My Chevy Silverado was repaired by 3 different certified Chevy dealers about 10 times for a variety of issues. The last time I brought my truck to Bridgewater Chevy I was told I need an engine replacement. The certified dealers failed to identify the root cause to all the issues. All the symptoms point to engine fail eventually occurring
2022 Chevrolet Silverado engine problems
moderate 170 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
170
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
3fires
2injuries
What stands out
Engine accounts for 30% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 170 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2022 Silverados in this cluster describe engines that fail catastrophically and suddenly—at highway speeds, during city driving, even days after passing dealer recall inspections. The 6.2L L87 dominates complaints: engines seize without warning, shift into neutral on their own, lose all power and steering assist, or throw connecting rods that pierce the block. Some fail twice, with replacement engines installed under warranty failing again within months or thousands of miles. The 2.7L TurboMax L3B shows exhaust roller follower collapse, bent valves, and internal camshaft damage at moderate mileage.
Excessive oil consumption is endemic. Dipsticks read zero despite recent oil changes; some trucks need oil checks every 500 miles. No warning lights illuminate despite severe depletion. Dealers attempt fixes (oil pan replacement, heavier oil grade) that don't stick.
Metal shavings in oil filters are routine discovery. One dealer found a filter "absolutely full of metal shavings." Bearing and lifter failures generate loud knocking and ticking that dealerships initially dismiss as normal, then confirm catastrophic damage months later.
Replacement engines sit on nationwide backorder for weeks to 12 months. Owners remain liable for loan payments on vehicles they cannot drive. GM's goodwill coverage maxes out at 60 percent. Several owners report dealers initially refusing recall service, charging diagnostic fees during active recalls, or delivering inferior loaner vehicles. One truck caught fire under the hood; another owner lost consciousness from suspected exhaust leakage.
Same Chevrolet Silverado engine reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021 · 2023 · 2024 · 2025
Failure modes owners describe
Catastrophic engine seizure and loss of propulsion
Engine seizes without warning during highway or urban driving, causing total loss of power and steering assist. Owners report the truck shut down completely mid-drive, sometimes at highway speeds (50–75 mph), forcing emergency stops and creating serious traffic hazards. Metal shavings found in oil filter or oil itself are common. Connecting rod bearing failure, oversized lifter bores, and oil pump failure are cited as root causes by some dealers and independent shops.
When: Typically between 11,000 and 95,000 miles; some failures occur shortly after engine replacement (as little as 2,000 miles on new engine); some within first year of ownership around 20,000–65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete power loss while driving, no warning lights; Engine shaking, loud knocking or rod knock sound; Metal shavings in oil filter or on dipstick; Loss of power steering and brakes during failure; Check engine light (sometimes), limp mode (sometimes); Vehicle shifts into neutral on its own or fails to restart
Codes mentioned: P0016, P0304, P2101
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required. Dealers report nationwide backorders on replacement engines, with wait times ranging from weeks to 12 months. Some owners report repair costs of $10,371–$14,897 when out of warranty. Dealer quotes mention connecting rod failure, bearing failure, oil pump failure, and lifter bore issues as root causes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall NHTSA Campaign 24V444000 and 25V274000 issued for some 6.2L engines (L87); parts remain on backorder. Some owners eligible for goodwill warranty at 60% coverage. Engine replacement covered under powertrain warranty if mileage is within limits; no extended warranty on replacement engine. GM has not recalled all affected VINs and some owners' vehicles are not included in recall notices.
Excessive engine oil consumption and low oil pressure without warning lights
Engine consumes oil rapidly between services, sometimes 1–2 quarts or more per service interval, yet no low-oil warning light illuminates on the dashboard. Owners discover zero oil on dipstick after routine oil changes or at service checks. This continues even after oil pan replacement or oil change to heavier viscosity (0W-40 instead of 0W-20). Problem persists across multiple years of ownership and even in engines newly installed under warranty.
