I was driving and received a check engine light with “Service ESC” and traction control was disabled. Performed diagnostics and found P0300, P0304 and P0204 all relating to cylinder 4 misfire and injector issues on cylinder 4. Truck has just over 47,000 miles and may be related to the lifter issues that plague this engine design.
2023 Chevrolet Silverado engine problems
moderate 108 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
108
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 108 engine complaints filed for the 2023 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
Engine accounts for 32% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 108 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
The 2023 Silverado 1500 6.2L L87 engine shows a cluster of severe internal failures that strike with no warning—typically loud metallic knocking followed by sudden loss of power and engine seizure. Owners report this happening on highways at 65–70 mph, often while towing or driving with family, in conditions where they had barely seconds to reach the shoulder. Multiple cases document failures within 5,000 to 25,000 miles despite regular maintenance and oil changes performed at dealerships.
Bearing seizure and rod bearing spin are confirmed by dealership diagnostics across numerous narratives. Owners describe the progression: a knock develops, engine won't restart, and dealers tell them the engine needs full replacement. The 2023 model is subject to NHTSA Recall 25V274000 for "L87 Loss of Propulsion," with a remedy of oil viscosity upgrade to 0W-40 plus oil cap and filter replacement. However, owners report engines failing weeks to months *after* passing recall inspection and receiving the recall service.
A secondary pattern shows coolant control valve failures and water pump failures causing overheating and limp-mode power loss. Replacement parts for both are severely backordered, leaving vehicles at dealerships for 45+ days. Engine installation workmanship is poor in several cases—loose fasteners, missing bolts, and disconnected fuse connectors requiring repeat visits. Replacement engines are themselves on national backorder for months, with some owners on their second or third engine replacement.
Same Chevrolet Silverado engine reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2024 · 2025
Failure modes owners describe
Bearing/Crankshaft Failure and Engine Seizure
Internal engine bearings and crankshaft components fail, causing sudden loss of engine power. Owners report loud knocking or tapping sounds, then complete engine seizure with no ability to restart. Multiple narratives document rod bearing spin, bearing seizure, and spun rod bearings.
When: Ranging from 5,000 to 66,410 miles; many failures occur within first 25,000 miles despite regular maintenance
Symptoms owners cite: Loud metallic knocking or tapping from engine; Sudden loss of engine power with no warning lights; Engine will not restart; Check engine light may come on after power loss; White smoke from under hood; Rough idling before failure; Engine seizure/lock-up
Codes mentioned: P0016 (crankshaft/camshaft synchronization), P0300 (multiple engine misfires), DTC detection of internal damage upon removal
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required. Owners report long waits for replacement engines (months), with some receiving refurbished engines instead of new ones. Metal shavings found in oil pan in at least one case. Some replacement engines also fail within 500 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall NHTSA 25V274000 / N252494000 (L87 Loss of Propulsion) issued; remedy consists of oil viscosity upgrade to 0W-40, oil fill cap replacement, and oil filter replacement. However, owners report engines still fail after recall completion. Some owners being offered rental car allowances ($50/day) or vehicle payment reimbursement, but long wait times for replacement engines are unresolved. GM factory parts on backorder.
Coolant Control Valve / Cooling System Failure
Faulty coolant control valve causes abnormal cooling system operation, leading to engine overheating. Vehicle enters limp mode with reduced power or complete loss of propulsion. Some narratives indicate this is a known systemic issue affecting multiple model years.
When: Approximately 18,000 to 67,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating warning message ('Engine oil too Hot' or 'Engine Overheat'); Check engine light illumination; Reduced acceleration / 'Reduced Engine Power' message on dash; Temperature gauge fluctuating or elevated; Loud engine fan noise at 100%; AC shutting off due to thermal protection; Loss of motive power while driving uphill
Repairs/costs cited: Faulty coolant control valve replacement required (GM Part Number cited as 85856213 in one case). Parts are on national backorder with extended wait times (four weeks to two months or more reported). Vehicle remains undrivable during repair wait.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has authorized warranty repair for coolant control valve failures. No recalls issued despite owners documenting this as systemic issue dating to 2020. Parts unavailable despite high failure frequency.
Hydraulic Lash Adjuster (Lifter) Failure
Manufacturing debris in hydraulic valve lash adjusters prevents proper lubrication and causes valvetrain desynchronization. Leads to severe engine misfires, reduced engine power, and potential engine seizure.
When: Unknown exact mileage; noted in one narrative at approximately 22,000 miles before severe failure
Symptoms owners cite: Loud metallic ticking/tapping noise from top of engine that increases with RPM; Severe engine misfires; 'Reduced Engine Power' mode triggered; Sudden loss of motive power at highway speeds; Eventual engine seizure if ignored
Codes mentioned: P0300 (multiple engine misfires)
Repairs/costs cited: Lifter replacement. Dealers aware of issue but not acting proactively. One owner reports dealer declined to service despite confirmed diagnosis by Chevrolet technician.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM aware via Technical Service Bulletins PIP5847A and PIP6101, but no safety recall issued. Dealer discretion in addressing issue; some decline service despite confirmation of defect.
Connecting Rod Failure
Connecting rods bend or fail, causing catastrophic internal engine damage. Often produces loud knocking noise just before complete failure. Multiple owners report this as direct cause of engine seizure.
When: Varies from 5,000 to 40,924 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking noise from engine; Sudden complete loss of engine power; Engine will not restart; Check engine light may illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required. Dealers confirm connecting rod failure as root cause. Long waits for replacement engines reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall NHTSA 25V274000 / N252494000 specifically identifies connecting rod failure as risk; remedy of oil viscosity change applied, but failures continue to occur post-recall.
