2023 Chevrolet Silverado powertrain problems

Transmission valve body defect causing hard shifting, loss of power, inability to shift, and limp mode. Parts chronically on backorder. Owners report waiting weeks to months for replacement.

When: Various mileages; one owner at 38,000 mi, another at 45,000 mi; failures reported from Aug 2024 through early 2025

Symptoms owners cite: Hard downshifts or abrupt gear changes; Transmission slipping or not engaging gears; Loss of motive power while driving; Vehicle enters limp mode and refuses to exceed 25-30 mph; Rear wheels lock up during gear changes; Check engine light and 'Service Transmission' message appear; Transmission unable to shift into certain gears or fails to shift at all

Codes mentioned: P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction), P0747 (Pressure Control Solenoid B Malfunction)

Repairs/costs cited: Valve body replacement required; parts on indefinite backorder at all dealerships. Some owners report 3+ month wait times. One owner noted TCM (transmission control module) also requires replacement in some cases. One dealership performed transmission reprogramming as temporary measure while awaiting parts.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledges valve body as known issue in forums. No official recall issued; owners cite only service bulletins and reprogramming as interim solutions. GM Technical Assistance Center (TAC) involvement noted in some cases.

6.2L L87 gasoline engine catastrophically fails with sudden total loss of power while driving. Engine seizes and will not restart. Several owners report failure immediately or shortly after recall inspection, indicating inspection/corrective measures may be ineffective. Multiple owners cite oil pressure loss warnings before failure.

When: Reported 2023-2025; some failures occur within weeks of recall inspection (Aug 2025 inspection followed by failure within 2 weeks per one narrative); mileage ranges 35,921 to 47,000+ miles

Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown at highway or city speeds with no warning; Loss of all propulsion while driving; Engine will not restart; starter turns but engine does not fire; Low oil pressure warning appears shortly before or concurrent with failure; Engine seized; bearing or internal component failure evident; Sudden loud noise from engine before shutdown (one owner reports revving to redline); Automatic shift to Neutral upon loss of power

Codes mentioned: Low oil pressure warning (driver display message, not formal OBD code)

Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required. Owner reports $440 tow fee. Dealers indicate 4-8 weeks to locate replacement engine. One owner reports GM sending remanufactured engine but extended wait (nearly 1 month with no arrival as of report date). Parts availability critical bottleneck. One owner notes engine passed recall inspection but failed shortly after; engine replacement needed.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N252494000 / NHTSA 25V74 (L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion) exists; owners report inspection passed but failure occurred afterward. GM warranty (original powertrain or extended to 2033/150k miles per recall) covers replacement engine. Multiple owners note GM Technical Assistance Center contacted but no preventive action taken despite known issue.

Transmission malfunction causes sudden rear-wheel lock-up during downshift or throttle application, creating violent deceleration, skidding, and loss of vehicle control. Occurs without warning or diagnostic codes. Dealer unable to duplicate; vehicles operate normally between incidents.

When: Multiple occurrences reported 2024-2025; some at 38,000 mi, 43,078 mi, 51,917 mi; frequency increases over time

Symptoms owners cite: Sudden rear wheels lock up during downshift or acceleration; Brief lock-up lasting 1-4 seconds with squealing tires and burning rubber smell; Vehicle experiences violent jerking or skidding; Fishtail motion or loss of directional control; Rear wheels slide, leaving skid marks on dry pavement; No warning lights or codes initially; check engine light appears after repeated incidents; Traction control light flashes during some incidents; Hard downshift or harsh throttle response preceding lock-up

Codes mentioned: P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction), P0747 (Pressure Control Solenoid B Malfunction), Codes appear only after multiple incidents; initial incidents produce no codes

Repairs/costs cited: Root cause undiagnosed by dealers; one owner finally obtained codes after 1,193 miles and multiple incidents. Related to transmission control module (TCM) or valve body malfunction based on codes (P0700/P0747). Software update applied by one dealer without resolution.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety recalls N242454440 and N242454441 (transmission control) exist but do not include all affected VINs. One owner reports dealership refused to apply software/perform recall repair on first visit despite codes matching recall criteria; owner finally obtained codes and dealership action after additional 1,193 miles of driving. No loaner vehicles offered during diagnostics or waiting periods.