When: Starts early in ownership (3–5k miles) and continues over 3+ years; newly installed replacement engines also show problem within months or thousands of miles
Symptoms owners cite: No warning light for low oil level despite severe oil consumption; Oil dipstick shows no reading or zero level shortly after oil change; Requires oil top-offs every 500 miles in some cases; Ticking or knocking noise from engine while oil level low; Message 'Low Oil Level' on information center (intermittently, not consistently warning); OnStar notification of 5% oil life remaining, but dipstick shows no oil
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pan replacement attempted by some dealers (ineffective). Dealerships recommend transition from 0W-20 to 0W-40 oil (also not fully effective). Some owners charged $199–$399 for diagnostics at dealers even during active recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued specifically for oil consumption issue. No warranty extension offered for repeated oil consumption problems. One goodwill warranty at 60% coverage mentioned in one complaint.
Exhaust roller follower failure and camshaft/valve damage (2.7L TurboMax L3B engine)
Cylinder 4 exhaust roller follower fails, causing exhaust camshaft failure and bent exhaust valves. Vehicle enters limp mode, shakes severely, and loses acceleration capability. Diagnostic codes point to cylinder misfire and electronic throttle actuator fault. Dealer diagnosis confirms mechanical, internal failure. Independent shops cite Active Fuel Management (AFM) and Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) as contributing design factors to oil consumption and internal wear. Cylinder head replacement required.
When: At 119,139 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shakes severely; Will not accelerate, enters limp mode; Check engine light on; Loud internal engine noise on startup (rocker arm failure); Engine skipping, reduced power
Repairs/costs cited: Cylinder head replacement required. Authorized Chevy dealership quote: $10,371.34. Independent shop quotes: $11,876.88–$14,897.35. One shop noted AFM and DFI as known contributing design factors.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical service bulletins (TSBs) issued but no recall for this failure. Consumer Reports documented 4% catastrophic failure rate in L3B platform. Multiple NHTSA complaints filed for 2019–2022 model years with same failure.
Engine stall and loss of propulsion during acceleration from stop
Engine intermittently stalls when driver accelerates from a complete stop (red light, parking lot, or stopped position), then recovers after 1–2 seconds. Problem is unpredictable and dangerous in traffic situations requiring sudden acceleration (merging, turning in front of oncoming traffic). Occurs alongside other issues like starter hangup and ticking noise.
When: Intermittent, recurring across multiple drive cycles; some cases tied to recall condition (P0016)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls momentarily when accelerating from stop; Engine recovers after 1–2 seconds; Ticking noise from engine at idle; Starter disengagement failure (starter continues spinning after engine starts in auto-stop mode); Requires manual shutdown and restart to stop starter spinning
Codes mentioned: P0016
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate issue during service visits. One dealership (Mike Bell Chevrolet) charged $199 for initial diagnostic and wanted to charge $399 for second service call.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Issue recognized as symptom of active recall (P0016 failure code on L87 6.2L engine); dealership staff acknowledged recall relation. No permanent fix documented; owners report issue persists after recall service.
Starter motor hangup in auto-stop/auto-start system
After auto-start restarts the engine when stopping at a red light, the starter motor fails to disengage and continues spinning. Requires driver to shift to park, turn off ignition, and manually restart engine to stop starter noise. Problem is intermittent.
When: Intermittent during auto-start events
Symptoms owners cite: Starter continues spinning after engine starts; Loud starter grinding noise; Requires manual engine shutdown and restart to stop starter; Intermittent—does not occur every time
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to replicate; charged $199 for diagnostic. No repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recognized as recall symptom; no permanent fix documented.
Engine fire under the hood
Engine bay caught fire during highway driving. Owner noticed burning plastic odor, passenger saw flames coming from under hood. Owner pulled over safely; fire department extinguished fire. Both police and fire reports filed. No injuries, but vehicle destroyed.
When: At approximately 39,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Burning plastic odor from engine compartment; Flames visible under hood on passenger side of engine bay; Fire engulfed entire passenger side of engine bay
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed. Initially towed to independent mechanic, then to insurance company location. No repair undertaken.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Both dealer and manufacturer notified; neither offered assistance.
Unintended transmission neutral shift and loss of propulsion without warning
While driving at cruise control or various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly shifts itself into neutral without driver input, causing loss of propulsion. No warning lights or messages precede the failure. Vehicle shifts to neutral, sometimes then to park, rendering it unable to move. Engine may continue running or may require restart.
