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ProblemsByVinCHEVROLET / ENGINE
242 model-year entries · 2005–2025
Chevrolet engine problems
8,818 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Chevrolet vehicles for engine issues.
4 active recall campaigns. See engine across all makes →
Complaints
8,818
Recalls
4
Year-models
242
Avg fix
$3,100
61crashes
207fires
78injuries
1fatality
Editorial perspective by Mark Driver · Founder, ProblemsByVin
I've had plenty of Chevrolet in the bay over the years, and the engine complaints on these don't surprise me. 8,818 on the NHTSA record across 242 model-year entries (2005–2025) is not a fluke. The complaints are spread across the lineup — no single model is doing all the work. That tells you it's an engineering or supplier pattern, not a one-off bad year. 1 fatality report on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Chevrolet vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Repair exposure averages $3,100, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Across the 4,795 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 73,686 miles. Budget for a real pre-purchase inspection — compression and leakdown test, not just a code scan. Both are cheap and tell you what is left in the engine.
Worst-affected Chevrolet model-years for engine Top 25 by complaint volume
General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 Chevrolet cruze vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through may 31, 2012
Either condition could result in an engine compartment fire, possibly causing injury or death.
Fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will modify the engine shield to prevent fluid from contacting the shield. Also, on vehicles with a manual transmission, dealers will apply a protective tape to the electronic power steering wire harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge to the owner. The safety recall began on july 10, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
General Motors is recalling certain 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, and 2015 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV; Chevrolet Silverado HD; and GMC Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL, equipped with a 4
The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire.
Fix: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control module, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC at 1-800-462-8782. General Motors' number for this recall is 14008.
If the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip free of charge. The recall began on august 31, 2006. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC trucks at 1-866-996-9463.
Common questions
How many Chevrolet engine complaints are on file with NHTSA?
8,818 complaints across 242 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. 4 active recall campaigns cover engine issues across the Chevrolet lineup.
Which Chevrolet model has the most engine complaints?
The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox leads with 320 complaints in this category. Next: 2011 Equinox (273) and 2021 Silverado (272).
What does it cost to fix Chevrolet engine problems?
Independent shops average $3,100 for engine repairs across the Chevrolet lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Chevrolet engine recalls?
Yes — 4 active recall campaigns cover engine on Chevrolet vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Chevrolet.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.