PCV System Blockage and Rear Main Seal Failure
PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system plugs up in below-zero weather, causing excessive internal pressure that blows out the main rear engine seal. Oil leak develops rapidly if vehicle driven for extended time.
When: During cold weather operation below freezing
Symptoms owners cite: Loud 'pop' sound from under vehicle; Oil leaks discovered next day; Oil pressure gauge fluctuating (drops then recovers during warm-up); Leak worsens as temperature warms above freezing; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Main rear engine seal replacement required. Part on national backorder with estimated 2+ month wait. Major oil loss possible if driven extended time with failed seal, risking engine destruction.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM paying for repair (via dealership Gateway in Fargo, ND); however, replacement seal parts are backordered due to high failure volume.
Water Pump Failure
Engine water pump fails prematurely, allowing coolant circulation to cease and causing overheating risk.
When: As early as 18,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Large amount of water/coolant pooled under vehicle; No warning lights at time of discovery
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement required. Parts on backorder; vehicle remained at dealer 45+ days awaiting replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM case filed; manufacturer made aware. No recall issued.
Loss of Propulsion During Highway Driving (Undiagnosed)
Engine dies suddenly while driving at highway speeds with no prior warning lights or sounds. Vehicle cannot be restarted and enters limp mode. Root cause may be bearing failure, connecting rod failure, crankshaft failure, or fuel/electrical system issue depending on case.
When: Occurs at all mileage ranges from 5,000 to 66,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete loss of engine power while driving; Engine will not restart or cranks but does not turn over; No prior warning lights or check engine lights (in many cases); Message 'Conditions Not Correct for Shift' or 'Unable to Put in Neutral' displayed; All dashboard lights illuminate in some cases; Transmission locked in park or neutral
Repairs/costs cited: Requires full diagnostics to determine root cause; typically results in engine replacement or major repair. Replacement engines backordered for months. Multiple owners report secondary failures of replacement engines (second or third engine needed).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N252494000 addresses L87 engine loss of propulsion; remedy applied but failures continue. GM authorizing engine replacements under warranty but unable to supply replacement engines in timely manner. Some owners reporting replacement engines also fail, necessitating third or fourth engine.
Post-Recall Engine Failure
Engine fails despite having passed recall inspection (Pico test) and received recall remedy (0W-40 oil change, oil cap replacement). Multiple owners report engines failing months after successful recall completion.
When: Weeks to months after recall completion; failures occur at 22,500 to 49,500 miles even after recall
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knocking noises develop post-recall; Engine seizure; Stalling during driving; Rough idling post-recall; Abnormal ticking sounds after recall repair
Codes mentioned: P0016 (crankshaft/camshaft synchronization issues detected post-recall)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement ultimately required despite recall completion. Some owners question whether replacement engines receive 0W-40 oil or are reverting to 0W-20, potentially repeating defect cycle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall remedy (oil viscosity upgrade to 0W-40) completed, but manufacturers' response to post-recall failures unclear. One owner reports replacement engine ordered with 0W-20 oil spec, contradicting original recall fix. No acknowledgment that remedy is insufficient.
Starter Failure / Electrical System Issues
Starter fails or electrical system malfunctions prevent engine from restarting after stall. Some cases show loose fuse connectors as root cause; other cases show actual starter component failure. May be secondary failure following other engine issues.
When: Within weeks of engine replacement in some cases; independent failure in others
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cranks but does not turn over; Vehicle will not start after stall; Slight noise from starter as if unable to turn engine over; Boost box (jump start) unable to crank engine; No start condition after several restart attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replacement required in some cases. Loose fuse connectors noted in at least one case post-engine-replacement (poor workmanship by dealer). Ground strap inspection requested by owner but refused by dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reports GM would notify manufacturer of starter failure, but no proactive service bulletins or recalls identified for this issue in narratives.
Engine Installation Workmanship Issues (Post-Replacement)
After engine replacement, dealers fail to properly reassemble vehicle components, leaving bolts, screws, and connectors loose or missing. Results in secondary failures and repeated dealer visits.
When: Immediately after engine replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Loose fuse connectors causing no-start condition; Missing or loose bolts and screws in engine bay; Abnormal knocking sounds after replacement; Vehicle surging or hesitating during acceleration after replacement; Dirty engine bay with oil on exterior paint
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer must properly reinstall fasteners and connectors. One case required vehicle to be towed back for reconnection of loose components. Dealers also failing to perform requested additional work (leaf spring TSB, radio update, etc.) while vehicle in shop.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers responsible; manufacturer not addressing systematic workmanship issues during engine replacement.
Synthesized from 108 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to 20 MPH. The check engine warning light illuminated with the messages, “Reduced Acceleration – Drive with Care/Service Emission Systems” and “See Owner’s Manual” displayed. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence and the vehicle was…
While driving at highway speeds, in traffic, all dash lights lit up and the engine shut off. The truck began decelerating on its own, I couldn’t brake and could barely steer. Luckily I was going fast enough that I managed to coast about a hundred feet to get partly out of traffic. The truck would never start again and I had to wait for 7 hours for GM roadside assistance to tow me to a Chevy…
Had engine trouble with your 2023 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 2023 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 108 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 22 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 25,000 and 47,295 miles, with the median around 40,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 25,000; a quarter make it past 47,295. 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/2023/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.