When: Variable; one case at 26,000 miles, others at higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shifts to neutral on its own; No warning lights or check engine message before shift; Vehicle loses all propulsion; Transmission may lock in park after neutral shift; No engine restart possible in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers diagnose as requiring engine replacement. No transmission issue found in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engines ordered on backorder; no timeline given.
Coolant control valve failure and reduced acceleration mode
Coolant control valve (CCV) fails, forcing vehicle into 'reduced acceleration' mode. Engine struggles to reach highway speeds and has difficulty maintaining 65 mph, especially when towing. Part is on backorder for weeks to months. Vehicle rendered unsafe for highway use or towing.
When: At 45,000 miles for first failure; second failure within 10,000 miles at 55,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced acceleration warning message; Struggles to reach and maintain highway speed; Hard time maintaining 65 mph; Increased difficulty towing trailers; Vehicle unable to accelerate for emergency avoidance
Repairs/costs cited: CCV part on backorder with no ETA; some owners report 3+ month wait times. No loaner truck provided. Vehicle deemed 'safe to drive' but operationally unsafe for highway/towing use.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warranty action documented.
Piston and connecting rod bearing damage with stacked compression rings
Pistons exhibit stacked compression rings and abnormal scoring on skirts. Connecting rod bearings fail. Multiple pistons (2, 6, 7) found with oil ring stacking. Engine misfires and oil fouls spark plugs. Despite warranty repair including piston and bearing replacement, catastrophic engine failure recurs within months and low mileage.
When: First incident at 52,000 miles (warranty repair in August 2024); second complete failure at 65,000 miles (February 2025, only 13,000 miles after first repair)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfire on one or more cylinders; Oil on spark plugs; Loud clanking and knocking noise; Engine hesitation and jerking; Vehicle must be restarted to continue driving
Repairs/costs cited: First repair: All 8 pistons replaced, connecting rod bearings replaced, engine disassembled. Cost not stated but covered under warranty. Second failure: Awaiting GM approval for engine replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: First failure covered under warranty; second failure (recurrence) pending approval.
Metal fragments in engine oil and bearing failure
Oil filter or dipstick inspection reveals metal shavings or fragments, indicating bearing or internal component wear. Oil filter described as 'absolutely full of metal shavings' by dealer. Engine must be disassembled for damage assessment.
When: Discovered during routine oil changes or dealer inspections; sometimes follows recent recall service
Symptoms owners cite: Metal shavings visible in oil or oil filter; Knocking or ticking noise from engine; Low or zero oil pressure; Engine shutdown or power loss (sometimes)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required. Metal shavings indicate severe internal damage; dealer states damage is 'very severe.' One case cost $10,371 for cylinder head replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engine replacement ordered; parts on backorder. One goodwill warranty at 60% coverage offered.
Timing belt gear bolt loosening and metal shaving generation
Bolt on timing belt gear loosens or fails, scraping the engine block and generating metal shavings that enter the engine oil, causing engine failure. Vehicle enters reduced acceleration mode and displays check engine light.
When: At 123,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; 'Reduced Acceleration Drive with Care' message displayed; Vehicle shudders under acceleration; Metal shavings in oil (found by mechanic with code reader)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required. Vehicle not yet repaired; estimate provided by dealer. Repaired by dealership but details not provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified of failure.
Engine knock and rod knock with bent push rod in replacement engine
After engine replacement, loud clicking/knocking noise develops in newly installed engine at around 4,000 miles. Inspection finds bent push rod. All lifters replaced along with push rod. Original engine also had lifter issues before replacement.
When: New engine installed May 2025; knocking noise developed November 2025 (~5,000 miles on replacement)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clicking/knocking noise from engine; Ticking sound during operation; Noise worse under acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Bent push rod found and replaced. All lifters replaced based on previous history. Repair completed by Chevy dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engine replacement covered under recall (Safety Recall April 2025). Subsequent push rod and lifter repair completed at dealership.
Engine loss of power while cruising and connecting rod failure
Engine suddenly loses power while cruising. Vehicle shifts into neutral and loses propulsion. Abnormal knocking sound follows. Diagnosis reveals connecting rod failure (two rods thrown) and crankshaft damage. Engine seized.