Persistent audible ticking or clicking noise from engine bay, rough idle on cold starts, and engine vibration. Diagnostic reveals stuck/failed valve lifter (typically cylinder 4 or 7). Repair requires replacement of all lifters on one bank (8 lifters); GM Technical Assistance Center acknowledges potential camshaft/lifter issue related to active recall. Owner reports dealership initially unable to proceed with recall due to unknown noise requiring investigation first.

When: One owner reports onset at 383 miles; another at 28,251 miles when finally inspected; cold start symptoms noted starting around 9,000 miles in another vehicle

Symptoms owners cite: Audible ticking or clicking noise from engine compartment; Rough idle during cold starts; Engine vibration or shuddering; Check engine light illuminated; Misfire detected (P0304 in one case); Hard downshifts (owner describes as 'hard down shifts, especially into 1st gear'); Transmission shutter at light loads and low speeds

Codes mentioned: P0304 (Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected), P050D (Cold Start Rough Idle)

Repairs/costs cited: Stuck valve lifter requires replacement of all 8 lifters on affected bank. One owner reports lifter replaced but subsequent issues (water pump noise, head gasket installed incorrectly) discovered after repair, requiring additional trips. Parts delays reported; transmission valve body also on backorder in same vehicle (3+ months). One dealership performed transmission reprogramming rather than await valve body part.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Technical Assistance Center (TAC case #80413912 noted) acknowledges potential camshaft/lifter issue consistent with active propulsion system recall for 6.2L engines. However, one service order indicates TAC stated recall cannot proceed until 'top end noise and misfire' resolved. Unclear if full recall coverage will apply pending resolution of initial issues.

Transmission shifts harshly, particularly during 1st-to-2nd gear transition. May be accompanied by jerking or jolting sensation. Some owners report transmission slipping. Multiple reports despite soft shifts being normal between incidents.

When: Reported at various mileages from 1,000 to 74,000 miles; one narrative describes problem intensifying over 6-month period

Symptoms owners cite: Hard or abrupt gear shifts; Jerking or jolting when shifting between 1st and 2nd gear; Transmission slipping; Loud clanking noise during shifting; Transmission hunts for gears at low speeds (0-25 mph) with hesitation; Vehicle lunges forward unexpectedly during shifts; Transmission overheating warning on dashboard

Codes mentioned: No codes in most instances; TCM reset applied in at least one case

Repairs/costs cited: TCM (Transmission Control Module) reset performed in one case; transmission control module reprogramming in another. Transmission fluid flushed in one case. Root cause unclear; transmission valve body suspected but not always confirmed. One owner reports transmission cooler seal and lines defective.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership provided letter notice of potential transmission issue but owner was not notified at purchase. No formal recall identified in narratives, though owner research indicates widespread forum discussion of same issue.

Engine overheating at low mileage, particularly while towing. Engine shuts off with overheating and loss of power warnings. Transmission also fails concurrently or shortly after overheating incidents. Owner suspects oil/coolant mixing or excessive pressure generation.

When: First occurrence at 5,000 miles; vehicle left without use for ~30 days awaiting diagnosis

Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheat warning and loss of power warning displayed; Engine shut-off while towing; Transmission failure concurrent with overheating (transmission slips, loss of power); ATF (automatic transmission fluid), coolant, and engine oil found near overflow and underneath vehicle; Loud/unusual turbo noise preceding transmission failure; Transmission hunts for gears at low speeds with hesitation

Codes mentioned: Overheating warning (driver display, not formal OBD code)

Repairs/costs cited: Transmission refilled with fluid after first failure; vehicle returned to owner but failed again in traffic. Diagnosis incomplete as of report; owner suspects internal mixing of fluids or excessive system pressure. Vehicle at dealership for 30+ days with no repair ETA.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM roadside assistance towed vehicle. Dealership refilled transmission fluid as temporary fix. Owner reports GM support 'atrocious'; no timeline for repair provided.

