2016 Chevrolet Silverado Engine Problems

I am reporting a manufacturing defect involving General Motors’ Active Fuel Management (AFM) system that caused catastrophic engine failure in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado (VIN: [XXX] ). At approximately 78,000 miles, my vehicle experienced piston and lifter failure requiring full engine replacement. This failure occurred without warning and aligns with thousands of consumer complaints regarding AFM-related oil consumption, lifter collapse, and engine damage in GM vehicles. This is a known design defect that GM has addressed through Technical Service Bulletins and engine redesigns, yet many consumers continue to experience premature failures at low mileage. This defect presents a safety and reliability concern, including loss of power while driving and significant financial burden to vehicle owners. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this ongoing defect. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] VIN: [XXX] 2016 Chevrolet Silverado INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I am writing about my recent engine failure on my 2016 Chevy Silverado High Country. This is a 4x4 with the 6.2L motor. My engine has failed at only 66,790 miles due to the lifter issue that seems to be common with these motors. I noticed a loud ticking from my motor that was getting worse. I took it into A1 Automotive Georgetown, TX. They advised me to contact a dealership for Warranty repair or replacement as they noted it was coming from the valves. I contacted Don Hewlett Chevrolet; they advised me due to the date of the truck being made in 2016 it is no longer covered in warranty and the advisor said they do not see engines with lifter issues. I did standard service with an oil and transmission change using the recommended 0W-20W oil. The next day the ticking was very bad and turned into what I would describe as ‘jack hammer’ noises. Then I lost power while driving and the dashboard lights came on. I got towed back to A1 Auto; they drained the oil and noticed a lot of metal fragments and advised me that theck engine will need to be replaced. The engine was removed and we found the pushrod on the passenger side was sticking out to the side of the rocker arm presumably due to a lifter issue. I now have a new engine with the ‘delete kit’ to remove the 4-cylinder shutoff that has been linked to lifter failures. This has been a very unnecessary expense for something that shouldn’t happen. The motor only having 66,790 miles and I am the only owner, I have always taken very good care of it, and even use only premium gas. I have gotten all the oil changes on time and most of them have been done by the dealership at Don Hewlett. Date of ticking inspection and oil change, A1 Auto – 12/16/2025 miles 66,766 Date of failure 12/17/2025 miles 66,790 Charges: •Towing $235 •Engine replacement $14,064.90 oEngine $8,375 oLabor $3,750 oInjectors $1042 oOil, Tax, misc. $897

65,300 miles on my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado with the 5.3 liter engine. Engine lifter and camshaft failure due to the AFM/DFM system. Now my truck is being worked on as we speak by a performance shop who says these seem to be a normal occurrence. Some with more miles and some with less millage. After doing some research online, this is a very common problem. And on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook there is a lot of people having same issues. My question is why isn't this being looked into. I've asked other mechanics, speed shops, and including a Chevrolet Dealer mechanic and he said yes that AFM/DFM is a major problem. But no recall from GM. Please help. This is not a cheap repair, and It's definitely unfair to many others that will have these same issues.

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Engine camshaft is out only 105k on vehicle. $6k to fix for it to just happen again which these trucks are known for this which is a huge manufacturer flaw. Driving down the hwy and check engine turned on quickly and whole truck shaking had to pull over going 60mph small shoulder on hwy. Taken to 2 mechanics both told me have to pull heads replace camshaft lifters. For this to be a known issue with these motors they put out and cost people thousands and risking safety is unreal

Going down Highway about 60 mph slowed down to make a turn after turn engine started skipping and making a noise, lifter failed