When: At 40 mph during normal driving; at 80,000 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power/deceleration; No warning light illuminated; Abnormal loud knocking noise from engine; Vehicle fails to restart after stopping; Vehicle difficult to start for days after replacement engine installed
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required. Cost not specified. One case had subsequent starter pulley failure and harness connection failure after replacement engine installed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engine replacement covered under warranty in one case.
Engine knocking and hesitation under acceleration with fuel injector failure
Engine makes abnormal knocking sound and vehicle hesitates/jolts during acceleration. After engine replacement and return to service, vehicle briefly hesitates and jolts before returning to normal. Dealer diagnoses fuel injector failure as cause of post-repair failures. Vehicle cannot be properly diagnosed or repaired.
When: Recurring issue; first engine failure at 85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knocking sound; Vehicle hesitation and jolting during acceleration; Shuddering during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: First diagnosis: Engine replaced. Second issue: Fuel injectors replaced. Third issue: Unable to diagnose; remains unrepaired with vehicle at dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified of subsequent failures.
Loud rocker arm noise and bent exhaust valve (2.7L L3B)
Exhaust rocker arms (two) in cylinder carrier failed; one lost all needle bearings and one seized. Both valve lash adjusters broken in half. One bent exhaust valve. Parts unavailable due to discontinuation.
When: At unspecified mileage; complaint dated 30 July 2025
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise on startup (rocker arm failure); Engine skipping; Reduced power mode engaged; No parts available for repair
Repairs/costs cited: Rocker arms (part #12701225) discontinued by GM; dealership would not sell parts. No repair path available for owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Parts discontinued; no parts availability for repair.
Bent rocker arms and damaged valve lash adjusters (2.7L engine)
Rocker arms bent and valve lash adjusters broken, causing engine clanking and stalling. Engine deemed undersized for truck application by mechanic. High repair costs and no manufacturer assistance.
When: At unspecified mileage; reported December
Symptoms owners cite: Clanking noise from engine; Engine stalling and jerking; Bench requires restart to continue driving
Repairs/costs cited: Rocker arms bent, 2 pistons damaged. Repair estimate: $8,700. Mechanic noted engine undersized for truck.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engine not under warranty. GM refused to assist with repair costs.
Engine oil pressure sensor malfunction leading to catastrophic engine seizure
Oil pressure sensor triggers warning, dealership replaces sensor and performs oil change and manual pressure check, assuring driver truck is safe. Hours later, engine seizes at highway speed with no warning. Oil filter found 'absolutely full of metal shavings.' Complete engine failure requires replacement.
When: Check engine light for oil pressure sensor on 12/17/24; engine seizure 3 hours into next drive on 12/21/24 at 64,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light for oil pressure sensor; Engine seizes at highway speed (80 mph) with no warning; Metal shavings in oil filter; No prior symptoms despite sensor code
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required. GM offered goodwill warranty at 60% coverage. Replacement engine on nationwide backorder; no timeline ('months' with no specific ETA). Five requests for documentation of failure/repair details denied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Goodwill warranty at 60% coverage offered. Engine on backorder; parts availability issue referenced as 'known issue.' No documentation provided to customer.
Engine knock progression and seizure despite repeated dealer visits
Owner reported persistent knocking noise at multiple oil change visits over two years. Dealership and Chevy deemed noise normal and refused further inspection. Noise worsened over time. Engine eventually seized and shut down mid-drive with no warning.
When: Knocking noted at 5,000 miles; engine seizure at high mileage after two years of complaints
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking noise under acceleration at 3–5,000 rpm; Noise dismissed as normal by dealership; Noise progressively worsened over two years; Engine seized and shut off mid-drive; no restart possible
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required. Replacement engine on backorder with no ETA (noted as 6–12 months best/worst case). Customer provided with inferior loaner (2024 Silverado Custom vs. 2022 Silverado LT Trail Boss) with fewer features.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engine replacement ordered; parts on backorder. No extended warranty on replacement engine; original warranty mileage applied to new engine.