Vehicle enters 'Reduced Engine Power' limp mode without clear trigger, limiting speed to 50 mph and causing jerky transmission shifting. Occurs repeatedly over months/years with partial or temporary resolutions. Codes P0700 and P0747 related to transmission control. Vehicle eventually fails to shift into Reverse after multiple incidents.

When: First incident Aug 2024 at unspecified mileage; Feb 2025 (code P0747/P0700); third incident (Reverse failure) reported 3 months after Feb incident; multiple occurrences between March-Aug 2025 reported in another narrative

Symptoms owners cite: 'Reduced Engine Power' notification appears on display; Maximum speed reduced to 50 mph; Transmission shifting very jerky and not smooth; Vehicle fails to shift into Reverse (pressure applied to pedal but no engagement); Check engine light illuminated; Multiple recurring failures despite repair attempts; Loss of motive power while driving

Codes mentioned: P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction), P0747 (Pressure Control Solenoid B Malfunction)

Repairs/costs cited: Valve body replacement ordered in multiple cases; parts on backorder. One owner reports fuel filter replaced for peace of mind. Vehicle sat at dealership for 60+ days awaiting part in one case. Another owner reports technician unable to duplicate code after week of sitting at lot. Parts availability critical bottleneck.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Components repaired through warranty. Multiple trips to dealer required; no timeline provided for repairs. Owner references 'national recall on identical GM components' but states identical issues persist without resolution despite known problems.

Engine experiences intermittent loss of power and unresponsive throttle below ~20-21 mpg indicated display or at temperatures below 50°F. Accelerator requires full-floor depression to trigger downshift and engine response. Accompanies poor fuel economy indication (17 mpg vs. 25+ mpg swings). No check engine light or stored codes despite symptoms.

When: Onset at ~9,000 miles; symptoms persist despite software update; 4WD grinding noise developed after software update

Symptoms owners cite: Dangerously unresponsive accelerator at >3/4 throttle; Engine power loss correlating with low indicated mpg (<20-21 mpg); Transmission does not downshift in response to throttle input; Sudden mpg variations (17 to 25+ mpg) on same tank/same driving pattern; Symptoms worse in cold weather (≤43°F); Engine must be forced to 'wake up' by full-floor throttle; 4WD grinding/rubbing noise during turns from stopped position (post-software update)

Repairs/costs cited: Software update installed by dealer; did not resolve symptoms. Dealer stated no codes stored and check engine light not illuminated, so no repair possible. Owner suspects turbo or fuel injection control issue but dealership unable/unwilling to diagnose.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software update applied; problem persists. Dealer indicates no codes present, therefore no diagnostic capability. No further action offered.

Engine experiences catastrophic failure requiring full engine replacement at ~15,000 miles. Less than 900 miles after engine replacement, transmission fails catastrophically and requires replacement. Associated fuel module issue also caused stranding. Failures occurred on major roadways requiring road closure and emergency services.

When: Engine failure at ~15,000 miles; transmission failure <900 miles later (approximately 15,900 miles total)

Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine failure; Loss of all propulsion; Complete transmission failure; Fuel module issue causing vehicle stranding; Vehicle disabled on major roadway and Florida Turnpike

Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement performed; full transmission replacement performed; fuel module issue addressed. Owner stranded on multiple occasions. Carfax record does not accurately reflect replacements (engine replacement not noted; transmission replacement reported as routine service).

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engine and transmission replacements performed; Carfax inaccuracy not addressed by manufacturer.

Engine completely shuts down while driving at highway speeds with no warning, no limp mode, and no way to recover. Vehicle recalls code-generating incident after shutdown if restarted. Identical to previously-inspected 6.2L recall (N252494000) but vehicle passed inspection. Engine ultimately fails. Dangerous timing on rural highway.