Right now I don't have a problem with my 6.2 motor but I have a TSB on valve lifter repair it states that any unsold vehicle on the lot or in transit before it is sold the lifters must be replaced but it doesn't say anything about the ones that were sold to be fixed the # of the TSB from GM is N212353840 if you would like to see it thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I am reporting a manufacturing defect involving General Motors’ Active Fuel Management (AFM) system. In October 2024, my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT, at 96,000 miles, experienced a lifter collapse which caused sufficient wear to the camshaft that the engine needed to be replaced, which was performed. The malfunction indicator lamp turned on and the truck was driven an additional 2 miles to a safe location and subsequently towed to the repair shop. Before then, there had been no indication that a lifter had collapsed or that there was damage to the engine sufficient to warrant a replacement. In November 2025, I experienced another lifter collapse (on the replaced engine). While the mechanic recommended an engine replacement, the warranty company only authorized a replacement of the affected side cylinder head and lifter, which was performed. In February 2026, I experienced another lifter collapse, and the truck is currently being evaluated by a repair shop. These failures have occurred without warning and aligns with thousands of consumer complaints regarding AFM-related oil consumption, lifter collapse, and engine damage in GM vehicles. This is a known design defect that GM has tried to address through Technical Service Bulletins and engine redesigns, yet many consumers continue to experience premature failures at low mileage. This defect presents a safety and reliability concern, including loss of power while driving and significant financial burden to vehicle owners. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this ongoing defect.

I brought my truck into the dealership for a routine oil change. They notified me that my radiator is leaking and needs to be replaced. They stated that there is a small leak in the lower right corner of the radiator. I did not notice and fluids leaking from the radiator prior or did not smell any coolant from the engine. The leak did not trigger any warning lights inside of the vehicle. I did notice on a few occasions that the coolant levels looked low and added more to the system. My truck only has 60k miles on it. After researching this issue I've learned that this is a fairly common problem for 2014-2018 Silverados and that Chevy will only fix the 2014's.

AFM/DOD leafters collapse

THE TRUCK HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS SINCE A MONTH AFTER WE GOT IT TOOK IT TO THE DEALERS THEY ALWAYS SAID NOTHING WRONG WITH TIME IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE IS PUSHING IT AND THEN STOPS FOR A BIT AND IT MAKES A LOUD SOUND FEELS LIKE TRAMSMITTION

The truck engine light came on and was not able to be driven very far without stalling. Took it for repair and 2 valve lifters were bad. We had to pay for replacement ourselves. This happened at 41,786 miles. This happened again at 46,000 miles because of faulty GM parts and they needed to be replaced again. The parts were under warranty so there was no charge. This happened again at 59,000 miles and now both side lifters are bad and mechanic suggested engine replacement since he is sure this will happen again. Now it’s costing us 15,300 to repair it and GM/Chevrolet is not helping or do they care! First incident was in April 2023, second in November 2023 and now in December 2025.

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started driving rough. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine lifters had failed, and an engine cylinder rod had been damaged. The engine rod and lifters were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000.

I developed a oil leak in my oil cooling lines. I don't know why there is a recall for the 2019 Silverado and not my 2016 for the same problem. I reference GM Customer Satisfaction Program number: N212326940.

Transmission failure at 141,000 miles while driving on highway.

Only way I found out that fuel pump wasn’t working was due to transmission problems with sensor and having to get the whole harness replace as well as the Moyer I had to get the motor replaced as well engine light kept coming out and truck felt lost of power and would waste gas a lot, safety wise I was afraid it’d break down in the middle of road with my family trucks been having problems since I’ve got it with motor and transmission and fuel pump problems , yes problems have been confirmed with dealers but dealers just say they fixed it but continued to have problems so I took it to certified shop and having them fix the fuel pump and transmission problem, as of I know the truck has been inspected by warranty company, yes they’re were warnings like engine lights ABS lights.

Radiator leaks because of excessive cycling of thermostat. See also Bulletin number PI1513F

Radiator leaking coolant from the driver side. Vehicle has only 80,000 miles. A/C condenser also leaking driver side crack in condenser. Known issue by Chevy and no recalls have been made.

Engine overheating when pulling a trailer uphill. A simular problem also occurred with the transmission fluid reaching 212 degrees. Both incidents did occur on a hot days in California. Responded by turning on the heat in the summer time which solved the temporary engine overheating problem. Engine coolant was at the proper level and had not exceeded the manufactures 5 year 50,000 mile life time. This despite the truck being sold specifically rated for trailer towing with me neither overloading, exceeding tow rating or exceeding 55 mph. When this occurred.

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while coming to a stop and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The vehicle lost motive power and the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that after several seconds the vehicle regained motive power. The failure recurred approximately 5-6 times. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.