Chronic oil consumption continuing post-warranty and neglected under warranty
Engine exhibits excessive oil consumption within months of purchase; dealership claimed issue resolved by oil pan replacement, but consumption continued without warning lights. After warranty expired, engine failure occurred. Dealership and GM offered minimal assistance despite known issue matching other recalled engines.
When: Oil consumption noted within first few months; engine failure after warranty expiration
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil consumption without low-oil warning light; Oil leak claimed resolved by pan replacement but consumption continued; Loud ticking noise from engine; Engine failure post-warranty with no warning
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pan replacement did not resolve issue. Engine replacement required post-warranty. GM and dealership offered minimal assistance despite known defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Minimal assistance toward engine replacement despite evidence of known defect.
High oil temperature warning and subsequent engine seizure
During highway drive, engine power decreases, RPMs increase, and dash message displays 'oil temperature high; pull over and idle.' Owner idles and message clears, oil pressure registers good. Drives 1.5 miles to parking lot where engine seizes/locks up. Truck has only 56,000 miles.
When: At 56,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: 'Oil temperature high' dash message; Engine power decrease with RPM increase; Message clears after idling; Oil pressure appears normal after cooling; Engine locks up shortly after resuming drive
Repairs/costs cited: Engine lockup confirmed by dealership. Summer 2025 oil consumption test conducted (two quarts burned between services); fix attempted by transitioning to 0W-40 oil from 0W-20. Oil change transition did not prevent subsequent seizure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engine replacement being arranged. Oil consumption issue addressed by changing oil viscosity.
Sudden multiple loss of propulsion events requiring repeated restarts (4–5 times)
Vehicle loses propulsion and power at various speeds, shifting to neutral and then park without driver input. Each time, owner must depress brake, press start button for ~10 seconds to restart. Problem occurs 5+ times. Vehicle also consumes excessive oil and shifts hard.
When: Starts early post-purchase at approximately 4,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle suddenly decelerates and loses power; Transmission shifts to neutral then park on its own; No warning lights illuminated; Excessive oil consumption; Hard transmission shifts
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer discovers replacement engine was already installed in vehicle. Dealer has not diagnosed or repaired the recurring issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; case opened but not resolved.
Lifter failure and engine replacement at very low mileage
Engine fails to start or exceeds only 5 mph while making knocking sound and shaking abnormally. Dealership diagnoses lifter failure requiring engine replacement. Replacement engine not available; dealer offers buyback through regional manager but no action taken.
When: At 13,047 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start; Knocking sound from engine; Abnormal shaking; Cannot exceed 5 mph; No warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required. Replacement engine not available. Dealer offered buyback; no action taken.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; buyback offered but not completed.
Exhaust pipe design defect with suspected carbon monoxide exposure
Owner discovers exhaust pipe smashed/crushed as designed for ground clearance. While driving at 65 mph, owner becomes nauseous and temporarily loses consciousness. Suspects exhaust pipe design allows carbon monoxide to enter cabin.
When: At approximately 3,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Nausea while driving; Temporary loss of consciousness; No medical evaluation sought
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not yet diagnosed. Independent mechanic suggested design may be intentional for ground clearance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified; appointment scheduled for diagnostic but vehicle not yet examined.
Synthesized from 170 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I've owned the 2022 Silverado High Country with 6.2L engine. Over the past 3.5 years, the engine has had oil consumption issues where I was required to take the vehicle to Chevrolet dealership every 500 miles in Hampton, VA to have the oil level checked. I kept getting the message "low Oil Level" on the information center. I also kept hearing loud ticking noise coming from the engine. Chevy…
90,000 miles engine blown. Chevy mechanic says there is metal in the oil.
While on vacation, Engine light came on , returned home due to excessive DEF usage, poor fuel mileage and heavy deisel smell in cab. Brought vehicle in to Gerry Lane on 11/8/22. *Was told 7-10 days to get parts an not to drive, May Catch On Fire due to an open exhaust. (Concerned because we drove home over 1,200 miles). From Service Advisor.. Our tech found the number exhaust gas temperature…
Had engine trouble with your 2022 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 2022 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 170 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 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 16,300 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 42,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 16,300; 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/2022/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.