When: Shutdown occurred at 60 mph while pulling sxs trailer on freeway; engine passed recall inspection on 8/28/2025; failure reported as 2/25/2025 (date appears inconsistent—likely 2/25/2026 based on context); another owner reports incident at ~60 mph on rural US highway

Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown at highway speed (55-70 mph); No warning, no limp mode, no power reduction; Engine will not restart; Sudden unplanned shift to Neutral (automatic); Total loss of propulsion in heavy traffic or dangerous road conditions; Restart engine light illuminates after shutdown

Codes mentioned: Restart engine light (driver display alert)

Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required. One owner reports GM sending remanufactured engine but months-long delay. Another owner reports full remanufactured engine covered under extended warranty (2033/150k miles).

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N252494000 / NHTSA 25V74 exists for 6.2L loss of propulsion. Vehicle inspected and passed; however, failure occurred months later or weeks after inspection. Owner confident failure is related to known 6.2L engine defect.

Fuel pump control module or fuel pump failure causes engine shutdown and loss of propulsion on interstate/highway at high speeds. No warning lights or symptoms precede failure. Truck cannot be shifted to Neutral due to electronic shifter requiring running engine.

When: Reported on two occasions on Interstate 10 at high speeds; one report mentions truck under 1 year old with <15,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts down completely on interstate/highway; Total loss of propulsion; No warning lamps or messages prior to failure; Engine will not restart; Vehicle stuck in middle of traffic/intersection unable to move; Electronic shifter inoperable (requires running engine to shift to Neutral for towing)

Codes mentioned: Fuel pump control module failure code confirmed by independent scan

Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports tow truck driver indicated fuel pump module failure is 'very common' and well-known issue. Truck must be dragged onto flatbed if engine does not start (no manual override for shifter).

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Fuel module failure described as known problem by tow driver; no manufacturer response documented in narratives.

Coolant control valve fails, causing engine to run hot without overheating indicator warning. Loss of heater and defrost capabilities. In one case, repeated failures (3 times within 125,000 miles) and secondary damage (burned manifold gasket, cracked manifold, carbon monoxide infiltration through cab vents). Vehicle enters limp mode.

When: Reported 2023-2024; one owner reports 3 failures over 125,000 miles; another reports valve failure without timeframe

Symptoms owners cite: Engine runs hot without overheating warning light; Loss of heater functionality; Loss of defrost capability; Windshield may freeze due to no defrost; Engine coolant valve must be replaced before vehicle can be driven; Burned or cracked manifold (secondary damage); Carbon monoxide entering through cab vents (secondary damage from cracked manifold); Vehicle enters reduced power/limp mode

Codes mentioned: Check engine light illuminated; reduced power light activated

Repairs/costs cited: Coolant control valve replacement required. One owner reports $4,500 repair cost for valve, manifold, and associated fixes. Parts on backorder; no ETA for replacement. Another owner reports valve on backorder with indefinite arrival date.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership confirmed coolant control valve issue but declined warranty coverage. Owner reports warranty expired; manufacturer/dealer will not recognize issue.

Electronic shifter fails or vehicle cannot be shifted to Neutral when engine dies. No manual mechanical override exists; Neutral shift requires running engine. Creates dangerous situation in intersections or traffic, requiring vehicle to be dragged onto tow truck instead of pushed to safety.

When: Reported in multiple incidents 2023-2025

Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts down or stalls while driving; Electronic shifter will not respond (engine must be running to shift); Vehicle stuck in Drive or Park (cannot shift to Neutral); Vehicle cannot be pushed or moved by towing without dragging on flatbed; Hazardous positioning in intersection or traffic flow

Repairs/costs cited: Design flaw; no repair available. Vehicle must be flatbed towed if unable to restart engine. Owner notes this is dangerous design flaw specific to electronic shifter without manual override.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; design is inherent to electronic shifter architecture.

Shifter layout places Reverse (full forward) where muscle memory expects Park. Creates two near-misses where driver believed vehicle was in Park but vehicle was in Reverse.

When: Two close-call incidents reported

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle moves in Reverse when driver expects Park; Driver realizes error only when vehicle begins moving; Nearly collided with parked car on two occasions; potential for hitting pedestrian

Repairs/costs cited: Design flaw in shifter layout; no mechanical repair needed.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.

When braking between 7-10 mph, driver feels bump or skid sensation. Engine shakes as if about to shut off. Occurs even with Auto Stop-Start disabled. Sudden braking can affect vehicle control, creating safety risk especially when towing. Dealer initially claimed behavior is normal despite multiple inspections and owner insistence.

