift into 4WD when in reverse or drive when it should remain in 2WD. Vehicle won't engage forward motion until engine and transmission 'catch up.' One truck got stuck in reverse after transfer case motor replacement.
When: Early ownership (narratives #27, #40); issues arise after ECM reprogramming during recall repair (narrative #40)
Symptoms owners cite: Transfer case shifts to neutral without input; Truck stuck in reverse or neutral; Vehicle won't shift out of neutral or move; Manual 4WD engagement when in reverse/drive; 4WD won't disengage in inclement weather; 'Service 4WD' warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case motor replaced in narrative #27 but transmission then failed. Narrative #40: Ground connection under dash panel cleaned and wiring re-grounded after ECM reprogramming.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #40: Dealer replaced battery and cleaned ground connection after recall repair. Recall issue 14V374000 referenced (4WD shift-to-neutral electrical signal short).
Vibration at Highway Speeds (Chassis/Driveline)
Severe vibration at 70–85 mph, especially between 70–80 and 85+ mph. Steering wheel, center console, and front seats all vibrate intensely. Vibration can shake water out of cup holder. Owner nearly skidded in rain due to vibration. Began at 60,000 miles and worsens with age.
When: Begins at 60,000 miles, worsens with mileage (narrative #33)
Symptoms owners cite: Severe vibration at 70–85 mph; Worse at 85+ mph; Steering wheel vibrates; Center console vibrates; Front seats vibrate; Objects shake in cup holder; Vibration-induced skid in rain; Worsens with increasing mileage
Repairs/costs cited: Tires checked and balanced (prior to vibration onset). Lifetime alignment verified. No repair performed.
Transmission — Cavitation & Metal Contamination (High Mileage)
At ~100,000 miles, transmission begins cavitating, causing loss of power and loud intermittent metal-on-metal sounds. Transmission fluid found burnt and full of heavy metal fragments from internal gears. Multiple owner friends with 2014 trucks report same failure pattern at 100K miles. Dealer has service advisories to deny warranty after 100K miles regardless of recall date validity.
When: Approximately 100,000 miles (narratives #11, #16, #28)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission cavitation sounds; Loss of power while traveling; Loud metal-on-metal sounds and clacking; Transmission fluid burnt and full of metal fragments; Jerking and difficulty shifting
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission rebuild $4,000. One owner spent $3,700 for rebuild; another spent $6,374.84 including other repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers have service advisories to not warranty powerertrain after 100K miles, even if recall date is still valid. No goodwill assistance offered.
Fuel Tank & Cooler Line — Fire Hazard (Unresolved Recalls)
Vehicles sold with unresolved safety recalls (14V374000—4WD neutral shift, and fuel pump/cooler line issues per recalls 14121 and 13370A). One vehicle sold twice without recalls remedied—first buyer returned it after 7 days, then resold to second buyer, both without recall work completed.
When: At time of sale (narratives #31, #35)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle delivered with active, unremedied recalls
Repairs/costs cited: Owner remedied recall May 5, 2015, six months after purchase.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers stated no recall existed despite June 26, 2014 recall issuance. Recalls 14121 and 13370A were issued but not applied at sale.
Fuel Injector — Failure & Misfire
Fuel injector circuit malfunction, specifically cylinder #7 injector failure causing misfire codes and check engine light.
When: At ~69,000 miles (narrative #24)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Cylinder misfire codes P0207 and P0300; Engine rough running; Smoke from tailpipe; Slow acceleration response
Codes mentioned: P0207 (fuel injector circuit malfunction—cylinder #7), P0300 (random cylinder misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injectors and cylinder #7 replaced at dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated no open recalls on VIN.
Synthesized from 160 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a meaningful issue. 160 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 103 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 10,000 and 111,761 miles, with the median around 54,546. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,000; a quarter make it past 111,761. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.