When: Symptoms since beginning of 2024; problem persists as of early 2025 despite multiple dealer visits

Symptoms owners cite: Bump or skid sensation during braking between 7-10 mph; Engine shake/shudder as if about to stall when coming to stop; Occurs with Auto Stop-Start disabled; Sudden braking affects vehicle control; Risk of loaded trailer shifting or leaving road

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer initially found excessive metal in transmission and recommended valve body and torque converter replacement. One dealership determined valve body on indefinite backorder; another dealership agreed to replace transmission and torque converter but claimed valve body replacement not needed (contradicting first diagnosis).

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: First dealership (Bomnin Chevrolet Dadeland) claimed behavior is 'normal' despite test drive confirmation of problem. Second dealership (Miami Lakes Auto Mall) identified transmission damage and recommended repairs. Bomnin Chevrolet planned transmission/torque converter replacement without valve body. Manager/GM declined to provide rental car or loaner.

Transmission malfunction (hard shifting, slipping, jerking) occurs repeatedly but no check engine light illuminates and dealer cannot replicate issue during test drive. Dealer claims no codes = no repair possible despite clear symptoms. Eventually codes appear after significant additional driving.

When: Multiple reports spanning 2023-2025; one owner reports 1,193 additional miles before codes finally appeared

Symptoms owners cite: Hard shifting or jerking when shifting; Transmission slipping or delayed engagement; Loud clanking or noise during shifts; Vehicle jolts unexpectedly during shifting; No check engine light initially illuminated; Symptoms present but dealer test drive produces no issues

Codes mentioned: P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction), P0747 (Pressure Control Solenoid B Malfunction), Codes appear only after symptoms occur repeatedly over time

Repairs/costs cited: Dealers universally claim inability to repair if no codes present. One owner reports 1,193 miles of additional driving with recurring symptoms before codes finally appeared and dealer action was taken. Root cause typically transmission valve body, torque converter, or transmission control module malfunction.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers refer to lack of codes as reason for inability to diagnose/repair. No proactive software updates or recalls applied. Owners research forums and find similar issues widespread but unrecalled.

Entire electrical system and engine shut down without warning while driving, leaving vehicle powerless. Problem temporarily resolved by disconnecting/reconnecting battery but condition recurs. Multiple instances reported.

When: Multiple incidents; approaching 2 months at dealer with ongoing issues as of report

Symptoms owners cite: Complete electrical system shutdown; Engine shutdown with no warning; Vehicle loses all power while driving; Condition temporary remedy via battery disconnect/reconnect; Recurs unpredictably

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer confirmed problem and involved GM TAC (Technical Assistance) technician. Vehicle in dealer possession ~2 months without resolution.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM TAC technician involved; no resolution achieved after ~2 months.

Service ESC (Electronic Stability Control) warning illuminates, causing vehicle to greatly reduce speed and power. Extremely dangerous at highway speeds in heavy traffic.

When: Reported as recurring issue

Symptoms owners cite: Service ESC warning activates; Vehicle speed and power greatly reduced; Creates unsafe condition at highway speeds in traffic

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer has confirmed problem; vehicle in dealer possession multiple times.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM TAC technician involved; no resolution documented.

After lifter replacement and repair, vehicle returned with incorrect head gasket installation. Upon customer pickup and driving, new engine noise detected (bearing-related). Subsequent inspection revealed head gasket was installed incorrectly. Dealer offered trade-in at $10,000 below Blue Book value rather than fix vehicle.

When: Issue discovered after >30 days in shop for lifter replacement; subsequent incorrect repair added more days

Symptoms owners cite: Engine noise after repair (different from original ticking, sounds like bearing noise); Subsequent inspection reveals head gasket installed incorrectly

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer service department ultimately replaced all 8 lifters, water pump, and attempted transmission valve body repair. However, head gasket error required additional repair. Customer rejected trade-in offer at $10k below book value and traded vehicle to Toyota instead.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer offered trade-in well below market value rather than properly repair own work.